Faux Wood Painting for Front Door

It's very interesting reading the comments in this thread. My question for you is this: how would you feel if this group (40 apartments with communal living arrangements) were settling on YOUR block? Would you be concerned at all, and if so, why? What are the good points and bad points about having cohousers as neighbors?

Posted by: walester at December 1, 2008 4:56 PM in response to Utopia in the City

Just be careful that your cleaning person understands that this is a house (multiple floors) and not an apartment. Over the years, I've been surprised that my apartment friends recommend cleaning folks who wither at the reality of climbing ladders, running up and down stairs, and dealing with all sorts of ornate woodwork and moldings. It's really hard work.

imho

Posted by: walester at November 3, 2008 3:54 PM in response to need house cleaner

For antique clock repair - John Metcalfe.

He's not cheap, but he's REALLY good.

(from NY Magazine):

Clocks
Antiquarian Horologist
1 Beekman Street, Room 507
212-587-3715

John Metcalfe will work on any non-battery-operated clock, be it "an early Woolworth or a late Faberge," or even a complicated grande sonnerie, which he describes as "a clock that simply won't shut up." Metcalfe recently overhauled a Renaissance table clock ("All the parts were there, but it hadn't run in centuries") that he got working for $1,000. Prices start at $200 for general repairs and $600 for long-case (grandfather) clocks and escalate based on complexity. He makes housecalls and guarantees his work for a year.

Posted by: walester at August 1, 2008 4:50 PM in response to Clock repair; place to buy lampshades

Last year, we installed a split unit air conditioner to cool our parlor floor. The compressor sits on the side of the garden apartment's terrace. It's very, very quiet with no noticeable breeze. Our tenant has never complained and entertains on the terrace. And the unit cools our 1000 square feet easily. Best investment I ever made.

Posted by: walester at June 7, 2008 12:17 PM in response to A/C Compressor in basement

Been there, done that. Such memories...

Moved into our home in 1982, with the twin sister of your neighbor living next to me. We were renovating and every excuse she could come up with to sabotage our work was tried, including bringing in her son "the lawyer" (who it turned out later was a law clerk).

We tried to remove the fence (built by the previous owner of my home) and she claimed it was her fence and on her property, although it was clearly on our property.

Here's how it finally got resolved:

We had a very active block association, and I went to them to describe my problems with upgrading my property and removing my fence. They were well aware of my neighbor's history of false claims and histrionics. The president of the association (a long time and respected resident who actually was a retired judge) offered to arbitrate the dispute. He came to the site, examined it and heard both sides of the story. He looked at all the documents including the survey and our architect's plans for improving the back yard.

His "verdict": not only were we completely in the right about removing the fence, but he argued that the work we were doing would significantly increase the value of our neighbors unkempt property. When she heard that, her tune changed. I also think that hearing this from one of the long time residents and not the newcomers had some impact - she was clearly hoping to save face with them.

Our relationship improved significantly after that. A few more incidents, of course, but quickly resolved. She actually approached us about the name of our architect, so that she could renovate her house (a duplicate of ours) because "ours was so nice". She passed away about five years later, but whenever I look out over my fence into her yard (where her son the law clerk now lives) I think of her.

Posted by: walester at April 5, 2008 3:57 PM in response to Property Line What to do??

yes, walester, but you missed the point - the OP doesn't want to take down the fences, but just wants to complain.

Posted by: guest at April 7, 2008 6:41 PM in response to Property Line What to do??

rfr -- if you didn't build a steel platform -- then what are the units sitting on? I'm in the process of trying to site our 3 units (200 lbs each) and the dunnage prices (and rigging to get it onto the roof) are exhorbitant. Any more specific suggestions for options for a roof platform would be greatly appreciate.

Posted by: guest at July 28, 2008 11:12 AM in response to A/C Compressor in basement

Nice to see you again, d. I was Bx2bklyn until trolled to death. Broome is a great place and I was shocked at how reasonable they are- even for custom work. It's nice to see another reference though. walester, that was great information about John Metcalfe. I have a beautiful old wall clock I'd love to get repaired one day.

Posted by: bxgrl at August 1, 2008 8:11 PM in response to Clock repair; place to buy lampshades

You may also check on www.mycalypsohome.com

Posted by: meli_84 at August 1, 2008 9:28 PM in response to Clock repair; place to buy lampshades

Thank you!!

Posted by: donatella at August 3, 2008 4:45 AM in response to Clock repair; place to buy lampshades

thanks for the rec, i will call judith. understood about telling in advance that this is a house.

Posted by: noplacelikehome at November 4, 2008 3:23 PM in response to need house cleaner