Brownstone nightmares pt.1
Hello All, I would like to first thank all of you for help in advance. So I will paint the picture for you, we are in the process of buying an 1899 brownstone in Bedford Stuyvesant. The house has every single bit of original detail however the house has had little updating, which can be…
Hello All,
I would like to first thank all of you for help in advance.
So I will paint the picture for you, we are in the process of buying an 1899 brownstone in Bedford Stuyvesant. The house has every single bit of original detail however the house has had little updating, which can be seen as good or bad. This weekend we had our inspection that lasted 4 hours (the inspector was AMAZING and THOROUGH) and there were so many things that were brought to our attention which brings me here.
Our dreams of refinishing the hardwood floors may not be possible, we were told that we MAY have asbestos in the vinyl flooring. From what we can tell the vinyl flooring covers the entire area of the home. We have read articles about just using it as subfloor and also read articles about some brave people removing it themselves. I would like to get it tested and even hire someone to remove it but I know that can get up in the thousands of dollars that we don’t have. Suggestions ????
Based on the home, it has a high probability that it has lead based paint on the walls and around the window areas. I know a lot of you have homes build around the same time. What can we do if some walls have cracks that need to be repaired ? Can we just paint over and it call it a day ?
Please advise
For Lead Abatement &/or Removal Services call Angelo @ 347-538-4591.
Dealing with Lead is not a do-it-yourself thing. Many rules & regs that must be followed. The fines are huge.
If a violation is issued you have the right as a landlord to let the city correct the problem. The only thing is it may cost twice or three time the amount that a private company would charge. On the other hand the private company may not correct the issue. The solution is to find a company with a good track record and REFERNCES!!!
Don’t trip over Dollars to pick up pennies….
Take samples to KAM (long island city) yourself in a zip lock bag. $20 to test for asbestos. If you hire someone it will cost you a lot more. You also might limit your options on how to deal with removal.
Steve seems to have a great idea. A few years ago I tried using a heat gun to release old asbestos tile flooring. After a few minutes i realized firsthand the thermal insulating properties of asbestos. Even on the highest setting progress was so slow that I gave up and covered it with a new subfloor and floor. I wish I thought of the dry ice.
For the testing, contact Latisha Atwater of Iron Foot Asbestos Investigation at 646 593 2817.
Ed Kopel Architects
Also, keep in mind you don’t know what exactly is under the vinyl. Our house was covered in it, turned out we had pine floors in pretty good shape, not too much paint or too many holes. Although there are some rotten bits in the back first floor, but we kind of figured on that because of water damage there.
every old house is a money pit and anyone who thinks not is delusional. of course, there is lead paint and asbestos and more problems than you can ever imagine from electrical issues, to water main issues. you either have to have a strong constitution to deal with it or move to new construction. good luck.
Also, keep in mind you don’t know what exactly is under the vinyl. Our house was covered in it, turned out we had pine floors in pretty good shape, not too much paint or too many holes. Although there are some rotten bits in the back first floor, but we kind of figured on that because of water damage there.
Also, how can you have hot water but no cold water?
All the original details — sounds wonderful. A few comments: 1899 is just an approximate date, not the actual date. Don’t worry too much about the vinyl floors or the lead paint. Those problems are easily remedied. If floors, foundation, roof, plumbing all need to be replaced completely, then you are talking major money. So then the question becomes whether you can afford it and feel it is worth doing.
I would ask the inspector for more specifics about what exactly needs to be done. Also, yes, get a termite inspection and ask about mold.
As for vinyl and paint: You can put on disposable clothes, gloves, and P95 respirators, and cut samples of everything, put it in baggies, and drop it off at KAM Consulting in Long Island City. Depending on tests needed, it’s about $20 to $30 per sample, with a minimum of about $80 or so. They turn it around in 24 hours.
As for paint, you don’t want anything peeling or surfaces rubbing against each other, so you can encapsulate it by painting, and/or it’s a good idea to strip areas such as windows that move. You don’t want to breathe in lead dust.
Good luck.