Townhouse 101 / crash course?

Just bought an 1840s (not gut renovated, moderately updated) rowhouse in Brooklyn and looking for someone who might provide a walk-through service to go in-depth on the ins & outs of operations and maintenance. I feel like I need a primer on what to monitor, how to do simple troubleshooting, maintenance schedule, options for eventual renovation / upgrades, suggestions on go-to service providers (plumber, electrician, etc.) for everything including chimneys, boiler, hot water heater, facade, windows, etc., etc. I guess I’m looking for possibly a home inspector that would do a couple hour walkthrough and tell me what to do and let me throw questions at them? Or retired contractor? Any suggestions?

lwqchtcfb

in General Discussion 2 years and 3 months ago

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cate | 2 years and 3 months ago

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Is it a brick house? What kind of heating fuel and delivery?

Master Plvmber | 2 years and 3 months ago

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I do Zoom seminars for the NJ towns I service frequently. Montclair, Maplewood, South Orange, etc. The people love them. We go through all the components of a steam or hot water heating system including the boiler and the maintenance tasks a homeowner can do on their own. It’s nice.

justinromeu26 | 2 years and 3 months ago

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Thank you Christine.

just to clarify something. for most of my career, I had been a “generalist” in supervisory capacities reporting to more senior building professionals (inspecting building systems such as fire alarms systems, roof, hvac, and brick and mortar and maintaining the same) and managing projects such as reroofing, parapet wall rebuilds, fire and flood recovery and some hands on work with in house staff. the specialization in doors came later (the end of 2005) and by say 2010, i was doing doors exclusively with a few exceptions.

xuytbjicwnofjdde | 2 years and 3 months ago

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Thanks all! Steve, I will reach out.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 2 years and 3 months ago

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I agree with th recommendation of Steve. Although he’s never done any work for me I’ve known him for quite some time and am always impressed by his encyclopedic knowledge.

juliatinneny | 2 years and 3 months ago

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Hi N G –
I second the recommendation for HomeInspector (above). I previously lived in an 1800s rowhouse in Brooklyn. We hired Steve to renovate our front doors, which were outdated and in disrepair. Not only did he restore our doors back to their original beauty, but he also helped us navigate the often confusing world of old homes by giving us advice on how to maintain and upgrade our plumbing, exterior, windows, etc. For example, Steve helped us problem solve an issue with our roof that not even our roofers could resolve. I was the one who actually recommended he become a home inspector – I was that impressed with his knowledge. Steve has an exceptional wealth of knowledge of old homes from years of restoring doors and adoration of antique homes. Look no further. He’s your guy.
Christine

Guest User | 2 years and 3 months ago

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you may find assistance through the LPC as well. They have a number of different technical documents but this one is probably the most relevant to you: https://www.nyc.gov/site/lpc/applications/rowhouse-manual.page

Guest User | 2 years and 3 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "195579"

you may find assistance through the LPC as well. They have a number of different technical documents but this one is probably the most relevant to you: https://www.nyc.gov/site/lpc/applications/rowhouse-manual.page

justinromeu26 | 2 years and 3 months ago

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I am a contractor who has worked in buildings all my life – including in in house management in a now landmarked historic commercial building in manhattan – and as a contractor working specifically on these old houses. I have extensive education in this field including a graduate level restoration class at pratt. I am also now a licensed home inspector. Please look at my webpage and feel free to call me and chat and if you think i can benefit you and you wish, i can perform an inspection and discuss things verbally as well as provide a written report. I will be able to advise where you need specialists such as roofers, electricians and plumbers.

My website is www.brownstonehomeinspection.com

Steve

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 2 years and 3 months ago

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Your neighbors, who presumably have dealt with the same problems, might be able to fill you in on most of what you need to know