Forum
New Condos in South Slope
My wife and I have been looking for some time in the South Slope area and are intrigued by some of the small new condo developments in the area (not the larger buildings on 4th Ave). I've seen a number of posts on this site stating that buying a condo in one of these new buildings is a bad investment. Why is that? What makes a condo in a building with 7 other units different than an older condo building or coop? Just trying to understand the risks of buying into one of these buildings before taking the plunge. Thanks
Roof Party
Can you have people on an apartment roof without a deck. Who would we get in trouble with.
Window sash repair
Anyone know anyone who can do window sash repair? We don't necessarily want to replace the windows if we can avoid it, but the broken sashes are driving me nuts (just smashed my fingers in a falling window). Ours are vinyl I think, approx. 14 years old. thanks!
Countertop materials
This is a unique product. Loveless Sandstone with a beautifully burnished, satiny finish that resists scratching, staining, and etching. Wonderful for kitchens, baths, any area you would use solid surface stone (or tile).
Clinton Hill Carriage Houses
Has anyone seen the side-by-side carriage houses on Hall St in Clinton HIll? I think the addresses are 244 and 246 Hall St. This was the carriage house to the beautiful mansion on Washington that is now being developed into condos.
I saw thie carriage house last year when the developer had partially gutted the double width carriage house and was asking over 2 million.
This year, the developer decided to renovate and sell them as two separate residences ... a 3 bed/2.5 bath for $1.15 and a 2bed/2 bath for under $850K.
Apparently they had full-price offers on both and had second thoughts about their pricing and have now raised the price to $1.25 and $860K.
What does everyone think about that?
Creating Curb Cuts
I'm looking into building a 1 family residence on a vacant lot and creating a curb cut for a driveway in a non-historic/landmarked nabe. It is NOT a corner lot and is over 100 ft from the corner.
The Dept of City Planning & Zoning has told me I can create a curb cut as long as I build a garage that exits within the building footprint (ala a carriage house). The curb cut would be new as the previous house on this lot did not have one.
Has anyone done this before successfully without hassles from the city? The DCP&Z doesn't provide written guarantees for any info given ... only verbal replies and I want to make sure the info I was provided is accurate.
I've spoken with several architects in beginning my construction process and a few were quite surprised that I was given the ok by the city. Thanks.
July 2, 2009
Structural Engineer/Green
Hi all.
I am looking for a structural engineer for a quote on a new heating/air unit as well as eco-friendly energy options.
Electrolux Icon 30" Range FS
Almost-new gas Electrolux Icon Range is in great condition. Stainless, 30", barely used, works wonderfully. Viking-esque at 1/3 the price.
Seller put in kitchen in 2008 as eye candy and new owners don't need it.
Original price was around $2,800, our asking is $1,900 o/b/o
Available to see in Park Slope Tuesday, July 7th, 12-1pm.
ADT Security "Changeover" fee???
I purchased a house that had an ADT security system installed by the previous owner.
I called the installer and was told that there was a changeover fee of $600+ dollars.
When I asked what this exactly entailed, I was told that the would replace the panel (which apparently was brand new) and have the system checked.
If the prior owner had a service contract (which they did) and were up to date on the bills (again, they were) why would it need a check-up?
I got a hard sell on the phone and started feeling like this was a scam.
Anyone else run into this?
Structural work contractor
Hello,
We need to find a licensed, reliable and responsible contractor that would come in to give us a quote on work that needs to be done on a house that we are trying to purchase. The work involves replacing a center 6x6 support beam and seven 4x8 sister damaged joists. We are first time home buyers and we need to find a good contractor. Thank you all in advance.
Please send me an email at september1979 at gmail dot com
Thank you.
first rent, exterminator deduct.
the tenant recently moved in and we need to ask for rent. Should I slip an invoce under his door or just call him.
Also, right after he moved it we found bedbugs in our place and call exterminators. Should we deduct some amount from the rent as a cover for his inconviniences? should I pay his dry cleaning and lowndry bills since he had to clean everything? I am not sure, where the bugs came from. I do not think it is from him or his movers.
Jersey CITY Brownstones
I heard from someone that fixer-upper brownstones in so-so (slowly gentrifying) nabes in JC can be had for the (surprisingly) reasonable fixer-upper price of as low as 200K. Anyone out there that can confirm this?
Sarah Jessica Parker to Slope?
Curbed is passing along the Post's speculation that SJP and MB are the mystery buyers of the Connelly/Bettany mansion on Prospect Park West.
Did SJP Buy Prospect Park West Mansion? [Curbed]
critters getting to herbs/fruits
i'm under attack by various critters. it seems squirrels have been stealing the strawberries, slugs are on the basil, and i can only imagine what's coming for the tomatoes once they mature. is there a panacea for all these, or do are there seperate treatments for each?
Window Treatment
I ran an ad on craigslist and nothing. So I thought to post here.
Please reccommend someone to install venetian blinds.
Any reccommendation for someone to insrall a curtain track?
I am a klutz
Door latches
I am finally getting around to installing door handles (one of the last projects I have). I already have the old handles in from in the house - the porcelain types with the square bolt. What I need are new latches to go inside the door. Can anyone please recommend a brand of good quality ideally reasonably priced latches? Also, if you have any suggestions where I can get them (ideally locally) that would be great too.
Thanks.
Window Garden Predator?
My herb garden is on my fire escape in window boxes [3 of them] and something is digging up the plants and tossing them aside. My friend says mice or squirrles or [ick] rats. Any hints on keeping them away?
Finally A New Cafe in Bed-Wick!!
Hey Fellow Stuy Wick neighbors this was posted on Bedstuy Blog By The Changeling and I thought I would share!!!
THANKS CHANGELING
A new Cafe in our neck of the woods.
Read Below....
Athom Café is a tiny eatery on Broadway between Malcolm X Boulevard and Dekalb Avenue (the area of the hood that I like to call “Bed-Wick”). It’s is only about a month or so old and it probably would’ve taken me another several months before I stumbled upon the place, but thanks to the folks over at the blog Young, Broke and Hungry and an email tip from a reader, I found about the little French café sooner rather than later. Be sure to click over to the Young, Broke and Hungry blog to check out their review of Athom.
I stopped by for a bite one Saturday, and I was lucky enough to meet the owner, Jerome. He’s a cool guy. He’s originally from Paris but he’s no newbie to the restaurant game in Bed-Stuy; he was once a manager at Tiny Cup Café and before that he worked at Solomon’s Porch.
Athom doesn’t have a logo or anything on the window yet (you really have to keep your eyes open to spot the place), but Jerome showed me some of the designs he’s thinking about using in the window. Hopefully he’ll get his sign in place soon.
The menu has a nice selection of items. There are fresh baked items like muffins, scones, croissants, bagels and cookies as well as oatmeal, pancakes, omelettes, sandwiches and salads. The baked goods are all around $2 and the omelettes (served with home fries), sandwiches and salads range from $6-$8. I got an iced tea and a smoked turkey with fontina and roasted peppers. I loved it! I’d probably be a daily visitor to this place if it weren’t so far away from my home. Those of you living in the Broadway area are very lucky to have this place nearby.
Has anyone else visited Athom Café yet? How would you rate it?
Athom Café
1096 Broadway (bet. Malcolm X Blvd & Dekalb Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11221
Ph. (646) 881-5834
Athomcafe@yahoo.com
Open 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Closed Mondays)
Custom Door Fabrication - Recs?
Our building is looking to have a set of custom wood doors fabricated and installed. An architect has drawn up plans that have been approved by Landmarks. We have a few bids but want to be sure we've included all the area vendors that produce doors regularly. I welcome suggestions for people to contact as well as feedback from customers on their selection choice and the outcome. We're hoping to make a decision soon. Thanks!
If Closing Date is Postponed?
I signed a contract to buy a 2-bedroom in Park Slope. In the SUBMIT OFFER form, I stated I needed to move in by July 24th. The sellers agreed and this was also but into the contract (closing on or before July 24th). My lawyer said that the seller does have 30 days extra if he wants it to go to closing. Is this true? The contract has been signed and the 10 percent deposit has been cashed. My landlord will not renew my lease for only one month and I have no where to go. I made an all-cash offer on the place I agreed to buy and my only request was to move in by July 24th. Do I have the ability to cancel the sale and get my money back if the closing isn't on time? Thank you.
Flood of rental listings
Man has andbody else noticed all the rental listings on Craigslist for Brooklyn? Team bull what do ytou have to say about that? I thought I got a sweet deal on my place with 20 percent off but I think it will be lower when I renew
No Certificate of Occupancy?
I just found out that the apartment I have been renting for the past two months has no certificate of occupancy, and that the landlord has a hearing because of the violation. It is a small, newly constructed apartment building with 8 two bedroom units. As far as I know, the building has not succeeded in inspections. I was not aware of this issue when I signed the 12 month lease with my partner. I found out about the lack of certificate of occupancy through a neighbor, who tried to call gas and electric and the landlord was upset (he is currently paying utilities.)
Also, we were told that the unit would have air conditioning (windows do not permit window units), and two months into our rental, we do not have the air conditioning promised by the realtor. Initially, I asked for a rent reduction because of the unfulfilled promise, and my landlord took 'no responsibility' and asked me to talk to the realtor.
I am very unsure as to how to proceed. All of this is scary to me. I like my apartment, and want a home, but I am worried about this issue. Please give advice. Thanks!
Fisher paykel double dishwasher
For sale:
FP 603i fully-integrated (you need panels but you can have my old ones) double dishwasher. Bought aummer '07, used for 18 months. We found that it was wildly impractical for a family. But it would be great for a single person or couple. Make your best offer to myopic2003@yahoo.com
Housing Market - Where Are We?
Is this a +1 for the Bulls?
Quick Manhattan Snapshot: Market Pricing OUT Fear [Urban Digs]
July 1, 2009
Viking 30" Range Hood For Sale
I have a Viking 30" ss range hood for sale. It is new but has some scratches on it and a very small ding on the front lower edge. Pics available in the Products II section of my website - www.thetinkersyard.com.
Steve
www.thetinkersyard.com
Not a 3 family
I am near going into contract on what I thought was a 3 family (Acris and DOB sites list it as CO/3 fam) but its actually a 2 family (building has no C of O) that pays taxes as a 3 family. Could the length of time that the building has been taxed as 3 family have any chance at making the conversion easier?
Contractor Recommendation?
I’m looking for a contractor to replace 3-6, 16” floor joists in a residential building. Possibly on two separate floors. This means removing the wood floor/subfloor installing the new joists, maybe some masonry work where the joists are socketed to the exterior load bearing wall. This is in Brooklyn.
Any recommendations for reliable contractors?
Landmarks building questions
I live in a condo in Manhattan that I just found out was recently landmarked, so I have two questions:
1. We want to replace our windows. The ones in our building are NOT the original. (V. ugly). (And yes, the building will allow us to replace our own windows). So does the landmarks commission look back at old pictures and make you replace with something similar to what used to be there? Or do we have more lee-way than that?
2. I also want to install a through-the-wall airconditioner. It's on the side of the building, not facing the street, but you can still see it from the street (we're on the 5th floor and the building next door is only 1 story high). Is this a big no no?
Thanks for your help!
mortar-stained exterior brick
The pointing on our brick townhouse was redone about 4 yrs ago. The job was fairly sloppy, such that the mortar extends onto the brick faces. From the street it looks sloppy, so I'd like to get it cleaned up. For the most part it's not caked on top, but just a very thin layer (it probably could have been cleaned up adequately had they acid washed at the end of the job). I was able to remove the mortar pretty well from a few test spots with diluted muriatic acid. Anybody have general recommendations? Some specific questions:
1) Is removal of mortar like I describe feasible? (based on my test acid cleaning, I think it is, but I can't do the whole thing myself).
2) Alternatively, I've considered some sort of reddish colored staining (changing the gray mortar to red). A neighbor has something of that sort, and it looks nice (IMHO) - certainly nicer than our bricks. I'm not talking about paint, which would give it a caked on look that would not be to my liking, just a stain-like product that still shows the brick texture; my neighbor doesn't know what the product on his is, but it's clearly a stain of some sort, and it lasts, as it's been there many years according to him).
3) any contractor recommendations for this?
4) will a contractor have to erect a scaffold (like I see all over this summer), or can they use a hanging platform like was common in recent years (and presumably saves cost).
Thanks!
Asbestos Inspection
I have to have an asbestos inspection as I'm gut-renovating a 1920's Brooklyn Apartment. There are a few square feet of cardboardy ceiling tile and a few square feet of black and white self-adhesive tile. I'm almost certain neither have asbestos in them but I could be wrong. What does an inspector do? Sample the air, dust etc or just send sample of each tile to lab for testing?
If he saw no tile...
La mejor Comida Latina
Estamos buscando por la mejor comida Latina en Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, y/o Bed Sty. Pueden ayudarnos? Muchas gracias!!!
plumbing
looking to replace main sewer line. Prestipino/ Figliolia have been recommened. Anyone have comments/experience with either?
Living on block w/ Abortion Ctr
I saw a home for sale on 43rd st between 3/4 ave. There is also the abortion center on the corner of 43rd and 3rd. I want your opinion about living on this block. Are the protests daily? Do they bother those living on the block? I just want your thought on living on a block where theres an abortion center on the corner. INPUTS WANTED :)
What to Apply after Stripping?
We stripped all the window and door encasements and floor moldings of our brownstone and really like how it looks now (we used peelaway for half and the silent paint remover for the rest). It is mostly wood (about six different kinds, actually) and parts where you can see the 9 million colors it was ever painted.
But now we want to coat it with something to preserve it, without making the wood darker. Does anyone have any suggestions for what product to use? We're interested in it being a low/no VOC material and hopefully a flat/matte finish. Someone suggested Waterlox which seems ok in the flat/non staining department but it seems pretty toxic. I'm hoping to find another solution.
We definitely want to seal those paint chips in (lead paint) -- but if possible, we want it to look kind of raw/ and hate to use the term, but "shabby chic" ...
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Outdoor Light for Sale
Brand New in the box and never opened is another one of these Outdoor Sconces. (Photograph is the one on my house) Retails for $250, selling on ebay for best offer.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180375036228&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3ALCA%3AUS%3A1123&salenotsupported
Living in Boerum Hill
Thinking of moving from the slope to Boerum Hill...What is a safer block--Bergen between Bond/Nevins or Wyckoff between Smith/Hoyt?
How to Assess Potential Tenants?
We are landlords for the first time— the space is kind of weird studio rental in our house. Are there some steps we should take before renting the space? Are there any online links to help people like us assess potential tenants? Thanks
Contractor Help
We are coming upon our first year anniversary of finding and eventually buying our first home.
To celebrate, we have decided to start some of the renovation, repair, and maintenance projects that have piled up.
Neither of us have ever really dealt with contractors before and would love some basic advice on a) how to find them, b) what questions we should ask when assessing, c) warning signs to look out for when discussing projects with prospective companies.
Also, the projects range from small repairs around the house (weak floorboard) to rebuilding the front and back stoops, replacing the windows, repointing the brick-work, renovating the bathroom and creating vents for the basement, kitchen and bathroom.
We could do many of these over time or all at once and want to know how that would affect the deal.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
REF, TUB and SINK FOR SALE
We are selling the following:
Amana St. Stl Model # ABL1922FES
Bottom Freezer Drawer
Left hand door swing
BRAND NEW - $750 OBO
Kohler Dynametric Tub K-516
32" x 66" x 16"
Drain on right side
White
Never Used - $650 OBO
Toto Pedestal Sink-Promenade
27 1/2" x 22 1/4"
Comes with traditional faucet
Used - $125 OBO
Contact me if you are interested in any of the above items. We can discuss delivery options or pick up
-Christine
charper2003@yahoo.com
Save the view from Sunset Park
This morning at 10 a.m., the Dept. of City Planning (22 Reade Street-Manhattan) is holding a hearing on the Proposed Re-zoning Plan before sending it to the City Council. In spite of the extreme short notice (we just heard about this), we'd appreciate your support to limit 5th Avenue to 4-story/4th Avenue to 6-story buildings. The view belongs to all New Yorkers, not just to us.
Please help us preserve it!
Parkside and Ocean Ave
Hello!
So, I know this topic is nothing new, but I do research for a living, so I couldn't help but ask the question directly rather than simply reading responses to other people's queires. I am looking to move from the prospect heights apt I've been in for a few years now, and today I looked at two different apartments within a block or two of the Q stop at Parkside. The apts were nice (pre-war etc) and well priced--I walked around a bit and the area seemed alright, but I just don't know much about that neck of the woods. I've visited PLG and the Hawthorne Street blog, and I'm starting to get a good vibe off of it all. BUT (you knew there was a but) I work late nights in Manhattan and I am legally blind (no night vision to speak of), so I worry a lot about the night life wherever I live. Can anyone tell me a bit more about that area specifically? Will walking down Ocean Ave at 1 or 1:30am be safe (and I know that "safe" is a wide term in nyc)? for a gal who can only pay so much attention to her surroundings?
Thanks! Lilah
barbecuing in prospect park
Does anyone know where the best place to barbecue in prospect park is? Is there a time you need to get to the barbecues by in order to ensure that you get one for the day? thanks for the day.
June 30, 2009
Green Living Brooklyn Event July
July 18th &19th, 2009
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
957 Pacific Street (off Grand Avenue)
Brooklyn NY
(C train to Clinton/Washington stop)
Greenproofing has teamed up with Design Schemes and Hello Living to host a weekend of Green Living exhibitions, workshops and seminars.
Join eco-conscious artists, furniture designers, as well as city agencies with green products and services.
We are looking for more artists and designers to feature. So please list your info with a description of your product.
We are aiming for a Green Washing Free event. So your feedback and suggestions would be greatly welcomed
Wheel-cut Glass
I recently posted here concerning my interest in finding existing wheel-cut glass in NYC.
Sorry if the post seemed like advertising I am new to this and that was not my intention.
I have been documenting historic wheel cut glass for 25 years and i am very concerned about documenting existing glass, design and historic trends.
I am hoping to survey as much of the existing glass here in NYC as possible and any help would be appreciated, if you have glass in your home or know of any in your neighborhood please contact me
718 643 9028.
This beautiful art form is not documented and I am trying to start to rectify this
Tri-State Window Factory
I am considering replacing windows in my house. My house is not a brownstone and is not landmarked. So I need something rather basic, but I would like windows which help with reduction of noise and are energy efficient.
I looked at Tri-State Window Factory. The salesman gave a good pitch, but I am not sure.
Any other recommendations? Anyone used Tri-State Window Factory?
Thank you.
Lost and Found? (Red Moleskine)
So ... riding my bike home last night I got bounced on by a bunch of kids on Franklin Avenue near Willoughby. Someone found most of my stuff down a stairwell the next morning but my ...
* Red Cowon iAudio
* Little red moleskine planner
* Burgundy Samsung flip phone
were not among the scattered remains of my bag. So you know, if you see these things ... !
And, the public service announcement buried here is that you should make sure that whoever finds your personal effects can find you. It helps.
When to start mortgage pre-qual?
Hi All,
I was wondering what your thoughts were on when I should start my mortgage pre-qualification and other paperwork.
We're in the early stages of buying a place, and are still looking at properties... haven't quite found anything we want to put an offer in on. I've been told your credit report is only good for 30-60 days (depending on who you talk to), and I'm not sure we'll find anything in that time frame so I don't want my credit pulled unneccessarily too many times in case we don't find anything we like in the next month or so.
On the other hand, I've heard that the whole mortgage process is just taking longer now, with lenders scrutinizing credit, employment history, tax returns, etc etc very closely.
Should we get the process started sooner rather than later because everyhting is going to take longer? Or should we just wait until we think we've found a place we like. I feel like in this market it's highly unlikely we'll be getting into bidding wars, and don't feel like I need to have a prequal letter at an open house. But at the same time, we don't want to miss out on buying a place we like because the paperwork took too long.
experiences?
through-the-wall air conditioner
Can anyone recommend someone to install a through-the-wall air conditioner (including cutting the whole in the wall, installing the sleeve, etc). I am loathe to do this but I at this point in time cannot afford a ductless split system and since I am in a garden unit, I only have a sliding glass door and no window in which to install a window unit. Fort Greene area. Thanks!
Transfer Tax/New Construction?
A friend of mine is conetemplating a unit in Be@Schermerhorn. One of the flyers they gave her says "Transfer Taxes are calculated and added to the purchase price (for tax purposes only) and then recalculated based on the bulked up price." Can anyone tell me what that means, in plain English?
thanks!