August 28, 2008

BRICK FOR A GARDEN

we want to brick over the hideous concrete in our garden. the concrete is smooth and flat. do we need to pull it up? or can it be bricked over?

also, does anyone know of someone good and reasonably priced to do this sort of job?

thank you.

Caprese Diem: Where are the good, ripe, reasonably priced tomatoes?!

So: The Fort Greene farmer's market finally has nice tomatoes—heirlooms for $4.50, New Jersey beefsteaks for $1.99. That, I can live with. But sometimes, you want tomatoes on some day other than Saturday, no? Associated, of course, has nothing but hothouse jobs from Europe or someplace (and those idiots keep theirs in the fridge). Meanwhile, Greene Grape Provisions, which I like for many things, is charging an absolutely criminal $7.78 a pound for heirlooms--I mean, dude, they're in season, already! I ask you: where the hell are the good, ripe, reasonably priced tomatoes?

Assessing property value given past sale

Hi, I'm currently on the market and interested in bidding on a pre-war 2bd, 1.5ba property in North Slope. Asking is 700K which seems about right (given that it has outdoor space as well); however, I discovered that an identical apartment in the *same* building (I believe it even has the same outdoor space) sold in 2004 for a little over 400K. My question is, how can I figure out if the apartment is priced right based on this information?

Where can we get carpet in a week?

We're closing on our house today. (Which I spotted right here on Brownstoner and convinced my husband it would be the perfect house for us...!)We've just decided to replace the basement carpet but only have a week to get it done. Besides HomeDepot who I do not trust to get it done in time based on a recent experience, any ideas? Just want a neutral berber type, nothing too fancy but I need it done pronto.

ThankS!!

Ballpark cost for move & tipping movers?

Hi everyone. I saw the recent posts re tipping movers. We are moving in about a month. I called flatrate and they came by and quoted me a fee of $3450 to move our 1500 squarefoot 2 bedroom apartment. It is in a walkup (with a few large items up a spiral staircase as well). Is that a fair price???

More importantly, if we go with Flatrate (or any other company that charges a similar rate), are we really expected to tip 20%? That would be nearly $700! That seems a bit excessive, dont you think?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated....

Painting kitchen cabinets with a sprayer

I have stripped my kitchen cabinets and have been planning to rent a sprayer to paint them, in order to avoid brush strokes.

Has anyone done this and can recommend / not recommend using this method?

Any recommendations for a place to rent a sprayer? I know Home Depot has them but not sure if they are suitable for this application.

Also, the job will have to be done indoors as I have no yard or basement. Is this a recipe for disaster?

Dog care in the Stuy

Hey everyone, Looks lke T and I may be adding a dog to our mix. Does anyone know of any dog walkers or doggie daycare in bed stuy?
or south stuy (one block from clinton hill)
thanks.

August 27, 2008

ACR General Contracting

anyone heard of this company, or had any reno done by them before? any review?

Bamboo floors

We are thinking of installing bamboo floors in our basement. we went to Lowes and are getting a quote from them. Anyone have another source I can investigate both to buy the bamboo and to have installed?

St Stephens Sacred Heart School Opening?

After a bunch of demolition & construction this summer, today there were moving trucks at the St.Stephens (Sacred Heart) school on Summit Street, next to the church, between Henry St and Hicks Street.

Is this really re-opening as a school? After being empty for so long I was wondering if it was going to be flipped into condominiums!

Any ideas on opening date ?

Built-In Design Help

Planning on building a large built-in bookcase/cabinets/desk along a long wall (~20ft) in my living room. We're pretty set on the general layout/organization of the pieces but feel that we need help with specifics such as scale/proportions and finishing details. Especially since it'll be the centerpiece of the room.

We love our contractor but he's definitely not a designer and are stuck finalizing plans and moving on with the project. Do folks recommend finding an architect? Interior designer? Any recommendations? Our taste is modern but not stark...

Thanks for any advice.

Follow Up Report: experience with Movers Not Shakers

After finding names of movers from this forum, I contacted Shea Moving and Movers Not Shakers. I spoke with Brad at Shea who was EXTREMELY NICE. His quote was also reasonable. We would have worked with him had they been available on the day we wanted to move. Instead we went with Movers, Not Shakers (who quoted about the same). I spoke with Richard who was fine (he's no Brad) and we coordinated our very simple move (2 boxes, a cabinet, 2 small tables and a few other things like table lamp..etc). The move without travel time took 3 guys about 1 hour. They only had one accident in transit where 1 item was slightly damaged. The head guy was very nice but I was so bummed out at the end when we tipped him and he said, "we normally get 20%" NB: there was a slight misunderstanding with my partner in that I had started to take out $ and got distracted leaving the task to him but he just took what I lay on the counter and gave it to the guy and it was $3 shy of 15%. Our intention was to go with about 18%. Anyway, the tip turned into a discussion with head mover, and in the end we gave the intended 18% tip that we planned on. I think he was "eh" about it but whatever.

In all the move was fine. I don't know that I'd trust these guys with fine china but in moving a bunch of beat up shelves and cabinets, they got the job done. I had read on other posts that others had tip discussions so thought I'd share that our experience was not unique. I think if we had given the 18% originally, head dude would have asked for 20% but who knows. My last note of frustration is that one of the guys asked to use our bathroom, to which I said yes and he made a smelly mess. If you're going to go #2, save it for the McD's down the street. Yuck!

Stanley Lewis Plumbing?

Any experience with Stanley Lewis Plumbing and Heating? I might use him for some work in my house....

Free gas range

Whirlpool 30" white gas range self cleaning range with accubake system. Going to the curb for Friday garbage pick up. Call 718-875-0007 (only 3 yrs old)

What the heck is this?

I found this behind another one of the walls being opened yesterday, adding it to the tally of 3 bottles (one from 1854) and 4 soaps.

http://www.antique-bottles.net/forum/m-176846/mpage-1/key-/tm.htm#177785

Any thoughts?

tia,
Dean

Looking for bluestone pavers?

I'm looking to unload approximately 155 sq ft of 1-1/2" thick bluestone pavers 1' x 2'. I'll part with them for $8 a sq ft or best offer.

Contact me at dminkin [a t] gmail.

range Hood?

Can I use a hood with a recirculating fan with a gas range?

Thanks a bunch

Don't hate me b/c I want to buy near AY

I have (mostly) decided to buy an apartment that, yes, overlooks the Atlantic Yards site on the Carlton side. I know all the arguments and don't want to wake that monster. I am more hoping that someone has an update on the status of the project since the last round of information that came out around April- the redesign, the problems with funding and the tax issues. Does anyone know anything more current about the status and whether/when the construction is likely starting on the stadium and when/if you think the other buildings are going to be built. Or is it just anyone's guess at this point?

Clinton Hill needs a DOG RUN!!!!!

Clinton Hill and Ft. Greene needs a dog run. The off leash hours in Ft. Greene park are great, but insufficient for many of us. Besides the hours being inconvenient for many, not all dogs can be trusted off leash in an unconfined space. I in no way wish to undermine the off leash hours at Ft. Greene Park. I just think a dog run in the neighborhood would be a wonderful addition.

I'd like to hear from anyone who is interested in having a dog run in
the Clinton Hill/Ft. Greene area. Whether you're ready to volunteer
services or just supportive of having a dog run nearby, please feel
free to email me with your ideas. I would also appreciate input on how to go about organizing volunteers and actually approaching the community board / parks department with a proposal.

Please email me at:
clintonhilldogrun@gmail.com

I've started a google group here:
http://groups.google.com/group/clintonhilldogrun

Please JOIN the group if you support the idea of a dog run in Clinton Hill. At some point soon, we will need proof of how many people might potentially utilize a dog run.

I've been in communication with the parks dept, and it's looking like we actually have a shot at achieving this. We need your support though!!

I'm looking forward to hearing from everyone.

-Eric

August 26, 2008

Need to add an outlet - Any electrician recommendations?

I need to add an outlet inside a closet in my apartment. The breaker panel is on the opposite side of the wall (outside the closet).

Does anyone have a good recommendation for an electrician?

I've gotten 2 quotes over the phone so far - one for $300, and one for $90. The $300 guy sounder crazy. The $90 guy sounded nice, but he isn't available for a week or two.

Community Garden Project

Hey all,
I teach 2nd grade at a charter school in Clinton Hill. My students study communities and market places this fall in our social studies curriculum. I'm looking for a local community garden, csa, or organization that would be interested in partnering with our school/class for volunteering projects. I posted here hoping that people might know of local efforts that I don't. Thanks for your help.

insurance cost

please let us know if you can help us price insurance cost on a 10 unit brownstone 7,000 sq feet - the brownstone agency at 7000 dollars seems high at 1 dollar per sq foot

ANYONE INTERESTED IN A PAIR OF CUSTOM SHADES

BLACK SILK COVERED SHADES, CUSTOM MADE SO ONLY 2 EXIST.

TOP IS 12" WIDE
BOTTOM IS 19" WIDE
HEIGHT IS 14"

contact...ADRIARMSTRO@AOL.COM for more info

Bed Bug Recommendation?

I think I found a bedbug today..... not 100% sure, but would like someone to come and fix this ASAP if possible!

Any recommendations?

Reliable Remodelers?

Anyone have any experience with this company, "Reliable Remodelers"? Posted last week to find out if anyone has every dealt with them. Figured I'd give it another go.

property tax and an INGROUND pool in Brooklyn

Hello all. We just bought our Bar Ridge victorian and we are looking to put an inground pool in next spring. I am being told that our property tax will go up DRASTICALLY if we put this pool in. Many people are telling us to put an above ground pool in because your tax does not go up. However, we do not want an above ground pool! Our current property tax is around 5K. ...does anyone know how to figure out what it will go up to? How can I find out?

Intercom backplate

I need a 6" by 12" backplate for my intercom..the intercom box that is recessed in the wall is larger than my intercom...just finished a renovation...the super gave me the new intercom...

I have been on the internet and can't find anything..anyone ever heard of an intercom back plate or faceplate??

Thanks

August 25, 2008

Aga ranges

Anyone have one? I just bought a Legacy duel fuel. How easy/difficult is installation? It says on their website, "Must be installed by a competent gas mechanic or appliance technician in your area. For a list of preferred vendors, please use our service locator." Is this really necessary? Do you need a specialist, or can any competent handyman/contractor handle the job?

Lis Pendens

What proof does one have to show a court to file a lis pendens?

How do they know whether the filer is lying or not?

Plumbing roughing

Can anyone tell me what "roughing" is in relation to plumbing? My house, which I purchased last year, has an open permit on it from 2003 which I am trying to resolve. The DOB site says (under the plumbing inspection info) "first floor rear roughing OK, basement roughin OK" but I don't understand what this means. Any adive would be appreciated.

'Lifting' a House

I am considering the purchase of a small (20x30) detached two-story wood frame house in Brooklyn and instead of digging out the basement, I have given some thought to simply raising the house 3-4 feet and building up the foundation. This would allow for larger windows in the basement and could possibly avoid some cellar vs basement code issues if we want to put bedrooms downstairs. Does anyone know of any good 'house movers' in Brooklyn/Queens or have any thoughts on this type of project?

Good Plumbers in Bed Stuy

I was using Gateway Plumbing and just found out they changed their service area around 6 months ago.

I need a plumber who is good, fast to respond and ideally not Vigilante prices.

Any suggestions?

Duplex question

My husband and I are considering buying a duplex where the bottom floor is in the basement. Due to coding/zoning laws there is only a 1/2 bath in the basement. We would like to turn it into a full bath and make a master suite downstairs. Has anyone else done anything similar? Was it hard to find a contractor to do the work? What happened when you went to sell the apartment? Any guidance is much appreciated!

Rock supplier for garden?

Hi. Anyone know a good reasonably priced supplier of river rocks for landscaping? Thanks.

mechanic lein

I need some work done on my siding, I called american siding and an estimator came out and looked at my house and gave me an est. I told him I was also getting a new roof he said his company did roofs as-well and gave me a bid. When looking at the bids I noticed for the roof it said JC roofing I questioned him on that and he said american siding had decided to make them two separate entities. He asked for 55% for materials to start and the balance due upon completion. He said to make the check to him personally because the company would reimburse him, Garth Strader Spokane WA. He measured the roof wrong and also needed to purchase new vents because I noticed no new vents and we already discussed all new vents. It was another 600.00. I wrote him the check not wanting to but the owner of the roofing company told me to cancel it. I paid the roofing company the balance due and Garth was not happy. He is not part of JC roofing and JC roofing is not part of American Siding. Garth said he is going to put a mechanic lien on my house for the 600.00. JC roofing said he was fraudulent in what he did and the materials he did buy he bought under JC Roofing account and didn't pay the taxes. Can Garth legally put a lien on my house? My house is free and clear also if that matters. I am a single women first time homeowner. Any feedback would be appreciated, I agreed to meet with Garth later in the week and want to be informed when speaking with him. Thanks to any response.

Cleaning Service Cooperative

I usually croak out a grumpy snort when readers get to moaning about their failed efforts to find good help in Bed Stuy, but I have noticed that it does come up. Soooo:

This weekend at the Flea I was handed a card for "We Can Do It! Women's Cooperative" which purports to use ecological cleaning products be a true collective:
http://www.wecandoit.coop/aboutus.html

Has anyone had experiences with them? They are based in Sunset Park but since they were soliciting business at the Flea I assume that they are open to travel.

August 24, 2008

Stated Income Mortgage

I'm self employed and am considering a stated income mortgage. Am I wasting my time talking directly to the bank because my loan is not so straight forward and should I just focus on going to broker? Can you recommend someone who might offer a stated income product (broker or bank)? Thanks.

Carriage House

I have a carriage house for sale in Fort Greene and I'm wondering if I have it priced correctly. I have it at 1.8m because of the build out potential, a total of 7900sf. Does that sound correct? Thanks for the input

Kensington

I live in Windsor Terrace and just put an offer on a place in kensington. Anyone know how the restaurants on Church between ocean parkway and macdonald are?

Comments on dimmable CFLs

Hey all:

I've always used dimmers where I can, and now that I'm doing my house the architect, with my blessing, has spec'ed out dimmers almost everywhere.

At the same time, I'm trying to use compact florescents where possible. As I'm sure most people know, you can't use normal CFLs on a dimmer switch. So I ordered a case of special dimmable CFLs from bulbs.com. What I got was Neptun 18w Helix Dimmable.

Within two weeks of installation, all of the bulbs that I installed in my hallway fixtures have burned out. Kaput. $180 worth of bulbs down the drain.

As long as I'm complaining, I'm all in favor of reducing the ol' environmental footprint, but I can't help but notice these CFLs are packaging hogs. 4 color printing. Blister packs. Whatever happened to the ol' 2 color GE corrugated paper packaging?

Spray Paint a Basement

Hello All,

I am looking for someone to spray paint our basement with an industrial paint sprayer (since it is a large surface). Any recommendations for such a painter would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Love Your Contractor? Please Share...

Hi all,
New to Brownstoner and eager for advice. We've just bought a terrific apartment in Carroll Gardens and are looking for recommendations on contractors you've worked with and love. We don't need a lot done (painting, tiling, installing a W/D) but want someone with a good aesthetic/visual sense and a great team. It's been a bumpy road thus far and we're hoping to find someone excellent.
Many thanks for taking the time to reply!!!

Fireplace Surround

Beautiful wood fireplace surround for offer. Stands approximately 115 inches high and approximately five and a half feet wide. Location: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. If interested call me at (203) 435-7272

August 23, 2008

Heating oil consumption estimate

We signed contract on two family attached 20x50 two story house. I need to find out how much oil it will take to heat up the house. But owner does not have or does not give the numbers. If it is too wasteful I will replace it with gas furnace.

The furnace is very old (originally coal furnace converted to oil). Owner paid $3000 for chimney repair this spring. The house is tipical attacheed brick house built in 1913 with pretty modern windows. Inspector put the windows, doors and roof in "good" condition and the heating system in "fair" condition. So anybody with similar setup can give me estimate on the oil cost.

thank you.

Forget Nemo...try Cancos Tiles

So as per this post http://www.brownstoner.com/forum/archives/2008/08/tile_outlet_rec.php I made my list of tile outlets to check out today.

The first one I visited ws Nemo Tiles at 48 east 21st st.

I should have realised I was in trouble when I was approached at the door by a pretty boy wanna be model with a clipboard and a pen and asked me for my name....uhm ok gave my first name but still dont know why he was asking?

I explained that I was there to look for a very specific type of tile 'small rectangular aqua blue or green glass tile for a kitchen backsplash'....was he able to help me?

No but if I would like to wait someone will be along shortly and then he wandered off.

Long story short when I finally caught someones attention and dragged them over to what I was looking at and repeated that I was after 'small rectangular aqua blue or green glass tile for a kitchen backsplash' I was told that all but three of their glass tiles was on a lead time of 12-14 weeks and that the only tiles they did keep in stock at their warehouse was these three colours.....

Walked out- went to Canco's tile - yes they were busy as well but the first guy I spoke to said he knew exactly what i was after, showed me the 5 different sizes options and the 4 different texture options and the 40+ colors - I asked what was the lead time for a particular brand he said these come from Georgia and we get a truck every friday so pretty much anywhere from 3 days to a week max.... lol price was right, sorted out all the details and I think I was out of there within 8-10 mins max.

I cant reccomend Cancos tiles enough.

22 west 21st st, and the guy I spoke to was John Zoleo.

Cheers,
Dean

lower offer with cash at closing?

Hi,
I received an offer on my 2 family in Sunnyside Queens. It is a very low offer on paper but the potential buyer wants to bring an additional 50k cash to the closing as an incentive. My house has been on the market for a year, the price has been lowered and I need to sell. However, I am somewhat uncomfortable to accepting this but I have no other offers. What are the possible ramifications of accepting this arrangement? Assuming of course, I will declare this income on my taxes. Thanks Brownstoners.

DOB Complaint

I just recently purchased a 2 family house... we are doing minor renovations in the rental (ie. replacing a small portion of kitchen flooring, new lower cabinets, sink and appliances... replacing vaniety in bathroom, tiles in shower and bathroom floor). Is thinks a violation??? I was under the impression that if everything (sinks, gas lines etc) was remaining in the same place and you did not need a permit....
Am I wrong? How do I resolve this issue? Thanks for any advice.

Ending with Ignurance

Bless.

Metal Stud & Track giveaway

I have 7 12-foot 3-5/8" metal studs and 2 10-foot 3-5/8" tracks. It would be fantastic if you could pick it up today.

residential sprinklers