January 31, 2005

Real estate lawyer

Unfortunately, my next door neighbor has been pursuing a low-budget, high-impact, no-responsibility renovation that has made life hell for my family and my tenants: rats, debris, cracked interior plaster, frozen water pipes, flooding in my basement, even potential structural instability.

I've already pursued things with city agencies, who have been very responsive and have issued the requisite violations, stop-work orders, etc.

Sadly, having to go out of pocket by $20K so far in order to remedy problems caused by this renovation, I feel like I need to pursue the matter in court. Does anyone have any recommendations for good real estate lawyers who specialize in disputes as opposed to transactions?

Thanks.

January 28, 2005

How to Sell Beautiful Marble Mantles

I am doing renovation work on a brownstone and, unfortunately, will not need approx. 4 beautiful marble mantles in very good condition. Any ideas on how I can get a little money back (from the fortune I spent on the brownstone) by selling the mantles? Thanks.

financing renovations

can someone tell me how easy it is to purchase a house and immediately finance some renovation work (say $ 150K). does it get financed as part of the mortgage? seperately? at the same interest rate? thanks.

January 27, 2005

Architectural salvage- building stars

Where are the best places to find architectural salvage in New York/Brooklyn at reasonable prices?

More specifically we're looking for brick bracing stars for wall stabilization. Has anyone done this themselves? Any suggestions/cautionary tales?

Thanks

Stone
Brooklyn

Installing Door to Deck

I had a deck built behind my parlor floor last year, but still need to have a door installed. (I want to put it where there's currently a window.) I'm having the classic problem: it's easier to find a contractor to do a whole house than to do a small job. Can anyone recommend somebody to do the job?

Brownstone Roof Deck

I'm currently looking into putting a new roof deck on my brownstone. I understand that there are certain limitations on the amount of wood used for the deck. 20% of the total sqft has been proposed. Does anyone have knowledge about the subject? Are there ways around this? Suggestions about other materials or who to use?

January 26, 2005

Cornice Restoration

I'm hoping for recommendations on restoring wood cornices (ours if in pretty poor condition, including bad patches with tin siding). Are they salvagable or do they typically need to be replaced wholesale? I've heard of fiberglass replacements but have no idea as to quality/price. Suggestions/experiences greatly appreciated.

220V outlet for european washer/dryers

does anyone here have a european washer/dryer like bosch, asko or miele? did you happen to have to install a 220V outlet for this setup to work? i'm trying to see how expensive it is to add a 220 to the usual 110 voltage.

January 25, 2005

Wood Floors

I wanted to get recommendations for people who refinish wood floors. The floors in question are in pretty good shape so just need a light sanding, etc. Also, if there are people out there who have done this kind of work on their own before, is it the kind of thing someone can do on his or her own without previous experience or is it best left to the professionals?

Stairs Fabrication

I'm looking to get a staircase built (metal support frames with glass/acrylic treads) to access a mezzanine loft. Any suggestion as to whom to use and where to go will be greatly appreciated.

January 24, 2005

Replacement Landmark Windows

Can anyone recommend an affordable alternative to using Marvin Windows to replace landmark windows? Marvin is ridiculously expensive!
TJ

When is a building permit required?

When exactly does one need to file with the city for a building permit? Only when dealing with structural walls? What are the triggering tasks?
anonymous

January 23, 2005

Fire Escape or Sprinkler?

I recently bought a four story, three family brownstone. Currently, it has neither a fire escape nor a sprinkler (my understanding is that you need one or the other for 3 or more family buildings). I would like to know if people have any opinion on which one (fire escape or sprinkler) is more economical and/or preferable - and then if people have references for either job.
Thanks.
Jeffrey
Bed Stuy

Making Fireplaces Functional

In my building, the fireplaces were converted to gas at some point and probably not used since the early 20th century. The gas lines are still in the fireplace and the valve knobs are still along side. Basically I have the rudimentary equipment but what should one expect for checking/replacing the pipes, relining the flue, and all things building code. Has anyone done this successfully?
--Andrew in Clinton Hill

Electrician for Small Job

Looking for a reasonable, responsible electrician to complete one very small job in my co-op in Clinton Hill - properly connecting an electrical outlet in my bathroom. Recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Please email me at robin.lester@gmail.com.
Robin
Clinton Hill

January 22, 2005

Reliable Electrician for Historic Home

I need a reliable (and affordable) electrician in Brooklyn who is used to working on older homes (i.e. he won't destroy my moldings). Any leads would be appreciated.
Brady
Brooklyn Heights

Moldings Restoration Expert

My husband and I recently bought an 1880's brownstone in Prospect Heights. Much of the original plasterwork is intact but needs a serious tune-up. Can anyone recommend a skilled craftsperson for the job? Also, what kind of price range do you think we're looking at?
--Cecily in Prospect Heights

Landmark Window Conformance and Providers

We have a couple of questions in regard to replacing our landmark windows:
1) If we are keeping the existing wooden window frame, is landmarks likely to approve aluminum double-hung replacement sashes?
2) What brands of windows would people recommend?
3) Recommendations for window installers?
Brownstoner
Clinton Hill
brownstoner@mac.com

Forum: January 2005