Forum: May 2005
May 31, 2005
Bed Stuy Lawyer ASAP!
Hi wonderful obsessed brownstone people! So nice to find like minded folk and I hope to be in more serious contact soon. Right now I am in a bit of a bind and hoping you can recommend a good real estate lawyer who is familiar with bed-stuy and all of its trickiness. I am at a loss here and am keeping my fingers crossed. If you would like to call my cell is 503-490-5511 (yes, oregon number, but I live in bed-stuy). I have a deadline of this afternoon and my lawyer just decided to extend his vacation. great.
thank you!
amy
Landscape Designer
Hi,
I am the owner of a brooklyn brownstone, looking for a recommendation for a
landscape designer for the backyard. Heavy shade . ..
THANKS.
May 30, 2005
Marble Mantel Repairs
I just had a mantel moved up from one fireplace to another. The piece was already broken in 4-5 pieces when I bought the house. Is there anyone you’d recommend to patch everything back before I can have it re-installed? Also, can the same repairers also strip the paint and do general cleaning?
May 26, 2005
SOD
Can anybody recommend a good place to get grass sod from?
I'm in the Park Slope area.
Thanks
Foundation contractor
Can anyone recommend a good foundation contractor or structural enginer?
Thanks
Major plumbing repair needed: Advice sought
I have a major plumbing problem that needs to be addressed and I'm looking for advice about how to get it fixed. I'm not sure if I should contact a plumber, engineer, or even a general contractor. Any advice on how to go about this project would be appreciated.
The problem: During periods of heavy rain, water from the combination sewer line under my Clinton Hill street backs up into the basement of my townhouse. The water comes up through the utility room drain, then the basement toilet, then the drain at the bottom of the outdoor basement stairwell at the rear of the house. This has happened about a dozen times during June through September over the past 2 years. This happens when it's really pouring; those 15 minute summer showers that drop inches of rain. I can get anywhere from a trace of water to 6 inches across the entire basement (1200 sq ft). As soon as the rain lets up, the water drains out quickly through the utility room drain; the lowest drain in the house.
I know I could "simply" have a check-valve installed between the trap and the sewer-main connection. I've had a couple of plumbers recommend that, but they acknowledge that it's not a total solution. There is still the problem of the water coming from the roof, from the outdoor stairwell drain, and from interior plumbing fixtures. That water needs a place to go when the valve is closed, or else it will backup into the basement. I can't seem to find any professionals to look at the whole problem and come up with some creative solutions. For example, maybe after installing a check valve, I could install an awning over the rear stairwell to prevent water from entering the drain. But what to do about the roof and interior water? Maybe I could install a holding tank to handle the roof and interior water while the valve is closed? Or maybe I can dig up the sewer-main under the street and lower it a few feet ;) I'm will to look at all possibilities!
Anyway, I'm not sure how to go about solving this problem. All the professionals I've dealt with so far have only come up with half-solutions. Where are Brooklyn's plumbing visionaries? I'd be much obliged for any advice you can offer.
Finding Old House Plans
I'm considering making some medium-sized renovations to my Brooklyn townhouse (opening up a galley kitchen, adding a bathroom), and I understand that the first step is that I need accurate plans/blueprints of my home. I have no idea if there have ever been any plans drawn up of my house, but there was an extension added by a prior owner, so I guess their might be. Do you know: a) how to find out if there are plans on record anywhere with the city, b) if not, how much I should plan on spending to get some drawn up, and c) any recommendations for an architect who could/would do such work even if I might not actually do the renovation anytime soon?
Thanks,
CG
May 25, 2005
Homeowner's Insurance
Hi:
I'm researching the finer points of homeowner's insurance. Do renovators find stiffer rates or fewer vendors than they expected? Has anyone bought riders for flood damage, sewer backup or code compliance? Where can a brownstone buyer go for thorough, honest and minimally lively advice on an airtight insurance package?
May 24, 2005
Historical price data
Does anyone know where I could get data for average rents and co-op sales prices for studios, 1-bed, and 2-bed aprts in Brooklyn over the past 10 years?
I've been able to get bits and pieces for certain years, but mostly nothing. I'd like to prove my theory that rents have stayed relatively flat compared to the skyrocketing sales prices. I'd also like to throw in how those prices compare to the median income of people who live in Brooklyn.
Thanks
May 23, 2005
One Montgomery Place
Has anyone heard anything about the contruction that is taking place at One Montgomery Place in Park Slope? The garage next to One Montgomery Place was recently torn down. The NYC Dept of Buildings BIS indicates that all the apartments in the building are being renovated. The current rumor is that all the "apartments" will be used as Dr.'s offices, others rumors say that all the apartment will be sold as condos for residential use.
What do people hear?
Thanks.
contractor referral
can anyone recommend a contractor for me? I just bought a small brick and frame building and need to put in a bathroom on the second floor. the contractor i was gonna hire just backed out
May 22, 2005
New front steps for a rowhouse
I need to have significant repairs done to the front stoop of my brick and frame house in Park Slope. A previous owner built a new set of steps -- unfortunately, the steps themselves are too shallow, creating a tripping hazard. (The stoop is made of brick and cement.)
Two questions: 1) Can the step be redone without removing the whole stoop and starting over? 2) Any suggestions for people to do the work?
Thanks.
permits
In your experience, how long does it take to obtain a permit from the city for townhouse/brownstone permits? I'm doing interior work to replace the bathroom and kitchen. Thanks.
May 20, 2005
windows recommendations sought
Does anyone have experience with a company or contractor who has had success with getting an application for new windows through the Landmarks Commission? I was working with a sales rep from Pella windows to replace my old windows (mostly vinyl, but some original wood) with new windows with aluminum clad exteriors. My first application to Landmarks was, however, returned with a request for further information and diagrams which so far the Pella rep has been unable to provide; and I am reluctantly realizing I am going to have to start the whole process over again with a new supplier. Brownstoner, I remember you were looking at your window options a few months back. What did your research turn up? Please pass along anything you've learned regarding brands, contracts, Landmarks permissions, etc. And everyone else who's done their windows, please weigh in.
cost for gut renovation?
Does anyone have a rough cost estimate for a gut renovation for a 2 family, 3 story townhouse in Park Slope (17' x 45')? I've done some research and the plumbing, contractor, electrical, hvac, architect comes to around $200k.
If anyone has experience with this, please shed light on general range. Thanks.
Cobble hill duplex
What do you think of this place? Seems overpriced, no?
http://brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=415012
Carpet Cleaning
Can someone please recommend a good, honest carpet cleaning service to steam/chemical clean the common areas in my co-op? Thanks.
May 19, 2005
Help Finding a Contractor
Our family just purchased a three story brownstone in Bed Stuy and we need some help finding a good contractor. We would like someone that has experience restoring the home and finishing the cellar. The structure of the house is good but, the cosmetic work could require a lot…. Please help with any suggestions. Thanks
Progeny -facade restoration
I am considering a company called Progeny Restoration to do stoop,repointing, cornice work on a brick townhouse. Has anyone used them before or know of anyone who has? thnx.
May 18, 2005
ISO Landscaper
We are looking to rehab our backyard in the park slope area that is full of concrete with a landscape contractor...would love/appredicate recommendations of contractors we could use.
wood refinisher
Looking for a wood refinisher to sand and stain wood moulding in a limestone house in crown heights
Need a GC for a co-op
Buying a classic 7 in Brooklyn Heights that needs all new everything. Electricity, kitchen, floors, skim coated walls.
Can anyone recommend a GC? Would like to hear from someone who has personal knowledge from client side.
Thanks...
Electrician
Hi everybody. I've got a few electrical thing needing to be done in my brownstone is the South Slope. Can anybody recommend somebody reliable?
Thanks
May 17, 2005
pocket doors
I just discovered great old pocket doors in my house. Unfortunately the track is missing. I'm not sure if they are top or bottom hung. Does anyone know of someone to make a new track? Or some homemade solution - wheels maybe?
ISO Exterminator
Can anyone recommend an exterminator who's especially good at getting rid of mice? We have them in our kitchen in a brownstone in Park Slope, and glue traps are not enough. Thanks for any advice
John K
May 16, 2005
Central A/C to clean
I have a leak in a centralized A/C unit that's in my bathroom ceiling and would like to hire a professional to fix it. I tried to clean it by myself and wasn't successfull.
Could someone recommend someone?
Thank you for your time
Plumber needed
Hi everybody. I've got a few odd plumbing items to take care of here at our brownstone in eastern Bed-Stuy. Anyone know of a plumber who might have experience with the tankless "on-demand" water heaters?
I just found Brownstoner.com, so forgive me if this topic has been addressed before.
Reno of Decatur Street
Real Estate Transfer Tax question
Hi there,
To make it short: I purchased a 2family new construction in Fort Greene in june 2002. The day of the closing everything seemed to go well, I and my mortgagor wrote checks to everybody and I was relieved. now i just got a letter from the tax department asking me to pay $2000+ for a penalty because they received the transfer tax with a delay of 5months. They told me they should have gotten that check within a month and received it 6months later. So now who is to blame? My lawyer?
i have to pay $2000+ by mid june and i really feel trapped.. and my lawyer won't do anything for me he doesn't care, he already screwed my "tax abatment" that I lost because we didn't fill out the paperwork withing the time requested...
Please any tips is greatly apreciated, I am in a bad position right now!
Thank you so much I just discovered this site and am very impressed!!
Windowless Air Conitioner
Has anyone had any experience using windowless air conditioners? I have bars on the windows of my garden level and thought of trying these so called "portable" air conditioners.
drs office
I will have a Doctors office for rent in Park Slope approx 1800 sq ft. Very nice was an OBGYN. I own the house and can use the income.
Renovation
I am about to purchase a sweet limestone on PPW. How can I find out what the house looked like inside originally ? Also the name on a reputable GC to do work in the house. Built in 1899.Exterior Doors
Hi-
I want to replace my bad single front door with a more traditional Oak double door set, ideally with 3/4 or full glass. It's an odd size, so they would probably need to be made, and I'm looking for new as opposed to salvaged. Any suggestions for where I might look?
May 15, 2005
brokers for rental
I would like to rent a newly renovated duplex in my Cobble Hill brownstone. Any recommendations of brokers to work with?
Markowitz Has Turned the Corner
Please get the May 14th The Brooklyn Paper and read carefully Jess Wisloski’s excellent coverage of Marty Markowitz’s May 10th meeting in which Markowitz voiced support for protecting “suburban” Brooklyn (ie, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, etc.) from overdevelopment while remaining conspicuously silent on the same protections for Brownstone Brooklyn. Wisloski went on to address the intriguing fact that Markowitz clearly intended to obstruct Brownstone Brooklyn’s opportunity to participate by waiting until late Friday afternoon before announcing the time and place of the meeting, long after every newspaper deadline.
By continuing to disdain Brooklyn Brownstone’s impassioned pleas to control high-rise development, ignore the wishes of the Fort Greene community and their elected representative Councilwoman Letitia James, and favor Slick Willie Real Estate developers and their patron Mayor Bloomberg, Mr. Markowitz (and Mayor Bloomberg) are effectively returning us to corrupt methods of Tammany Hall and Mayor Jimmy Walker.
I say rid our selves of these pestilent priests and vote Marty Markowitz and Mayor Bloomberg into the political glue factory, replace them with representatives who are sympathetic, objective and respect their constituencies.
May 14, 2005
Vermont slate?
Can someone recommend a local source for salvage or new vermont slate tiles? I'd like to have a lovely slate countertop in my kitchen by this time next month. Thanks!
Potentially Fab Opportunity
Passing on a sleeper open-house a realtor sent me earlier this week. It's a 4-Unit, 4-Car Garage (can you believe it) house in Carroll Gardens for $1.9M. It's open on 05/15 from 12-2, and the address is 31 Third Place (I think at Henry Street). The realtor sent me a photo (standard townhouse, clean, well-maintained), and it looks pretty nice. I just can't get into Carroll Gardens and I don't have a car anyway. The only hitch is that, apparently the buyer has to pay the commission. But it's such a rare bird, it would probably pay. Good luck.
A Bizarre New Real Estate Site
Like most everyone else around here I feel the need to get in touch with my inner Gladys Kravitz and check all the realtors websites every week. Recently I found that Craigs List also features real estate listings. Although they lack the photos we all know and love (you know the ones that make you say, "oh my God, look at that chrome and glass coffee table"), if you have the patience to read through them you'll find some fascinating little gems. One entry led me to nyvideotours.com. It's very well meaning, but the result is really bizarre. Someone with a video camera simply walks through the house filming, and we watch and get a tour. If the sponsors get some quality real estate it could be a great tool. But it gave me the willies, "walking" through some strangers house, all very The Shining. I completely expected Jack Nicholson to pop out of a closet with a hatchet. This is what we love about Brooklyn.
May 13, 2005
bricks and stones for the taking
I have some pieces of bluestone (rough-shaped fragments, not whole slabs) and old bricks that would be great for a path or patio. Anyone want to come to Fort Greene and take them away? If so, give me your email address and I'll be in touch.
kitchen renovations
Has anyone had experience with Garfield Kitchens on Fifth Avenue in Park Slope?
May 12, 2005
Cast Iron Stoop Railings
We have these amazing cast iron railings on our stoop that desperately need to be repaired. Does anyone have a recommendation on who to use to get this done?
Waterproofing and roof repair
Can someone recommend a good roofer who can fix some soft spots on a flat roof of a carraige house as well as waterproof one side of the house? Thanks.
security in a brownstone
We recently bought in Ft Greene, and we feel very safe here- but we still would like to take precations for making our brownstone more secure. Our garden floor windows have bars, but the Parlor floors do not. Our front doors (front and 2nd doors) are double pane glass but do not have bars. We are not overly worried about our safety, we're on a good block (Adelphi, btwn DeKalb and Willoughby)- but we want to make a few additions to the security of our house, that make the most sense for added protetcion. What is the most important part of the house to secure and what gives you the most protection? Do alarms systems really make you safer? Would bars on the Parlor floor add a lot of protection? (about 1/2 of the homes on our block have them). We do not have a lot of money to spend.
May 11, 2005
Floor Joist Question
My father is an architect from out of state who is helping us with our brownstone renovation. He doesn't have any experience with old townhouses and asked me to find out some info about how these buildings are usually framed. Our place is an 1899 3-story, 20' wide brownstone in Bed-Stuy. Do the floor joists usually run from side to side, or from front to back? Can anyone recommend a book or website that details the way in which brownstones were built? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
May 9, 2005
Movers from Manhattan
Can anyone recommend a good moving company from Manhattan (UWS) to Brooklyn (Lefferts Manor)? Thanks.
May 7, 2005
wood refinisher
looking for a professional wood refinisher to patch, sand and restain orginal wood details in a limestone house
Upgrading Electricity from 60 to 100 Amperes
Can somebody give me a rough idea of how much it would cost to upgrade the electrictiy delievered to a unit from 60 amperes to 100? Our building has three wire service, 120/240 voltage with 200 amperes available in a 4 unit building. However, it is currently controlled by 150 ampere cartidges in the main box. Recommendations for the job would also be appreciated. Thanks!
May 5, 2005
Glass Door Repair
We have a door that needs it's flash glass pieces reinstalled. During the stripping of the door, however, the delicate panes were ruined and need to replaced. I've found a place that might have some info on Van Brunt but they only receive emails and I haven't heard back. The flash glass is fine- it is really a carpenter we need to do the woodwork and also someone to reinstall the glass pieces... maybe the same person.
Thanks,
Lisa
Video Tours
Hi this may be slightly off topic but....
Me and my husband have just finished renovating a property and have documented the transformation is photos. We found www.realpropertytours.com who film properties. We were thinking of using them to finish off out documentation with a video. But they seem to be based in Europe. Does anyone know of a more local company provided the same service?
May 4, 2005
Door repair
I'm looking for someone who can plane doors so that they close properly, as well as finding and installing new hardware so the door will stay closed (the doors have the original 100 yr old doorknobs, the "receiving" piece on the door jamb is miising everywhere. There are about 10 doors that need some repair.
Wall Insulation
Does anyone have an idea on how much it would cost for a retrofit insulation for multifamily home? BAllpark figures ok. Is it a dangerous or time consuming process?
Thanks.
May 3, 2005
Engineer/Inspector needed
Also looking for a crack engineer/inspector before I go to contract on a brownstone. How much should such an inspection cost? Recommendations based on personal experience very appreciated.
May 2, 2005
Tuck pointing needed
Can anyone recommend a good tuck pointer? We need to have the back of our four-story brownstone re-pointed. It's a fairly straightforward job -- just bricks and mortar, no terra cotta tile or brownstone -- but we need someone who can get started immediately. The man who agreed to take the job failed to show up. We would prefer to use someone who is licensed and insured.
Thanks!
Splitting a rowhouse
My friends and I are thinking about buying a rowhouse in Brooklyn together - we are two couples who would like to buy a 3 or 4 floor rowhouse which we would divide and eventually split up into separate condos.
I am trying to find info on this process; how to do this, buying a place as a tenancy in common, figuring out the mortgage and so on. also how to do the condo conversion.
Any advice or direction you can offer would be appreciated.