Forum: June 2005
June 30, 2005
Interior Designer That Won't Break the Bank
I recently had my bid accepted on a brownstone in Clinton Hill that needs a little TLC and am rushing to contract. Soon after closing, I’d like to do a little (mostly cosmetic) renovating. Can you recommend a designer who has a good feel for brownstone parlors, preserving architectural details, salvage, color, etc., can manage the contractors, that is reputable and won’t cost an arm and a leg?
Also looking for a landscaper/gardener who can help me with the backyard.
All ideas appreciated!
June 29, 2005
Stairs
Anyone know a good and affordable stair company or a good carpenter? I need my banister and spindles reconnected -- some work was done and they were left lying around in pieces...thanks...Also have other general carpentry work I need done...
Dipping Shutters
Does anyone know where you can get shutters dipped?
Thanks
June 28, 2005
Contractor Feedback
If anyone has had experience with Men at Work General Contractors (Mark Pariti), M.A. Jones Contracting (Roy Jones) or Total Property Services, Inc., please let me know if it was positive or negative? We are planning to renovate our lobby (tiling, marble, etc.) in the coming months.
Affordable Contractor and Plumber for Bed Stuy
I just bought a brownstone in bedstuy on hancock & stuyvesant. I need to renovate the garden & parlor floors. Getting outrageous estimates for labor only. The contractor who renovated the 3rd fl rental cost 10k, labor only. I've gotten one estimate for 50k for the garden/parlor floor. Also, do you know of a good, affordable plumber to relocate pipes for kitchen/bath?
Thank you so much!
Salvager: Old Clawfoot from Bed Stuy
Selling clawfoot tub from 105 year old brownstone in Bedstuy for $300. Dimensions: 66" long, 23 1/4" high. Buyer must be able to pick up from house. Contact: sevenleeps@yahoo.com.
Code for Backyard Fence Height?
Does anyone know the height limit for a fence in the backyard of a Clinton Hill Brownstone? There is an existing chainlink fence with the nasty green plastic inserts. We want to replace it with a solid wall for sound insulation/privacy. I have not been able to find the code on the NYC.gov website. Also, suggestions regarding sound insulation in general in rear yards would be helpful.
Thanks
June 26, 2005
Top-Notch Stucco Contractor
We are seeking a really, really good cement stucco contractor. Preferably one who can do other exterior work, like painting metal cornices and replacing gutters, leaders, windows and doors. Can anyone recommend someone -- other than Malek? We tried doing business with him already and we think he must be either super rude super busy. Either way, he just doesn't answer calls and follow up! Meanwhile, we're in a big hurry.
Thanks!
June 22, 2005
Finishing the Fireplace Surround
We have several of the very familiar white marble firepaces, as shown in the renovation blog. The black metal surround to the firebox is worn but we dont know how to restore it. Should it be painted with enamel, polished, or something else.
SJ
Removing Cement Floors
we are just beginning to get our heads around 2 bathroom redos on the second and third floor. we are keeping the bathrooms in their current location. the previous owner at some point during her upgrade in the late 70's put down about 6inches of cement under the tile flooring of just the bathroom area. this makes these rooms a step up from the hall which is awkward. I am assuming this was done, in theory, to add floor support. seems like that would make the floor itself heavier- question, if we take out the cement when we redo does that compromise anything and also i really don't get why they put it there?
"Unbreakable" Glass
Has anybody used this in windows in their house or know anything about it as a product? We are re-doing a laundry room (ground floor)and would love to get rid of bars on these windows, is this a viable alternative or more just a gimmick?
Looking for 4 1/2-foot Clawfoot Tub
ISO a 4 1/2-foot vintage clawfoot tub. Any leads would be much appreciated. We also have a 5-footer in somewhat decent condition we'd be willing to trade or sell. Our bathroom shrunk a bit in the renovation...
Mysterious Interior Window and Skylight
I live in a 2 family brownstone in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. In the middle of the house is a small room (den). On the first floor there is a closet, inside I found a sky light looking up into the room above it. I noticed a previouse owner borded something up in the ceiling, I was suprised to find a window when i tore the board down. Now on the 2nd floor where the closet should be is just a wall... I was wondering if this was perhaps boarded up? Why is there a window on the ceiling of the closet on the first floor if it doesn't seem to serve any purpose to the room on top of it? Any help would be well appriciated.
thanks
June 21, 2005
Deck Permits
I have exclusive roof rights at a small condo building in the North Slope (three units, of which I own the top two). From what I understand, I can deck in 20% without a permit. If I want to deck more than that I need to get a permit. What does that involve? How do I do about getting a permit? How much should I generally expect to spend getting a permit and how much time will it take?
Thanks.
Connecting a Gas Lamp
Hello there!
I own a brownstone in Bed Stuy. I think I have the original gas lamp
out front that I would like to have reconnected. I looked inside and it’s definitely not electric. I called KeySpan to see if they hook up gas lamps and the guy told me they do it when they’re not busy. When is that? I asked. No idea was the reply. So KeySpan is hopeless.
Does anyone know any companies that install gas lamps?
Thank you!
June 20, 2005
Windows Questions
I am replacing 6 windows in my apartment in Brooklyn Heights. They are not at the front of the building so I believe we do not need to worry about landmark codes. We are considering two companies- Park Slope Glass, and Innoworks (Eddie Pagan is the contractor's name). Does anyone have feedback about either of these places? Innoworks is giving us a musch better price, and will actually be doing more work (replacing the windowsills and adding moulding to the borders) but they are only insured- not liscenced... is this a problem? Also- we are looking at Pella Pro-line windows- are these good quality? We currently have single pane windows with storm windos- both companies are telling us that with the new windows we will not need the storm windows- that they will remove them- is this a good idea?
Thank you in advance for any feedback- we are new at the renovation thing and just want to do it right.
Salvager: Turn of the Century Built-In Server
I’ve recently purchased the apartment below mine in a 1905 limestone walk-up in Park Slope with the intention of combining the units. The planned combination will result in the elimination of one of the formal dining rooms (16’ x 13’) which is nicely appointed with the original woodwork including built-in server, wainscot, dentil moldings, plate rail, etc. It seems wasteful to simply tear these out and I was wondering if someone would be willing to take them in exchange for removing them. I can provide exact measurements if interested, but the server is about 4'6" wide and about 2 feet deep. For reference, the doors (which are not included) are 7' tall.
contact: CMorisi@SpitzerEng.com
Brownstone Architect
We want to convert our two family to a one family and need an architect to draw up plans for the rental unit floor. We want to convert the unit back to the original layout which shouldn't be too tough. We're hoping legitimate plans will make it a lot easier for the contractor to follow. Anyone have recommendations for a "brownstone architect" whose willing to just draw up plans?
Homeowner's Insurance
We’re in contract on a 4-family in Clinton Hill and are researching homeowner’s insurance possibilities. Actually, we’re not sure where to begin. Is an insurance broker a good idea? We’re planning to transfer ownership to our corporation after closing, which may complicate the matter slightly. Any information/recommendations on insurance companies or brokers would be very much appreciated.
Marble and Tile for Sale
I have 900 square feet of White and Mixed Darby Marble for sale. This marble is 1ft. x 1ft. and is in styrofoam wrapping.
Also, have approximately 10 boxes of 6in x 6in white floor tile for sale.
contact: mamoroso@cisco.com
June 17, 2005
Pocket Door Restoration
We have just discovered that our tracks in the walls for the original pocket doors are still intact behind an added piece of wood. No tracks in the floor I'm afraid, but we'd like to know if anyone knows someone who can refurbish/repair our pocket doors on the parlor floor and install tracks so we can get them working again. We'd also like to do the same with what we believe was an area for pocket doors on our garden level. Money is an object, and we are looking for suggestions of a good reasonably priced person who can do this. Thanks!
Propane Source
I live in Carroll Gardens and am looking to purchase propane for my grill. I've heard the closest place to fill my tank is the Home Depot near Red Hook, which is a bit of a hike. Are there any other nearby options? I live on Butler St. (near Smith). Thanks.
Price per square foot?
I have been looking to buy a 2 family brick townhouse/brownstone in the North Slope area (north of 1st Street, between 4th Ave and 6th Ave). Can someone who is familiar with the area shed light on whether or not the vicinity of $600 per square feet is a reasonable cost for such property? At this price, is the price per sq. ft. approaching Manhattan?
Salvage: Fancy Wall for Sale or Trade
Looking to trade or sell this fancy wall coming out of my 1899 townhouse in Carroll Gardens. Feel free to contact me directly at vbfarrell@mac.com if you are interested.
June 16, 2005
Real Estate Tax Calculations
Can anyone direct to me a resource that will explain exactly how the real estate taxes for my FG brownstone were determined? Even though my building has the same CO as my neighbors, they seem to be paying much less.
Thanks!
HB
4 Original Wood Doors from P. Slope Brownstone
I have 4 old solid wood doors to sell! Or trade for some nice windows... They are from my Park Slope renovation and look like all the other original doors in my house. All the same style more or less, but one door has a window.
1) Interior door 78 1/2" x 27 1/4"
2) Window door (glass intact) 72" x 31 3/4", window is 19" x 35" NOT YET STRIPPED!
3 +4) Pair of tall doors 95" x 27 1/2"
Contact guidoo@mac.com for more information.
Good Floor Person
I need a good floor person to sand, clean and seal the top two floors of my brownstone. There's been someone renting up there for a dozen years so the floors are in good shape but are very dirty. Can anyone recommend a good floor person who can come and do this?
Thanks
BS
June 15, 2005
Marvin Tilt Turn Windows?
I'm looking for a solution...I have a parlor floor window that we use to get to a backyard deck. I want to keep my nice big kitchen window (86" x 30") with it's beautiful stripped original moldings while making it easier to get to the deck. I don't want to put in a door! Anyone have Marvin Tilt'n'Turn windows? They supposedly open like a door OR a window. I've looked at them on the Marvin website, but it's not very satisfying. Dykes Lumber does not have one on display and they say they don't sell many. I don't really care what brand it is, and I am outside of the landmarked district. Plus it's for the back. Thank you!
LG
Lien Search Fee
When buying a coop, my lawyer told me that his fee would be $1,000. When I got the bill I saw that there was an additional lien search charge of about $500. Should a lien search for a coop cost that much? Is it usually included in the lawyer's fee or a seperate charge?
Thank you.
Roofer Wanted
I am looking to hire a good contractor/roofer to repair and/or replace a flat roof on our single family in Bushwick. We bought the house a year and half ago so we don't really know what is going on up there except that it is leaking in several spots. Roof is supposedly relatively new. Thanks.
Repairing Drain Pipe
I am looking for a company, I assume it would be a roofer, to repair the drain pipe on our 4 story (8 unit) limestone coop in Park Slope. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Redoing Front Steps
we have a lime/forest(?) green brick house exterior with black trim doors and windows- we actually like the green, it's what caught our eyes when we were just driving through the area looking at all the houses- this one just happened to eventually become for sale. the previous owner went a little crazy with the paint and painted the front steps this green as well. we now need to get our front steps redone and the person can do the brownstone brown color or white cement for us to paint to stick to the current look- i'd prefer to not paint but then I am afraid green, black and brown is going to look awful- i've seen this color green house around the neighborhoods but can't remember where to see what they've done- any thoughts are much appreciated.
Light Carpentry on Door Molding
We're looking for a referral for someone to do light carpentry repair on a door molding in our top floor apartment. One of our tenants evidently got a little rough trying to open a stuck door and ripped a pretty sizable crack in the interior molding. Does anyone have a recommendation/experience with this kind of thing? It may be that the whole molding needs to be replaced but we'd rather avoid that if we can. Thanks in advance.
June 14, 2005
Stripping Lincrusta?
Is it feasible to remove paint from Lincrusta, or will the Lincrusta disintegrate? There are panels of Lincrusta in the dining room of our limestone painted dark green and I would prefer to strip the paint and then stain it to give it some dimension. From my understanding Lincrusta is more akin to wallpaper than plaster hence cannot be stripped. Any thoughts or is it too risky?
Thank you.
Effect of C of O Change on Property Taxes
My house is a 2-family, getting a new C-of-O as a 1-family. Anyone know if this could affect the tax on the property? Currently the finance department’s market value is higher than the assessed value.
June 13, 2005
New Backyard Fence
We are looking to replace the rusty-falling-over-chain-link fence in our Clinton Hill backyard with a permanent wood fence. We’d like it to be about the same height (4.5 feet) and run the length of the back yard (40 feet). We had considered bamboo to cover it up, but the neighbors are now interested and will split the cost, so it seems worthwhile to get it right and not just shoot for cosmetics. We’ll be doing the work ourselves. Any thoughts on keeping the chain link posts (which are upright and not rusting) and affixing wood to them? Any suggestions on raw materials? Recommendations for pre-made sectional fencing (besides Lowes and HD)? Any special considerations we should know about? Thank you.
2 Beveled Glass Brownstone Door Panels
I have 2 beveled brownstone door clear glass panels from a set of front doors.. They measure about 13 ¾” x 68 ½”. They are in great condition and I would like them to go to someone in need.
Stripping a Fireplace
Hi there. Does anyone know how to strip paint off a marble fireplace? It looks like very old oil paint. Thanks.
REPLACING IRON FENCING/RAILING
I have a brownstone in Park Slope. Alas, all of our original ironwork (stoop railings and front fencing) was ripped out years ago and replaced with garbage. Two of our neighbors still have the good stuff -- gorgeous. Any ideas on how to try to replace (in the ballpark-ish) what was once there? A handyman told me that you can get repro stuff made out of concrete and paint it black, but that sounds tacky. I really want iron. But I'm guessing it will be crazy expensive. Thoughts?
June 9, 2005
Sloping Floors
My floors all slope (not sag) toward the wall running through the center of the house separating the hallways and stairwells from the main rooms. The slope is progressively more severe the higher the floor (the 3rd story floors being the most severely sloped). Does anyone know of a feasible way to level the floors (or at least partially level the floors), or is this something I will just have to live with? I am hoping to level/plumb everything, especially so that my pocket doors line up properly with their moldings, etc.
Thanks.
Adding Skylights
Interested in having 2 skylights put above the 2 top floor bedrooms. anyone done this and any recommendations, estimated costs, did it make as big a difference as I think it will in really opening up the space up there.
thanks
Iron Entry Doors
i am looking for entry doors that are glass with iron work vs. wood entry doors- examples i've seen are on 3rd st off of PPW and around that side of the park- anyone know where to start to looking.
thanks
Restoring Front Doors
I want to restore the double front doors to our brownstone. They have a gazillion coats of paint and various patch and "restoration attempts" as well as some structural weak areas. What is the most sane way about doing this ones self? I have very good woodworking skills but hate to strip paint. Does anyone know of someone who can "dunk or dip" the doors in Brooklyn?
June 8, 2005
Window-unit air-con alternatives?
Does anybody out there have experience with what is referred to "ventless central air"? I don't want to fill my precious windows with air-conditioning units and am trying to determine if there are any practical options. I live in a landmarked building, so I can't make cuts through the walls to install units that way. Any information would be appreciated
Finished Basement or Roofdeck?
I am about to start on a major gut renovation of a 3 story, 2 family brownstone in Park Slope. I can afford to either finish the basement to make it a play-room for my son, or build a deck on the roof. Our views of Manhattan from the roof are great. I am leaning towards the roof deck, but I think there could be great value in a finished basement as well. The costs are about the same. My question for the forum is where should I put my money? Which will give me more use and enjoyment, and which will be valued more when I sell?
Thanks!
Jim
Cockroaches
I just moved into an old brownstone in Boerum Hill a few weeks ago and yesterday saw my first cockroach as it fell out of my laundry pile in my closet. I am admittedly very naive about roaches (I have been lucky enough not to have had a problem in other apartments), that being said I am looking for both an excellent exterminator and also tips on how to prevent roaches from re-appearing. Basically i am looking for the most effective methods and if possible, the least toxic to my living environment.
Also, how responsible is the building owner for controlling this problem?
Thanks!
RE Lawyer for Disputes?
Does anyone have any recommendations for good real estate lawyers who specialize in disputes as opposed to transactions?
Thank you
June 7, 2005
Contractor for Small Kitchen
I need a recommendation for a contractor that can efficiently install cabinets and flooring in my kitchen (a NYC 7'x7' galley). It's pretty straight forward with no construction. I'll probably end up using Home Depot for the cabinets but have had much problem with their 'servicing' and don't want to take it further with them (i.e. using their contractor). As everyone knows, a contractor recommendation is everything! Thanks
June 6, 2005
Prospect Park West - Major Reno
I now own this beauty and am in need of a GC to do a major renovation. I have heard Sean Dineen's name mentioned. Does anyone have his # as well as any other good contractors for a renovation in Park Slope. My house was built in 1899 by an architect names Montrose Morris, a pretty famous Brooklyn architect I guess.
ELECTRICIAN FOR OLD SCARY WIRING
I've got a rat's nest of old black cloth covered electrical wiring to get sorted out, and my old standby electrical nice guy has passed away. Every other freelance electrician I know can work new construction but shrinks from the box in my basement...any suggestions for a reliable and reasonable electrician, experienced with old house wiring in Park Slope?
THANK YOU
REPLACING WINDOWS
Looking to replace my original windows - and I'm just outside a landmarked district in the Slope so no special vetting. Any recent experiences to share? I'm doing those long thin parlor windows, among others. I used LWP (Lucky Window Products) 10 years ago for the first round of replacements...in the back of the house, standard small windows, and they were fine.
THANK YOU
June 4, 2005
Clinton Hill Hangouts
I'm planning a dinner with the wife this weekend at Locandi (sp?) in Clinton Hill. Any suggestions for a nice place to go after dinner (lounge with live music?), or a good stroll to take in the area.
thanks
anon
June 3, 2005
Handyman/Contractor Needed
We've got an apt that needs renovating in Red Hook and our usual contractor is over booked and we need him for a larger job later in the month. We need someone to patch + paint, put in a new kitchen floor, cabinets, and possibly redo the bathroom (removing the sink, moving the toilet and installing a new stand up shower). Anyone have recommendations for someone good, responsible and not too high end. We'll take care of buying the furnishings, just want someone to do the install + work.
Thanks....
Red Hook
Re: Bricks and Stones for the Taking
To the person who posted on May 13, if you still have bricks, I'd love to take them off your hands. I'm building a brick fence in my backyard and I'm trying to only use salvaged brick. Please email me at diadian@gmail.com.
Thanks,
Victor.
June 2, 2005
Modern Deck/Fence
Looking for any information regarding having a rear deck built. Any estimates on how much a 13x8 ft steel deck would run? Any recommendations on a someone who's good at making one? Any good modern deck builders/designs out there?
Also looking for any good modern fence ideas/suppliers/builders.
Thanks for any info.
June 1, 2005
Garden Tiles
Does anyone know a good place in Brooklyn to buy garden tiles/decorative stones/etc?
thank you.
Feral Cats
I have a large colony of wild cats (5-8) that live in my backyard (as well as my neighbors) due to the fact that the local crazy woman feeds them. They are digging up my newly renovated backyard and leaving nice little presents all over.
Anybody have experience dealing with this?
Thanks