Forum: July 2005
July 29, 2005
Teak Trash Receptacles
Does anyone know where to buy one of those teak/cedar/whatever receptacles to conceal trash cans that goes outside the front of the house? Thanks.
July 28, 2005
Crumbling Bricks
Does anyone know of what to do about crumbling bricks in a brownstone? If you touch the bricks (a few in the back and in the basement), they just crumble. I suspect some sort of water damage???
Architect Prices
I am trying to have some alterations made to change the C of O of a property. I need to have drawings made for the 3 floors which total 2800 square feet plus the roof. I am trying to get a general sense of how much this should cost? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
Wallpaper Hanger
ISO an experienced wallpaper hanger. I need someone who knows what he is doing. It's for 1 room only. Thanks!
Combining Two Bedrooms
I would like to have the two front facing bedrooms in my Bay Ridge limestone made into one. As far as I can tell this is a fairly common practice as I saw many homes where that wall had been removed when I was house-hunting.
If anybody has had this done and/or knows of anyone capable of this job, please share their contact info with me.
July 27, 2005
Architect Experienced in Salvaged Materials
I'm looking to find an architect who has significant experience incorporating architectural salvage materials into a finished design.
Thanks in advnce for the input.
Checking for Asbestos
Does anyone have good advice or experience with the process of checking and treating for asbestos in the basement? To my inexpert eye, the crumbling old insulation around my basement pipes does not look good. I'd like to get an expert in to look. I have heard that you can get asbestos material sealed as opposed to removed, and this is actually safer because it does not release particles into the air. Anyone got experiences, recommendations for an expert and/or idea for how much this can cost?
July 26, 2005
Mounting a Sink
I need some help.
Recently a wall-mounted, single-basin, porcelain sink fell off its mounting bracket onto a friend's toe and shattered (the sink, not the toe, although the cut is nasty) on the bathroom floor.
Related causalities include thumb-sized gouge in the porcelain coating on the bathtub and my friend's toenail. My Landlord has decided to "fix" the problem himself, which is unsettling news for many, many, many reasons-- Some ascetic, some functional, some in the interest of time, and still others frankly related to safety... We have a severed toenail as evidence.
The Landlord bought a new mounting bracket, sink and faucet/drain assembly; but the sink moves around so much I fear a repeat if someone so much as sets a toothbrush on it. He's a nice old guy, it's his building, and he insists on doing the work himself; but every "repair" he has ever saddled has made my life more difficult.
I would LOVE for a trained professional to come to my apartment, mount the sink and hook up the drain assembly-- And, depending on the cost, I'll do it on my own dime.
I just can't take it anymore. At this rate, if he keeps making repairs my wife and I are going to be living in a tent.
Mason/Brick Specialist
I’m looking for somebody to build three 4” brick walls (72’ long in total and 8’ high) for my garden. Any reliable leads as well as estimates are welcome.
July 25, 2005
C of O Confusion Muddying Appraisal
I need help with an appraisal. We are buying a great house in Bed stuy, asking price $650k, we bid $684 in a busy field and won. Its in amazing condition, all victorian attributes intact, seller paid for a new roof etc. Great area, two blocks from subway. Its a legal two family, but used as a one family. Because of this the appraisals are coming in almost $100k too low. Does anybody have any experience that could help us?
Reasonable Exterminator
Can anyone recommend a GREAT and reasonably priced exterminator for mice and ants (feel free to chime in on companies to avoid)?
Thanks very much!
Trimline Wood Windows with Aluminum Clad
Has anyone used Trimline windows in their brownstones? Received a quote that was about $10k cheaper than Marvin and Pella and am wondering if anyone has any positive or negative experiences to share.
Thanks-
Red Paint Choice
I've been looking at reds to paint one big wall that goes from the parlor floor upstairs. I know there's more than one One Red Walled apt in Brownstone Brooklyn -- what color/brand did you use?
I though Benjamin Moore's "Candycane" might be the one, but it's a bit cold. BM Tricycle was too orange. BM Exotic Red, too pink. Those are the three I've actually tried on the wall. Farrow & Ball's Rectory Red looks pretty gorgeous on the swatch, but I'm loathe to spend the big bucks. Anybody used Pratt and Lambert? PL Red Statement and Candy Apple look good to me...but then Pintchik doesn't mix that brand there, and they were out of stock. HELP!
Fixing the Cement Patio
I have Brownstone in Prospect Heights and need to fix/re-build a backyard patio. It will involve breaking up old cement, re-grading the backyard so it's sloped away from the house, making sure water goes into the drainage system, and laying stones in a way that both looks really good and will keep water out of the basement.
Any brownstone owners out there can recommend someone they've used who was reliable, did a really professional job and reasonably priced?
July 22, 2005
Plants for Sale
I have four plants for sale.
2 of them are very healthy dwarf evergreens, about 2 1/2 feet tall. Each of them are in a white cedar planter.
2 of them are arbor vitae. Each of them are in a natural cedar planter. $200 for all four; will deliver in Brooklyn.
Dave Miller
917-922-6722
718-499-2572
Used Wolf Range Free for the Taking
When we moved in to our new home on Macon Street in Stuy Heights area, this beautiful Wolf range was in operation on the garden level kitchen. Unfortunately, we aren't using it. If anyone is interested and able to dismantle sufficiently to remove it from the property, it's yours. Contact: arifliakos@hotmail.com.
Digging Out the Basement
I would like to lower my “garden level” basement by about 18” Also, I’m thinking I will need to replace the existing brick columns and wood beam with steel. Any recommendations on contractors who have done this before, and avoided having the side walls collapse? Thanks for any ideas….
Glass Tile Resource
I'd like to use glass mini tiles for the backsplash in our new kitchen. can anyone recommend local tile resources where we can actually look at samples, etc? thanks.
July 21, 2005
Sink Reglazing
We need to have the our vintage service sink reglazed/refinished (from Moon River Chattel via tip from the Brownstoners). Can anyone recommend a good, reasonable refinisher? We would probably wnat them to come to our house. Thanks.
July 20, 2005
Mold Advice
With all the recent rain we've been having I need a waterproofing contractor to look into (and repair) a growing mold/leak issue in the basement of our 130 year-old brownstone. Any recommendations for me? I am loathe to venture into this area without a clue! Hopefully it may not be that serious or $$$. Here's to wishful thinking. Thanks for ANY input.
July 19, 2005
Molding Advice
We are renovating one of the apartments in our building (where we'll be living). We've put quite a bit of time and $ into in (obviously!) and are getting close to the end of the project (and our savings :-). Of course I didn't count on prices of molding -- and am now trying to figure out what to do. The apt is on the parlor floor and has big windows which have original hardwood molding INSIDE the windows (painted white). Everything else we need to replace (we had to gut more or less the apt. The floors are the original oak, and the ceilings are nearly 12 feet high. So, I first thought we'd just get pine molding and paint it white. Then of course I went to look at molding and realized how beautiful stained oak would be - and how expensive. ($3.10 a ft at dykers). If it was you, and you'd put a lot of time/$ into the other renovation (for us, nothing compared to i know what others here do) -- would you go the extra mile and put in oak molding, or do you think a simple pine molding is fine? The apt doesn't have lots of details unfortunately -- exposed (painted white) brick chimney's -- a recovered hand- painted porcelain sink, etc.. but no mantels, etc. (evil prior owners removed) -- the style of the apt is sort of industrial/rustic -- if that makes any sense. any advice much appreciated.
Waterproofing in Back Yard
We are doing a major redesign in our Prospect Lefferts Garden backyard. One plan calls for removing old concrete paving that abuts the rear extension wall and making that area a planting bed. So far, with the concrete apparently acting as a water barrier, our house has had no basement leakage problems. However, now that we intend to remove this concrete paving, we're being given differing opinions on what to do about the newly-"exposed" lower wall of the house.
One view is that we MUST waterproof by digging all the way down to the bottom of the foundation -- at least 4'-- and applying the tar, paper, cement etc. to the foundation. Another is that, although it's not necessary to do so, it would not hurt to dig only 1' foot and apply the waterproofing. Another is that it is simply not necessary, don't bother. Lastly, we have received the suggestion to remove the old and then re-pour new concrete. This time, though, it should be applied to the bottom of the brick wall, in a downward slope, and to extend out perhaps a foot or so. In this way, the slope would create a water course that is away from the building.
Is anyone out there familiar with these issues and have some solid advice? If the advice is to waterproof, can you recommend the right contractor to do it? Thank you!
GC and Designer for Center Slope B'stone
About to commence light to medium renovation of a brownstone in Center Slope. Need any suggestions for a contractor to handle interior and exterior work. ALSO need a good architect/designer preferably with experience in hip/contemporary design. Any suggestions out there?
Refinishing Wood Floors and Doors
I live in Bed Stuy and I'm looking for someone to refinish my wood floors and doors. Any suggestions?
Replacing Brass Supply Lines
Our plumber recently explained that he was tying brand new copper supply lines into the old yellow brass lines that exist in certain parts of our bstone. The GC independently said that it would be copper all the way down, otherwise he couldnt gurantee the work. Of course, the yellow brass is in fact remaining in a significant portion and has been tied into the copper. We brought it to GC's attention and he confronted the plumber, who insists that the original lines are in excellent condition and are, in fact, more durable than the new copper he might replace them with. They are offering to replace them anyway if we insist at no cost. We don't want to insist unless we feel there is very good reason.
Should we be concerned?
Rubbish Removal
Looking for a good, honest company that will do a day's worth of rubbish removal. Biggest job is getting material down five flights from roof. It would fit in one of those large SUV-sized containers (or large dump truck)
July 18, 2005
Hig Velocity Central Air
Does anyone have any experience having installed high-velocity central a/c? Pro/Cons? Recommended HVAC people? Supposedly a lot less messy than conventional central a/c that requires metal duct work.
Home Inspector/Engineer
I am looking for names of some home inspectors - prefferably people who are also engineers. Would anyone be able to suggest/refer names of people they have worked with?
Thanks much
Attorney for Building Code Issues
Does anyone on this forum know a good attorney that has knowledge of the city's building codes? This all has to do with an existing roof deck and possible violations.
Leaky Air Conditioner
A brand-new second-floor window A/C is constantly leaking a lot of water onto the outer sill and is has begun to drench the front of our brick carriage house. Can anyone suggest a plumber who can help divert the water? I've tried to install a funnel and tube, but I'm no McGuyver. Does this constant dripping even seem normal or does the A/C sound faulty? (The A/C needs to be on all the time as we have two puppies.) Thanks.
July 15, 2005
Gas Fireplaces
Can any one provide some insight on retrofitting a fireplace in my Harlem brownstone with a new gas fireplace? Actually I want to redo three fireplaces using a single gas line as they are "stacked" directly above each other on the first, second, and third floors.
I intend to use them primarily for decorative use rather than for heating the room. My fireboxes are about 11 inches deep, but one of them appears to have been bricked in to hold an iron "basket" -- I assume I have to remove that stuff, yes? I especially want to know what's involved, ie., how complicated is it, to what extent will this impact old chimneys and finally can anyone recommend a good company to do the work?
Any thoughts will be appreciated!
Roofing Techniques/Advice
I just got a roofing quotation from Greene Roofing - anyone used them? In terms of roofing product, they advised installing "SBS White Granulated Asphalt Membrane using trowled grade modified adhesive"...is this what most others are using/recommending??
Thanks for any assistance
Repainting Metal Window Bars
Need advice on painting the original bars on the garden floor windows and the gate underneath the stoop. Our GC suggested just scraping and painting the bars. The paint is severely cracking so a lot of it can come off by scraping however, we are looking for as near to perfect as we can get in the finish. The GC tried blowtorching the paint and ended burning the wood trim around the window behind it. That obviously won’t do especially since it’s the original window trim. He is now suggesting removing the metal bars and stripping, painting and putting back. At first that sounded good to me, because I thought they could just be unscrewed and screwed back on, but then he said he may have to cut and weld them back on. I don’t like the sound of that at all. Does anyone have experience dealing with this? Thanks!
Contractor/Electrician Nightmare
When we decided to add wd to the rental unit our contractor told us that electrical service is not adequate and we would need to do an upgrade. He brought licensed electricians who gave us an estimate for this work - $5,500. They said that this price includes a fee that they have to pay Con Edison because they have to apply for this and Con Edison has to unlock our meters.
Then strange things start to happened: we waited for Con Edison to show up 3 times but we never saw them. Finally, 2 months later electricians showed up without calling and said that they would break the meters themselves since Con Ed did not show up. We were worried that we could get in trouble if they broke locks but they assured us that they had a license and they do this all the time.
continued...
July 14, 2005
Outdoor Covers For Cellar Stairs/Chute
the metal covered shutes that go down to the cellar in the front and back of our house (sorry the correct term escapes me), the metal covers need to be replace. everytime we've had them open to load in things to the cellar they create a pleasant amount of light to the otherwise windowless space. we are going to make the cellar
an open and clean space, smooth concrete floors, fix the walls and arches etc. i would love to be able to have that light down there all the time. i can't figure out a solution because we do want to keep the covers operational so glass wouldn't work and also it would have to be a secure solution. is there anyway to do this and have all
the function, safety and light? thanks for any insights.
Piecemeal Reno or All Out...
First, a little background about our house in Windsor Terrace. We've owned it for five years. It's very small, just 20' x 20', and about 100 years old. There are three stories and a basement, with one room per floor. Ground floor is the kitchen/dining room, middle floor is the living room, top floor is the bedroom. That's right, a single family house with just one bedroom. The good part, though, is that we have a normal sized lot (25x100), so there is a large backyard and room for expansion.
The stuff that needs to be done on the house is starting to pile up. Right now, it's windows, gutters, stucco repair, and in a few more years, probably the roof. In our dream world, we'd also like to add an extra two bedrooms on to the back of the house to give us some extra living space while not giving up too much of the backyard.
Now the dilemma. Be proactive and do everything at once - renovation and expansion (i.e. big time refinancing)? Do renovation now and expansion in a few years? Or just do repairs in piecemeal as the need comes up? We have no plans on moving anytime soon, so preparing a house for sale isn't a factor in our decision. I'm just looking for some advice of what people have done, and how they personally would recommend going about this.
Thanks
July 13, 2005
General Contractor
I just bought a brownstone in Park Slope and need a good general contractor to help us get up and running. This will not be a full renovation at all but a variety of projects ranging from painting, tile work, facade work and outdoor steps. Any suggestions?
Garden Design and Brick Wall
I am interested in turning my brownstone garden into a zen-like japanese garden. Does anyone know anyone who has experience in Asian garden design?
Also, what does it cost to erect a brick wall? How high can I go (Center Slope)?
Many thanks
Asian Minimalist Interior Design
Does anyone know anyone who can handle a minimalist, asian contemporary/japanese interior design job, someone who is capable of working on a budget? Would appreciate any suggestions, many thanks.
Exterior renovation, facade and decaying steps
Can someone recommend a guy who can handle a complete exterior job - the previous owner of my brownstone has covered the entire building with some sort of horrid fake composite and it needs to be properly restored. How nasty do the costs get on a job like this?
July 12, 2005
Tree Problem
we need to deal with an apple tree that has taken over our lives and our neighbors lives. it is producing thousands of rotten apples that are eveywhere and keep on coming. we don't want to cut the tree but we are hoping there is a solution now- also the tree didn't produce any apples last season and half as much the season before, so I am not sure why that is. we are in need of a tree expert if anyone has a reference.
Bed Stuy Electrician
I 've just purchased a 4 family Brownstone in the bedstuy area and would like to know if anyone could suggest a reasonable priced electrician who could install an intercom system for the building.
Thanks
Brick Mason
Sometime in the past, the front steps of my home in Ditmas Park were rebuilt in a way that I can no longer live with. So I'm having them redone in brick. Any suggestions for a good brick mason would be appreciated.
Many Thanks.
July 11, 2005
Spiral Stairs
Does anyone have recommendations for stair fabricators in the area? We need to replace a set of spiral stairs. Has anyone heard of/used FREWA on 26th Street in Brooklyn? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Creative Layouts for Brownstone Rentals
I am renovating my 3rd floor apartment in my 4 story Bed-Stuy Brownstone. Does anyone have a good idea for great layout for a 2 bedroom rental? I'm trying to avoid the 1 normal sized bedroom and 1 oversized closet posing as a 2nd bedroom. Any creative floorplans would be extremely helpful.
Chimney Specialist Question
Has anyone had any experience with a chimney specialist named David Watt? I recently had him do an estimate, which seemed reasonable, but I have no idea with respect to the quality of his work.
July 10, 2005
Window Installer
I've seen the recent posts regarding where to purchase windows, but does anyone have a window installer they can recommend? Need to replace all of the windows in my brownstone.
Iron Work Reproduction/Installation
Have a beautiful brownstone in Bed Stuy.Unfortunately as we were closing a few balistrads for our front handrails and one of our original security window gates were removed, We are seeking someone who specializes in the reproduction and instalation of these. We know we are going to spend 10 to 15,000 (thank god for insurance) but need some leads on who does it in BNrooklyn.
Help Please.
July 8, 2005
Reproduction Pocket Door
I'm looking for somebody to make a reproduction pocket door - I'm missing one side of a pair. Anyone have any advice? I've tried looking in salvage stores and haven't had much luck yet.
Jeff
Custom Stainless Steel
We’re renovating our rental kitchen and we want to use stainless steel for the backsplash. Does anyone know where to get custom cut stainless steel?
Chimney Repair
Could somebody please recommend a reasonably priced chimney repair person? I’d like to have the chimney relined and a have a new gas fireplace installed. The existing brick chimney is very old and may never have been used for a conventional fireplace.
Venetial Stucco
We are considering Venetian stucco (waxed and burnished) in our bathroom for all walls including those around the clawfoot tub/shower (no tile). We will not be showering in there very often (prefer daily bath). Think it will hold up? Would we be better off with a coat of poly over the stucco instead of wax? Or is this idea just not feasible?
Salvager: Chambers Stove ca. 1948 in Bed-Stuy
Selling Chambers Stove, white "C" model. In working order, in need of cleaning, slight rust on lip of lid. Buyer must be able to pick up from house, ground floor. This stove is heavy. Asking $1000. Contact: placedevoges@hotmail.com
GC? Architect? What to do...
I am the proud new owner of a 4 story, 3 family Bed-Stuy Brownstone and it needs a bit of work. Electric and Plumbing need to be upgraded and I'd like to get the top floor apartment ready for tenants first. Should I get an Architect or General contractor first. Also, I've gotten some widely varying quotes from contractors from $10K to $50K for the top floor alone. And these contractors claim to have electricians working with them. Should I go with one contractor and let him hire the electrician/plumber etc. or hire individually. Obvioulsy, money IS an object.
Any advice will be welcome
Co-op Renovation
I live in a co-op that was once three individual 1889 brownstone houses- combined in 1969 into an apartment. The co-op wants to renovate the exterior and I am trying to build a case for serious renovation not just a band aid paint job. My most hated feature (among many) is the box over the entry. Many people have suggested a canvas awning and I really don't want that. I need help coming up with other options to convince them otherwise. Of course cost is a factor (it's a co-op) so I'm hoping there is maybe something pre-fab or easily fabricated that we could install.
Also any insights on painting the outside vs. restoring back to brownstone. Right now it looks like the house of doom but a lot of people like it(!?). I think even a lighter brown would be better than what it is now.
Any leads would be greatly appreciated. I need to be very informed to win this one!
Thank you,
July 6, 2005
Plaster Techniques
I am interested in plaster work, specifically if anyone has used it in an inventive or creative way. Any finish (textured, waxed, with pigment, etc.). Looking for before and after photos of plaster work done in a foyer or surrounding a fire plac (anything good looking but none too expensive).
Thanks
t
Expansion of Landmarks Boundaries?
A local landmarks-oriented carpenter just told me that Landmarks is an ever-expanding category in Brownstone Brooklyn, and that my just-outside-the-designated-area abode might not be that way for long. Can anyone enlighten me about this??
THX!
Paint and Plaster
Does anyone have any recommendations for interior painting including plaster repair? Need to paint entire Parlor floor and Kitchen including cabinets. Need contractor to do this floor due to ceiling height and scaffolding requirments.
Thanks
July 4, 2005
Patching and Painting Brownstone?
The front stoop/stairs of my brownstone is decaying as well as the lintels under the front windows. It seems that somebody has tried to repair the stoop in the past since there are cement patches in it. There is cement underneath the stairs as well. Is there some sort of powder that can be mixed with cement to make a brownstone-like patching substance? I am thinking of doing this job myself. What techniques should I use? I read somewhere that painting brownstone is bad because it traps moisture. Is this true?
Conversion from 2 to 3 Family
Has anyone converted a 2 family to a 3 family? I am looking at a property that is being used as a 2 family and it is taxed as a 3, listed as 3 units through HDP, but then doesn't have an MDR number. There are no original plans to see how it originally was arranged. It looks like it probably was a 2 family, but am wondering if anyone has gone through the process of making a 2 family a 3 family. Just would like some general feedback on the process. Thanks. amjb
July 1, 2005
Removing Brick Facade? Help!
I just purchased a "Brownstone" in Carroll Gardens that the previous owner had bricked over with a brick facade. We can see some metal pins, I think they are called "tie backs" or "tie ins" that one of the tenants says were put there to help hold together a crack in the brownstone underneath the brick. There is also water damage under the stoop we are told by M&H Construction is there because water is getting in through the mortar that is between the bricks on the steps. This seems to be the case as you can see that someone tried to repair a crack in the mortar with a slightly different color mortar.
So my question is, do we remove the bricks, try to fix up these problems, and then cover it back up with brownstone stucco or cement or do we put the brownstone stucco or cement over the brick?
Also, has anyone used Acrylic Stucco and if so do you recommend it?
Thank you.
Treating an Exterior Door
We have an interior door that we are now using as an exterior door. The door was sanded and painted with exterior paint. However, the paint is already peeling off. I was told that there are companies that will come and take your door and treat it so that it could be used as an exterior door. Has anyone done this? The door is original to the house (1870's). Thanks.