We were caught in similar situation re self certifying and are in the midst of cleaning it up. If you ignore and have to deal with it down the line, will probably have to pay penalties that accumulate over time and still fix the problem. Best bet would be to deal with it now, suck it up, but not have to think about it again.

Posted by: mh at September 9, 2009 10:42 AM in response to Messy DOB Situation with Ext.

I've also used Rebuilder's Source out of the Bronx on two occasions. Both times they came to my house in Brooklyn within the week and took away a ton of stuff. 718-742-1111

Posted by: mh at August 5, 2009 3:14 PM in response to Donate your Reno "Salvageables"

Rebuilders Source 718-742-1111 or 1115

Posted by: mh at June 29, 2009 3:44 PM in response to donating salvage items

Had the same exact issue, we use EconoSewer. Reasonable, they come every 6 months to snake out the line. 718-338-8484

Posted by: mh at May 11, 2009 12:36 PM in response to Sewer issues

I think the rental income could make an otherwise unaffordable home doable, it allowed us to buy a house and the rent covers half the mortgage. Be aware, though, that you do need some sort of cushion, as there may be months where the unit is vacant (ie between tenants) or the tenant does not pay on time.

Posted by: mh at May 7, 2009 1:11 PM in response to Becoming a landlord

Also, a good inspector should be able to give some idea of the costs of general yearly upkeep for that particular home(ie cleaning the gutters, chimney sweep, etc, etc).

Posted by: mh at May 5, 2009 11:30 AM in response to Maintaining a Victorian home

Depends on the house. If you moved into HOTD that seems to have updated electrical, roof, etc, you're looking repainting every 10 yrs or so, could cost a pretty penny. If things have been more neglected, you may need to replace major items -- boiler, water heater, roof. But as above, once that's done, it's done. There always seems to be something that comes up in these older homes. We did a major renovation in our home, and wanted to use the backyard this summer only to realize that we needed to replace a rotted out fence around the perimeter. Lawn upkeep may be the least of it-- we have someone who comes in every 2-3 weeks for $60 per, upkeeps the lawn in the backyard, cleans up around the side and planted our front garden which came in quite nicely this year.

Posted by: mh at May 5, 2009 11:28 AM in response to Maintaining a Victorian home

Agree with evfred. Live in nearby Ditmas Park West and underwent a similar, exhaustive renovation. This one looks like it was done pretty nicely, and not to have to live thru a reno and be able to move into a house like this adds a lot of value. The neighborhood isn't for everyone, but it is for a lot of people -- good livin'.

Posted by: mh at May 5, 2009 11:21 AM in response to House of the Day: 1816 Glenwood Road

If still needed, or for those looking in the future, can also try Rebuilder's Resource (don't have their info handy). Don't think they disassemble, but they haul away just about anything and you can get a tax write-off. They offer it to others to reuse in their renovation. And for those giving OP a hard time, get over yourselves!!

Posted by: mh at April 27, 2009 1:11 PM in response to I want to freecycle my kitchen

You can get the HDMI monster cables on Amazon for less than $2 each (shipping will be about ten bucks) that are just as good as the ones they'll try to sell you in the store for $75.

Posted by: mh at April 5, 2009 7:59 AM in response to buying a flat screen TV

You can also try posting on freecycle

Posted by: mh at April 4, 2009 8:35 AM in response to Throwing away large items

I live in Ditmas just off Courtelyou, love the area, great for kids, though I'm not up on the schools just yet. I think a 2BR is doable at around 2K.

Posted by: mh at March 13, 2009 12:44 PM in response to current rents in PS, WT

You might also consider Ditmas Park area

Posted by: mh at March 12, 2009 1:38 PM in response to Rental Prices?

Second Lamp Doctor rec

Posted by: mh at March 12, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Electrifying Vintage Sconces

We did something similar but, luckily did not have to excavate. We had some mild water issues that were cleared up from the outside, and they did their best to smooth out the floor and we just laid carpeting with extra think padding over it, which did they trick. New walls, ceilings with high hats (sorry bstoner), new bathroom, laundry room and enclosed the boiler room. Ran us about $30K two years ago, which also included redoing two sets of stairs. Would be glad to give you our contractor's info and you can come by to take a look at the finished product.

Posted by: mh at February 27, 2009 11:55 AM in response to Finished basement: cost/ideas?

Robert Albani -- used him on our home purchase and were very pleased. Don't have his number handy, but he's gotten a lot of recs on brownstoner.

Posted by: mh at February 25, 2009 4:06 PM in response to Need a good inspector

We did this in our basement, turned it into a carpeted playroom for the little one, refinished laundry room, enclosed the boiler to code. Our contractor was Richard of Masterpiece Construction 646-645-2300

Posted by: mh at February 16, 2009 4:46 PM in response to Finished cellar recommendations

Hi
You can call our contractor Richard at 646-645-2300. He recently finished work on our home in Ditmas Park and we are very satisfied. Not sure what his schedule looks like, but definitely give him call and you can mention my name

Matt

Posted by: mh at January 13, 2009 2:21 PM in response to contractor recommendation

When this happened to us, we got Roto Rooter to come on an emergency, and now use Econ-o-sewer to snake out the tree roots every 6 months.

Posted by: mh at December 20, 2008 10:26 PM in response to Help! Basement Flood !!

We used Miracle Maids, they did a great job but it was not cheap.

Posted by: mh at December 17, 2008 11:42 AM in response to cleaning company

We just removed two of these Fujitsu units as we installed central air. Let me know if you'd be interested in buying them. mholden0 at lycos.com

Posted by: mh at December 17, 2008 11:11 AM in response to Installing a Wall-Through Air Conditioner?

Oy, they ran out of blintzes :(

Posted by: mh at December 3, 2008 11:10 AM in response to Wednesday Links

Love L+B Spumoni Gardens, of course!

Posted by: mh at November 22, 2008 4:58 PM in response to Aunt Suzie's

Sam's
238 Court Street
Yummy!

Posted by: mh at November 22, 2008 9:46 AM in response to Aunt Suzie's

We live in the neighborhood, just finishing up a major project of our two family house -- took the roof off, new central AC, added two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, redid the main floor and finished the basement with a new bathroom. Very happy with our GC Richard of Masterpiece Construction who has done a lot of work in the area on these old homes, including his own. 646-645-2300, tell him Matt recommended.

Posted by: mh at October 31, 2008 9:25 PM in response to Contractor for a Victorian in historic district

We've had great experience with Richard at Masterpiece Construction 646-645-2300. Tell him Matt referred you

Posted by: mh at October 31, 2008 9:15 PM in response to General Contractor Recommendation

Might be interested, where is it located?
email me at mholden0 at lycos dot com

Posted by: mh at October 29, 2008 12:28 PM in response to Oak Roll-Top Desk for Sale

Is there a dumbwaiter or old heating grates? There may be a dead rodent at the bottom or something.

Posted by: mh at October 16, 2008 12:53 PM in response to old house smell?

Try Econ-o-Sewer 718-338-8484.
I've used them and been very happy with results, reasonably priced.

Posted by: mh at October 8, 2008 11:16 AM in response to sewer clog?

I've had good experience with Econ-o-Sewer. Reliable and reasonably priced 718-338-8484

Posted by: mh at September 25, 2008 1:09 PM in response to sewer co. recommendations

try aspenlighting.com

Posted by: mh at September 23, 2008 10:31 AM in response to Lighting Fixtures

I think you'd have a strong case in small claims court. I would call the landlord and try to discuss with him (yeah right), then send a letter informing him that you plan to pursue the legal route. Repainting the apartment is generally part of normal wear and tear, and may even be required by law when a new tenant moves in (though probably never enforced), and the other things you mentioned also sound like normal wear and tear that should not be taken from the security. I am a landlord in a two family, and I think you've been wronged and should pursue this.

Posted by: mh at September 8, 2008 3:42 PM in response to Security Deposit

U-G-L-Y, you aint got no alibi

Posted by: mh at August 28, 2008 11:52 AM in response to BHA Wants Waterfalls Shut Down

Agree with Steve, try Fortunoff's

Posted by: mh at August 11, 2008 12:59 PM in response to where is good place to buy patio furniture?

Agree Warren St in Hudson can be expensive, but we also some good bargains with some searching. There's an armory type place off the main drag that's kind of a clearinghouse, and they'll hook you up with someone to deliver back to Brooklyn

Posted by: mh at July 28, 2008 10:00 PM in response to Antique Road Tour

We used Mondial tile for countertops and were very happy with their service. 718-232-0800

Posted by: mh at July 23, 2008 9:38 AM in response to Inexpensive Ceaserstone

SWARM stands for Stratford, Westminster, Argyle, Rugby and Marlborough, the five streets off of CIA. We bought a two family on Rugby a couple of years ago, just finishing a major renovation, and we love the hood. We have an infant and find the area to be kid and family friendly. It is quite diverse, we feel very safe here. True, it definitely helps to have a car and be able to drive for shopping/restaurants, etc, but overall a good quality of life for a young family.

Posted by: mh at July 22, 2008 11:45 AM in response to thinking of Ditmas Park

Bklnite is right about having mature trees around a house and how much it helps with cooling the house in Summer. The difference is several degrees. In CA my neighbors were way over-paranoid about tree roots and sadly tore out the tall trees around their house whereas I left mine in place. They BAKED in that house in Summer! Which gave me some pleasure I admit :)

Posted by: traditionalmod at May 7, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Maintaining a Victorian home

May I be so nosy as to ask why you would want to buy in Victorian Flatbush instead of a close-in suburb like Pelham?

We strongly considered moving to Ditmas back on 2007 but the public schools just don't cut it. If you have school-aged kids, do yourself the favor of looking up in Pelham. We moved there last year after more than a decade in Brooklyn and despite all of my fears about suburban living the only downside has been crappy restaurants. The schools, the houses, the neighbors are incredible. We are walking distance from the train, which takes 27 minutes to get into GCT. Closer than Ditmas!

Anyway, we bought an old victorian house. One thing to consider, besides maintenance, is the cost to heat the damn place. See if you can find out about any insulation work that has been done to the house, and place a premium on houses that have been recently insulated. I wish I had asked that question. Once last winter rolled around, we realized we basically were walking around in ski hats because the house was so cold. This is after paying $1000 per month for electicity and gas. We will be spending around $10K to insulate this summer, but it'll pay back within a few years.

Posted by: bklyndoug at May 7, 2009 2:23 PM in response to Maintaining a Victorian home

Bklyndoug,

I agree 100%, as we moved from B'lyn to Westchester. We also paid around $1K per month for elec/gas during the winter. We just locked in though for gas and elec rates for the coming year. You might want to look into that.

As for restaurants though, we have found a number of really good ones: FISH, Easterchester Fish Co., Sammy's Downtown Bistro, etc....

Posted by: Splenda at May 7, 2009 4:29 PM in response to Maintaining a Victorian home

Yes pay attention to daveinbedsty. He bought an overpricedhome in BedSty now he spends all day here talking wonderful things about BedSty as if it were the new Brooklyn Hieghts. He does this because he thinks if he can keep telling people prices in BedSty are going up he might find someone to dump his overpriced home to. Keep trying home prices are going down and you are paying a mortgage on a underwater home.

Posted by: hannible at May 7, 2009 7:58 PM in response to Becoming a landlord

williamsburg is a strange neighborhood price-wise. It's severely overbuilt for condos and such.

In addition, its a very large neighborhood with a relatively small portion of truly desirable addresses. If it's a 15 min walk to the train, its not very appealing. If it's right by the bedford L, it might be a good plan.

Posted by: slick at May 8, 2009 3:54 AM in response to Becoming a landlord

i'm with hannible that this seems to be a lot of money, although that depends where in williamsburg we're talking about. i've been researching plenty of properties in east williamsburg, the southside, and north bushwick over the past year, and unless this place is in prime williamsburg (bedford or lorimer L stops) it seems a bit overpriced. good luck with this big decision!

Posted by: sweetser at May 8, 2009 3:22 PM in response to Becoming a landlord

re: wilso's comment - I agree, but not sure I'd recommend a 4-family for your first time. First, the law is more flexible for a two-family - you have more regulations you have to follow for a four-family. Second, that's a lot of relationships to manage, a lot of moving parts to make sure your mortgage gets paid every month. With four families, you're tripling the possibility that one of your tenants loses a job/goes on disability/has a death in the family or whatever calamity causes them not to be able to pay their rent on time. And you're on the hook for that.

Posted by: UnprotectedWrecks at May 8, 2009 11:06 PM in response to Becoming a landlord

Definitely be careful and think this through is this declining market. All these houses here in the Burg went from the $100K-200K range just a few years ago to these $1M+ prices now. 1M is so much more than it would cost to rebuild the bricks/wood and mortar its truly scary to plop that much down for one of these old woodies. Don't get me wrong, I love my old house and living here, however contrary to what Christopher says, you are not guaranteed that 30 years from now prices will ever be close to these again. This has been a totally unsustainable bubble and like Dot-com stocks, most never did and never will recover to those bubble prices ever again. And if house prices fall to where they should be - ie about 75% or more off current prices - your renters will vaporize and become buyers instead. Then when you can only get $500/month for your rental unit, how will you pay that astronomical mortgage? Delusion abounds on this board. People keep thinking that somehow the easy money that caused this mess will return and that somehow NYC is the only 300 square miles in the entire USA that will not fall back to normal prices like every other inflated US city has already or is in the process of doing. FYI - a few short years ago a million dollars would buy you a house in Beverly Hills. If that easy money never returns, people cannot get loans except those that meet DTI requirements, which means fewer people can pay BLOATED prices for these old houses that would cost 100-200K to rebuild if they went up in smoke tomorrow. Banks, appraisers, and regulators are correctly killing this "mutant bubble" as the what calls it. There is NO valid reason my house went from 200K to 1.5M in the past 7 years. If anything it's more worn out now than 7 years ago. However I now get the privilege of higher property taxes thanks to greedy banks and liar loans giving people free money to buy these old houses at inflated prices. Even if prices fall back to 200K for my house, that's still very expensive compared to the same house in other cities in this country. Houses in Detroit are less than 10K right now. Vegas, Phoenix, tons of formerly hot places in Florida, etc. have all fallen 60-80%. It can and will happen here. So think 20 years from now when your house is worth 300K and rent brings in $700/month will you be happy paying $6000/month PITI? Good luck. Hopefully we won't be seeing you in the foreclosure news in a couple years. I wouldn't buy in the city right now for anything.

Posted by: williamsburgguy at May 8, 2009 11:30 PM in response to Becoming a landlord

Interesting question. Your post probably requires more questions than answers. However, being a first time home-buyer, getting into a rental+owner oc. may not be the best move. There are lots of positives, but also lots of negatives to renting. Not the least of being that while you may be comfortable with a certain standard of living, which you may justify being lower than normal because your the owner, may not fly with tenants. Another thing to consider is, given that you've never be responsible for your own place, the little things that you've never thought of may prove to be way more of a headache than you could have ever imagined. Add to that someone else harassing you about things, and it can/could get very stressful. My suggestion would be to think long and hard, AND consider the worst case scenario BEFORE getting in over your head, financial and physically. While owning a house and not a condo/apartment has significant benefits, getting into something a little less risky, like a condo/apt, and then using that to segway into a rental+owner oc. may be a better approach. Another thing to consider is the amount of rental properties that are most likely to come on-line in W-burg soon that may suppress your rental income.

I'm not a real estate agent, so take what I say with a grain of salt:) Good luck.

Posted by: goodoleboy at May 8, 2009 11:45 PM in response to Becoming a landlord

williamsburgguy is presenting you with one possible negative scenario which i intend to rip apart blow by blow tomorrow when i'm not hungover. I say buy, I did, i love it over here, have two 2 families. Do you want to live in a crappy rental for the rest of your life? I'll take a risk and say everything will be fine 30 years from now. The condos will eventually fill up. Where is everyone going to go to find a better job? Detroit? There will always be renters here who need a reasonably priced apartment with a quick commute.

Posted by: bqe1970 at May 10, 2009 6:26 PM in response to Becoming a landlord