Good work...hope this helps

Posted by: TomPLG at July 11, 2006 1:03 PM in response to Site Registration for Commenting

If you have 3 kitchens I think they will see it as a 3 family. IF they see it as a three family then the code changes alot from a 2 family. 3 or more means you need a fire escape or sprinkler system, enclosed boiler/ water heater room to name two. Renting rooms out is probably ok if you share the kitchen. I am not an expert, but I know the difference between 3 and 2 family from personal experience. You should always file a BIG job (like new kitchens where there weren't ones or new bathrooms). When you move bathroom/kitchen locations that is a big deal when it comes the city code and standards. You should get an architect and go over what your options are and have them file any and all permits you think you need.

Posted by: TomPLG at July 11, 2006 1:40 PM in response to legal vs. illegal construction?

This website has many links to brokers that list apartments in Brooklyn. Right there on the left where it says LINKS

Posted by: TomPLG at July 13, 2006 9:19 AM in response to finding apartment

The owner bought the building for cheap. I was built to make BOND bread. It was one of their big factories. They used to put baseball cards in the loaves (you can buy them on EBAY). Nice when it was in the shadow of Ebbets Field.
The current owner has a chain of Dollar stores PHAT ALBERT. This buidling houses one of his stores and also serves as his warehouse for his merchandise. He is not going anywhere soon unless someone gives him a bundle. Too bad bcoz the location is PRIME. Across from Subway (20mins to NYC) across from Prospect Park and the Botanical Garden. tsk tsk tsk. Would make for some nice Loft Condos and street level retail....

Posted by: TomPLG at July 14, 2006 4:25 PM in response to Friday Links

The code is a dedicated circuit for an A/C. If there is an apartment in the house each window needs a dedicated outlet in case the tenant puts an A/C there. Your two prong outlet is probaby old which tells me it is probably connected to other fixtures and outlets. You should run a new circuit for the A/C. Unless when you pullout the outlet and the bx is new, then it may be a dedicated circuit. You will probably need an electrician to be safe

Posted by: TomPLG at July 15, 2006 3:04 AM in response to Change 2 prong outlet to 3?

get a 10 or 15 yard dumpster

Posted by: TomPLG at July 15, 2006 3:07 AM in response to Debris Removal

This may be an easy job if your plumbing is not that old. But if you are having problems you might want a real qualified plumber to replace any traps or pipes that are severely clogged. Do you have a big problem? It is possible a trap is clogged so bad it will need to be replaced. I had concrete in mine in the back yard.

Posted by: TomPLG at July 24, 2006 12:44 PM in response to Sanking a Sewer line.

This is the worst thing to do. There is no point in putting the vent there. This person should not be allowed to be in the business. Ridiculous. The vent must go to the outside.

Posted by: TomPLG at July 25, 2006 10:31 AM in response to Bathroom Vent - Again - No duct?

Sounds like if they made a deal, there was a payoff or something. When a place like this and the other buildings mentioned that continue to do illicit business it becomes GLARINGLY obvious to me there are people on the take and a general resistance to make it stop by the powers that be. I have a friend that lived by a brothel and she and her neighbors threw eggs at the prostitutes every day until they left. Perhaps at the first sign of the return to illegal activity the neighbors could gather in front and protest with signs and make some noise...everyday...

Posted by: TomPLG at July 26, 2006 6:29 PM in response to Lefferts Hotel Cuts Deal with Tish James

you should try these woven bags instead. I have disposed of a bunch of plaster too in my reno and these little woven bags are great and dont rip.
Keep up the good work. You might want to when you sheet rock put up stuff called blue board or imperial board then skim coat with plaster. It gives it that old world look again.
Here is a link for some bags
http://daybag.com/industrial/woven.html

Posted by: TomPLG at July 26, 2006 6:48 PM in response to Plaster, Our Worthy Adversary