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  • Looking for an architect for minor reno in BedStuy

    I just bought a 1900 built/3-family house in BedStuy, and need to update the bathrooms and kitchens; would also like to renovate the [street level] basment as living space for my college-going daughter (there is a working bathroom down there already). Aside from that, the house doesn't need any major reno, just some cosmetic touches (paint, etc), but I would also be interested to discover if there are any original details hiding under the drywall. Am on a modest budget and looking for an architect and general contractor. Any recommendations?  More»

    2:44 AM 05/21/2013

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  • Raising the rear side of a gable roof up in a landmark district

    I am looking to raise the rear side of a brownstone gable roof to extend the usable space on the attic level (middle part is already in use). It is not a corner house but it has a 5 feet wide alley on one side from where you can see the pitch of the roof from the street. It has a pitch of approximately 1:3 with crown molding on the side. What do you think of the chances this may get approved by the Landmark? Has anyone tried something similar and succeeded? Trying to decide whether it is worth the initial investment to prepare for the applic...  More»

    7:20 PM 05/20/2013

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  • Upstate Antique / Flea Market for Memorial Day Weekend?

    Does anyone have some good recommendations for antiques and/or flea markets for this upcoming weekend? Thinking about hoping in the car and exploring the Hudson Valley for a little bit. Thanks!  More»

    5:30 PM 05/20/2013

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    good question... See More »
  • Contractor needed fro bathroom repair

    The apartment above mine has been having toilet issues that gave way on Saturday resulting in three inches of water in their bathroom. Long story short - as a result, I have a 'fracture' in my bathroom ceiling that water poured out out of. Another hoel is opening it. Water was also dripping out of the wood frame of my window and bathroom door. When this was going on I could also hear water coming through behind the walls. The Super came by and puit a temporary patch on my ceiiling. The owner of the apartment above is responsible for all the repairs...  More»

    4:53 PM 05/20/2013

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    That is crazy.. I am sorry to hear that. I would recommend Relva of CRJ home improvment. his number is 347-715-5956... Nice guy.. good work.. See More »
  • reel lawn mower sharpening?

    Anyone know where I can have my extremely dull reel mower sharpened? I've seen the kits to do it yourself but I think mine is beyond that.  More»

    3:41 PM 05/20/2013

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    Back before I gave up on grass and gave away my ancient (c.1920s) reel-type mower I had it adjusted and sharpened by a knife sharpner on one of those trucks who goes around ringing a bell on their trucks. It. worked very much better after this serviceWe still occasionally see those guys in our neig...... See More »
  • Advice on setting the selling price...

    Hi,
    We are planning on selling our 4-family brownstone in Bed-Stuy and are just in the process of talking to brokers/investors and trying to come up with a sales price. Both an investor and broker independently came up with about the same price. Their price seemed fair, but then I would imagine that both estimates would be on the conservative side. We are hoping to get as much as we can (obviously, I suppose) as we have left NYC and need to invest in our business. Any suggestions of the best way to think about this?
    Many thanks,
    Cat  More»

    3:40 PM 05/20/2013

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    This is an interesting dilema. I would suggest that you do some minor renovations before selling. It always helps the sale price. Try to make your place move-in ready because that always fetches a little extra. If the investor and broker came to the same conclusion, there is a problem. There are onl...... See More »
  • Can the indoor unit of a mini-split air conditioning system be mounted on the wall vertically? I have only seen them mounted horizontally?

    air conditioning, mini splits  More»

    1:39 PM 05/20/2013

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    No. It must be able to drain. Horizontal only although I *think* LG may make a vertical one. See More »
  • Dumpster Rental

    I'm planning on digging out 10 sq yds of dirt from backyard and wanted to get a dumpster. Anybody recommend a good company? I called Atlas Roll off and it was about $500 for 5 days and they said they take care of the permit. Anything I need to watch out for? Any advice really appreciated. Thanks.  More»

    11:31 AM 05/20/2013

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    5 days ... I hope you can put a lock on it. See More »
  • What is this pipe in my cellar for? (from cellar to front of house)

    Hello, I have a pipe in my cellar that leads to the front of the house. Below you will find 3 short clips. Can anyone tell me what this is being used for?
    1. Just a video of the pipe - http://goo.gl/uouyM
    2. Tracking the pipe inside the house (cellar) - http://goo.gl/fm0GD
    3. Outside the house - http://goo.gl/6tSOI  More»

    10:33 AM 05/20/2013

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    waste line back up. if your waste line to the street clogged, this would allow waste to leave this house without backing up in the bathrooms or sinks. See More »
  • Has anyone used DIG for landscaping their yard?

    I walked by DIG on atlantic this weekend and checked out their website. Seems like they do fairly extensive yard renovations and plantings. I am in need of a fairly major overhaul (new hardscape, planters, plants, possibly a fence). Has anyone used them for anything similar. Anyone have other recommendations?
    Thanks  More»

    9:56 AM 05/20/2013

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    Yes. Used them for my entire landscaping job including a new cedar fence. great to work with and did a wonderful job but they wont be cheap. no hardscaping in my case except a pea gravel path See More »
  • Selling home from outside NYC

    Hi all-
    We are living outside NYC (out of the country, actually) and are interested in selling our brownstone. Has anyone been through the process? Any advice? We told the broker we were planning on working with, and he seemed a bit stumped...(We know we have to be present for the closing..)
    Many thanks!!
    Cat  More»

    9:17 AM 05/20/2013

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    I'm not sure what the issues would be as I've never done it but you definitely don't need to be present for the closing. You can give power of attorney to you attorney to sign for you at the closing. See More »
  • Where to rent tools?

    Hello all, I was trying to find a place to rend tools and wondering if you had any suggestions? Specifically looking for an infrared paint remover. Thanks for any leads!  More»

    7:32 PM 05/19/2013

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    Have never used them but a very small mom/pop place opened on Throop one block off of Fulton with signage that says daily rentals for $25. Given your moniker, I'm assuming you live in Bed Stuy. See More »
  • Kohler Bellwether Tub 60x30 for sale $475

    I inadvertantly purchased an extra left hand, white, 60x30 Kohler Bellwether tub (cast iron). It is brand new, still wrapped and at my construction site in Fort Greene. Rather than deal with shipping it back, I'd love to sell it at a discount ($475). You pick up. Email knewirth@gmail.com if interested.  More»

    2:41 PM 05/19/2013

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  • Example of bathroom with shower and no tub

    HBranty asked about this. My showers are shaped to fit the space available. This is a larger bathroom, but I waterproof the whole room, so the position of glass panels and doors are also configured for the best use of space in a smaller bathroom.  More»

    10:10 AM 05/19/2013

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    More bathrooms should be built this way, waterproofing rhe whole floor space and installing a floor drain. makes for a much larger roomy space. See More »
  • Bathroom without a tub ok in rental?

    Bathroom is long and narrow (5 feet x 15 feet) and we are thinking of removing tub and having a big tiled shower only. Is this a mistake in a rental? How important is it to have a tub? Thanks!  More»

    10:11 PM 05/18/2013

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    It is not worth it. You only upgrade rentals if you think it will make more money. Never just spend money on a rental. See More »