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  • Looking for contractor for kitchen co-op renovation in Kensington

    I'm looking for a licensed contractor for a gut renovation of a small kitchen in a co-op building in Kensington. Any recommendations? Since I work in architecture and design, they have to know what they are doing and come with referrals.  More»

    3:35 PM 05/16/2012

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    I work as a sub wood floor company for JC Martin Renovation, they are extremely detail oriented and work directly with Architects and Designers. I've worked on several "gut" projects with them in Cobble Hill, Bed Stuy, and Park Slope. You can find out more about them here: http://www.jcmartinrenov...... See More »
  • Permits for waterproofing foundation

    My contractor proposes to waterproof my foundation. A trench wil be dug for this purpose. According to the DOB website, a trench 5 feet or deeper requires shoring or bracing. In another section of the DOB website, it is stated that "permits are required for most [excavation] work." My question is, for a trench less than 5 feet (say, 4 feet) is a permit required?  More»

    2:07 PM 05/16/2012

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    You can dig 4'. Otherwise, you need a plan and permit filed. See More »
  • Intercom Repair

    Hi,I live in a 6 floor walkup building and I'm in need of an intercom/buzzer company. Does anyone havea recommendation?Thanks in advance,Doug  More»

    2:02 PM 05/16/2012

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    A1 Intercom 718-853-3358 I've used them several times. See More »
  • Basement window wells

    If you're thinking about remodeling your house then one aspect you should consider would be safety. After you're done choosing new fabrics and matching colors just stop for a second and think how safe your house realy is? Safety is the main reason for installing a basement window well. If there were ever an emergency, the occupants can safely leave the basement, or emergency crews can enter the basement. Here are some examples of basement windows wells: -The Mesh cover is built with an expanded metal top. This pattern makes it perfec...  More»

    1:56 PM 05/16/2012

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    No Answer Yet

  • Buying a Residence in a Manufacturing zon

    I keep seeing houses on my current quest that fall in M1 zones. First they were in East Williamsburg - now I am seeing them crop up in South Slope/Gowanus.For example, I am looking at a listing right now that is M1-2D. It has been residential since it was built circa 1910. The block is about 50/50 light manufacturing residential. The legal FAR listed on OASIS is 2.0 and it currently uses only 0.7 ish. Can I build an expansion to increase the FAR a bit? What about modification to the use? If I build additional space, does it have to be Manufacturin...  More»

    1:49 PM 05/16/2012

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    In general, the answer is that yes, you can enlarge an existing residence within a M1 district, with a whole bunch of caveats and restrictions: 52-45 - Non-Conforming Residential Uses in M1 Districts In an M1 District, a #non-conforming residential use# occup...... See More »
  • Noises - help! I'm going slowly insane

    Hi everyone!We live near a supermarket. From 6 AM to midnight, they have A/C or something running that makes a very loud and constant humming sound. I'm going slowly insane from the noise. The noise is so loud that I wonder if it violates some sort of noise ordinance.Any advice on how I can go about getting more information about noise regulations and how to tackle this problem? I've tried searches online, but I don't know exactly what I should search for.Thanks in advance for any help. I'm truly finding myself going mad.  More»

    10:03 AM 05/16/2012

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    Can call 311 or report it online. I think it will help if your neighbors do the same. http://www.nyc.gov/apps/311/allServices.htm?requestType=relatedService&serviceName=Noise+from+Air+Conditioner+or+Ventilation+Equipment&intentId=E9E66310-8137-11DE-8E9F-96DAE110FEB8 See More »
  • How to remove old cabinet pulls?

    Hello friends,I am replacing old cabinet pulls, but the previous owners painted the cabinets without removing the pulls first. They are now painted to the cabinets and are almost impossible to remove. How do I remove them without damaging the cabinet doors?Best regardsJohn marrison  More»

    9:53 AM 05/16/2012

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    you can try to cut through the paint where the pulls meet the cabinet with an exacto knife or box cutter See More »
  • Cogeneration boilers

    We're contemplating making the move to gas, for our boiler.I can of course go with a straight conversion, or I can explore one of the alternatives such as cogeneration. This would increase the cost and complexity a bit, but on paper at least, shows good savings to be had in the long run. But on paper doesn't always reflect reality, so i'd like to hear any experiences.Is the tech "there yet" or would I be guinae pigging something that isn't ready for prime time?  More»

    3:56 AM 05/16/2012

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    Do your research into CHP (Combined Heat & Power). It is legal in NYC. Many of the large buildings in downtown Brooklyn feature these units. It's expensive and not for the tight walleted notr the feint of heart but it is a REALLY great system if you have the need. -Steam Man See More »
  • Unfinished Hickory floors?

    Hi Brownstoners,I'm thinking about buying unfinished Hickory floors (there is a good deal at Lumber Liquidators), but I heard they are hard to sand and finish (just with poly). Any experiences out there?Thanks! Cat  More»

    10:36 PM 05/15/2012

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    http://www.busytrade.com/products-search/Hickory-floors.html See More »
  • Gas Boiler Installer Needed for Job in (how do I put this?) Manhattan!

    Sixteen unit co-op wants to do a conversion from #2 oil to gas this summer. Will be looking for a company that plays nicely with Con Ed and can get the job done with little down-time and get the permits we need. In case it needs repeating, we are a 16 unit co-op and we don't have a massive reserve fund so crucially we need a company that is reasonable. Thank you for your recommendations.  More»

    10:01 PM 05/15/2012

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    I like my company, but I'm biased. http://www.gatewayplumbing.com/boilers.html See More »
  • D'Amico Inbroglio

    Has anyone started a petition in support of D'Amico?  More»

    9:33 AM 05/15/2012

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    I'm just a bystander from afar - is this about the afterburner? If so why don't you guys setup a chip in or raise funds for an afterburner? If the DEP says its not in compliance, i'd certainly regard that as a minimum. I'm imagining that 1948 had the air and water standards of current day China. ...... See More »
  • Landscaper Recommendation

    Hi BrownstonersAnn Brooke, a landscape designer who redesigned, hardscaped, and landscaped my back yard a few years ago, has completed a new recent project in my backyard, which was to create a privacy fence in the back of the yard. I am very pleased with her work, which integrated the new back fence with the older side fences, and I would like to share a photo of the completed fence project. You may contact Ann via her web site - http://www.annbrookedesign.com.... I would also like to recommend Matt Hausmann, the contractor/carpenter who did...  More»

    12:11 AM 05/15/2012

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    Gorgeous! I love it. Thanks for sharing the photo. Maybe Cara could do a story on your garden for the Sunday edition. See More »
  • Maple flooring?

    Are there any particularly issues around Maple as a floor choice (vs. Oak for example)? (WIll be for a rental..)Many thanks!Catherine  More»

    11:53 PM 05/14/2012

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    If this is for a rental, you may wish to choose oak. it is much cheaper than maple. Steve www.thetinkerswagon.com See More »
  • Recommendation for a dehumidifier

    Can anyone recommend a quite/quality dehumidifier in the 50 to 70 pint range for an 800 sqft basement? Thanks  More»

    7:46 PM 05/14/2012

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    Start with a basic question: Do you have a floor drain or do you need/want a dehumidifier with a pump? See More »
  • Architect Wanted for Renovation of Bronx Landmarked Townhouse

    Within the next month or two I will begin renovations on a landmarked townhouse in the Bronx. The property has no C/O and the project will likely entail applying for a C/O as a two-family home. If you have experience dealing with Bronx DOB or are otherwise interested, please reply with website or contact info. Thank you.  More»

    3:22 PM 05/14/2012

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    Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP Urban Pioneering Architecture 646.309.7259 jim@urban-pioneering.com See More »