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  • Is this wall a load-bearing wall?

    We're thinking about taking down the hallway wall, but we're not sure if it's load-bearing or not... yet. So I'd like to hear some inputs from all you experts!
    it's a pre-wall building with 9 floors, judging from the beams on top, do you think the hallway wall would be a load-bearing wall? Do you think there'll be a column underneath the hallway corner?
    Thank you all so much!!  More»

    6:06 PM 05/23/2013

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  • Any similar websites to Brownstoner in NJ

    Hello,
    Does anyone know of any sites that deal with the NJ real estate market in a similar fashion to Brownstoner?
    We are thinking of opening a small NJ branch/ satellite office and would like to scout out a few different towns. I thought a resource similar to Brownstoner would be of some help.
    Thanks.  More»

    2:17 PM 05/23/2013

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    www.MaplewoodOnline.com is an active community forum that has a real estate section among other things. See More »
  • FHA MORTGAGE CHANGES COMING JUNE 3RD

    If your buying a home and you have a contract - make sure your mortgage person pulls an FHA case # before June 3rd. If you dont your PMI will either never go away or last a minimum of 11 Years. This all depends on the down payment.




    Vanessa Thatcher

    Senior Loan Officer NMLS# 41404



    Atlantic Home Capital

    4175 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Ste 310

    Ronkonkoma, NY 11779



    Office: 631-687-3510 x106

    Direct Fax: 631-918-5222

    Cell: 631-672-4113



    “Pennies don’t fall from heaven; they have to be ea...  More»

    12:24 PM 05/23/2013

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    No Answer Yet

  • Driveway and parking place built in front yard?

    I'm curious about putting a parking space in my front yard.
    Has anyone successfully filed for permits and been approved? And if so, had the actual construction work done?
    Our block (and whole neighborhood in Crown Heights) is full of houses with parking spots in their front yard space. We meet the criteria as stated by the city here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/do...br />But I'm told I need a licensed surveyor to come survey the property to accompany the application of city permits.
    Any insight to this process would be mos...  More»

    12:16 PM 05/23/2013

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    I think the first hurdle is being permitted to have a curb cut & they're incredibly difficult to get. See More »
  • All HVAC won't return calls - worth persisting? Other reccomendations?

    Based on recommendations here, my wife and I have been persisttantly calling All HVAC to get them in to give us an extimate on central A/C for our Bed-Stuy brownstone. We've spoken to their office ofer a dozen times in the last 3 weeks - we keep getting the same response - "I'll give the owner the message - he's very busy." -
    I hear they're very good - but this kind of customer service gives me pause. Are they worth it? Who else can you recommend? I'm also talking to UNICO people, but that's looking very pricy.
    Don't want to get a ductless split system...  More»

    11:43 AM 05/23/2013

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    Same thing with me. I gave up after 3 times. See More »
  • looking for 5 Panel oak Doors (flat recessed) (2 same size) 28x80 .

    looking for 5 Panel oak Doors (flat recessed) (2 same size) 28x80 .
    Ive been looking in all the usual places OGT, etc, If you have any leads would greatly appreciate.
    Thanks
    Contact
    chrisw156@gmail.com  More»

    11:26 AM 05/23/2013

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    We donated a number of 5 panel doors (don't know the underlying material) to Build it Green about 2 weeks ago. All flat recessed. See More »
  • Ooooh that smell....

    We just finished a whole house renovation which included new drywall, new floors, everything, I think except party walls and joists. And yet, now that warm weather is upon is, the house stinks, particularly the top floor.It reminds me of a house I used to visit as a kid where they had pet iguanas and snakes. You know, like the reptile house at the zoo. Any suggestions? I'm burning lots of candles to mask the smell but I can't trace the source.  More»

    9:43 AM 05/23/2013

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    I wonder if one of your plumbing P traps is dry, and allowing sewar gas inside. You could try flushing all of the toilets and running all of the sinks, and checking the funnel drains at the laundry and hvac system if applicable. Worth a try.
    Good luck,
    Kyle Page, AIA LEED AP
    Sundial Studios Arc...... See More »
  • Can I build a water fall in my backyard in brooklyn?

    Are there any regulation for building a water fall/wall? Permits? etc  More»

    10:51 PM 05/22/2013

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    Mosquitos aren't a problem as long as the water is moving. See More »
  • Can I build a water wall/fall in my below grade garden?

    I live in a 2 story condo (new development) that is below grade. Both levels are livable space. I have a garden that is 20 feet below the backyard ground level. I would like to do some landscaping to make the space more interesting. I am trying to find if there is any restrictions on what can I build, can I plant trees? I would really like to build a water wall on a portion of the walls that surround the garden but can't find any info, can anyone help?  More»

    10:06 PM 05/22/2013

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    This is one of better chance to upgrade your results.
    <a href="http://www.citypest.ca/">Pest control Woodbridge</a>, <a href="http://www.citypest.ca/aboutus.php">Toronto Bed Bug</a> See More »
  • Blinds Repair

    Does anyone know who repairs the old wooden blinds commonly found in brownstones? The wood is all in tact but the cord broke so we can't pull the blind up. I used to have a guy who did this but he retired. I live in Park Slope and really want to keep these old blinds in. I Googled it but I just keep coming up with window repair and not blind repair companies.  More»

    6:47 PM 05/22/2013

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    I found someone on service magic, which is home advisor now. Can't remember his name and number, but he came over and restrung my blinds...good luck See More »
  • Certificate of Occupancy

    My friend has her family's 1910 house that has no c of o on the DOB site. What are the obstacles about getting one. She is desperate to do work this summer but cannot get permits now. Any advise would be appreciated.  More»

    4:10 PM 05/22/2013

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    Many, many buildings in Brooklyn do not have C of O's. This should not impact her ability to get a project approved and permitted.
    In a nutshell, if the work includes changing the building's use or occupancy, then she'd need to file an Alteration Type 1, and will be required to get a C of O at the...... See More »
  • Recommendation for Flooring work, Flooring refinish

    Hi,
    I am moving into an apartment in Clinton Hill soon, we would like to refinish our floor to white and looking for a company who does flooring work. If anyone has a good recommendation, I appreciated it!  More»

    1:45 PM 05/22/2013

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    Jose has been recommended several time in the past, partucularly by Dave In Bed Stuy. I used him this past fall and was very pleased.
    " The Jose that Dave in Bed Stuy has used is Jose Zambrano of Better Wood Floors. His number is 917-355-7977. I have seen his work and spoken to him on the phone. H...... See More »
  • backsplash type/color

    I'm having the guys who renovated my kitchen come back to add backsplash. I need help picking a tile type and color. A picture of my kitchen is attached. what would you do?  More»

    12:57 PM 05/22/2013

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    I'm not a big fan of backsplashes. That said, keep it light yellowish/greenish with smaller tiles...maybe those thin 2" ones in a running bond. See More »
  • Fitting a new security door on existing frame

    I hope that someone with some basic handyman knowledge can help me figure this out:
    I currently have both a glass door and a screen door to my yard. I would like to replace the screen door with a security screen door (ie, metal, with a lock).

    1. Can I assume that I can hang the new door on the existing frame, even though it’s a frame that fits two doors?

    2. Aside from Home Depot, are there other suggestions on where I can get a security screen door that isn’t too expensive?



    Thanks,

    Elizabeth  More»

    9:10 AM 05/22/2013

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    No Answer Yet

  • Door off parlor (high second) floor rear deck?

    I'm interested in suggestions for door combinations off our parlor floor kitchen in the rear of our old brownstone, that allow sufficient light to the kitchen but also protection against weather, and bugs, and provide decent security. (although our yard is fenced in, so security issues aren't tops on the list) We're converting a window to a door and adding a small/medium sized steel deck off the kitchen/dining room, and the door will be the only source of natural light to the kitchen (with 2 picture windows off the adjoining dining room providing less ...  More»

    8:52 AM 05/22/2013

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    We have a mostly glass door only that swings in, and will probably put in a phantom screen door soon (I think there are multiple brands of these retractable screen doors). See More »