Forum

The Brownstoner Forum is for the site's users to ask and answer questions of local concern. You must be registered member to post, please refrain from self-promotional postings.

Search for Answers

Add Question

Latest questions

 
  • Contractor recommendation for ceiling replacement/pocket door installation

    I have an accepted offer on apartment in Sunset Park, but before closing I would like to get some estimates on the ability/cost of replacing a drop ceiling with a standard dry wall (or plaster) one as well installing some pocket doors, in addition to possibly re-doing a kitchen and perhaps some electrical upgrades. Any suggestions?
    Thanks,
    Jon  More»

    6:06 PM 06/18/2013

    • 0
    • answers

    No Answer Yet

  • Looking for someone who can aluminum re-cap a few windows

    Greetings Brownsteoners,
    Does anyone out there know of someone that has the aluminum bending machine that can bend some new aluminum sill pieces for me? After years of dealing with leaks and drafts off of new Pella windows, I tore apart the capping to dicover that the original installer never foam selaed any gaps and just capped over them. Ughh... Anyway, I just need a few broze aluminum peices bent and installed. Easy job. Please reaply with any experienced contacts. I'm in Gowanus. Thanks in advance  More»

    4:01 PM 06/18/2013

    • 1
    • answer

    Top Answer

    Sorry for the typos See More »
  • Interior hall lights in brownstone coop

    Our 5 unit brownstone coop is looking to spruce up our common hallways and are struggling with the sconces so I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions. Brownstone (~1830) was converted in the early '90s and minimal detail remains. We'd like to be economical with the light fixtures, have them give off good light and look nice. Any thoughts?
    Thanks!  More»

    3:45 PM 06/18/2013

    • 2
    • answers

    Top Answer

    Don't go too economical, go period - just because there are few details left is no reason not to honor the building with sconces that match the era of the house and whatever details are left. It will add to your building, and will increase the coop values - I found this out when I sold my coop - th...... See More »
  • Fujitsu Halcyon Mini-Split Ductless AC

    Does anybody have any advice on a good contractor in the Park Slope area who can service / repair these mini-split systems? Our system appears to be blowing warm. Thanks in advance!  More»

    3:33 PM 06/18/2013

    • 0
    • answers

    No Answer Yet

  • Fujitsu Halcyon Mini-Split Ductless AC

    Does anybody have any advice on a good contractor in the Park Slope area who can service / repair these mini-split systems? Our system appears to be blowing warm. Thanks in advance!  More»

    3:33 PM 06/18/2013

    • 0
    • answers

    No Answer Yet

  • Recommendation needed for Mantel Instaler

    I need to instal a salvaged marble mantel in my new home. The fireplace is not functional and the mantel is just for show. I got one quote (1,400) that seemed incredibly high considering I have all of the pieces and only need it attached to the brick. Does anyone have a contractor/handyman they can recommend for the job?  More»

    1:34 PM 06/18/2013

    • 4
    • answers

    Top Answer

    Oh wow, that is expensive! I'm very interested in how much it ends up costing. We're looking to do a similar thing - install a decorative fireplace mantel. See More »
  • Has anyone used 1800-GOT-JUNK? They claim to recycle over 60% of the stuff they collect, but are a bit expensive ($450 for half a truck)

    We are cleaning out our basement and will need a reasonable and green outfit to haul our stuff. Any suggestions?  More»

    1:16 PM 06/18/2013

    • 0
    • answers

    No Answer Yet

  • Electrician recommendation

    I'd like to recommend my electrician Waldek (Wally). He just finished a full rewire of my detail laden brownstone with minimal damage. He installed a new breaker panel, changed about 10 light fixtures and a ton of outlets / switches. His prices are very reasonable and his work is clean and neat. He does all the work himself. I met him when he was changing fixtures for a neighbor of mine in Bed stuy so he does smaller jobs too. . His cell number is 631-606-6159 he lives in Brooklyn and work in NYC only.  More»

    11:51 AM 06/18/2013

    • 3
    • answers

    Top Answer

    Thanks! Looking for an electrician to fix some minor breaker box issues and more complex work of changing the configuration of meters to floors. Does your name imply you are on Hancock? See More »
  • Found Beagle

    Found beagle in Prospect Heights 6/17/2013. Please contact us if you recognize him. 718-622-0600  More»

    11:37 AM 06/18/2013

    • 3
    • answers

    Top Answer

    He's not mine but if your going to take him to a kill shelter please call me first 917 836 9454 I have a foster home for him if needed See More »
  • How much does it cost to change the C of O from a 2 fam to a 3 fam? Also, what is the process?

    Enter Your Question  More»

    11:24 AM 06/18/2013

    • 3
    • answers

    Top Answer

    I should add that it is a wood frame...an older post said the DOB doesn't allow CofO changes to frames. See More »
  • What security systems should I install?

    1. Hello there! I’m really excited because I’m having my very own house built in a few months but I still have a lot of planning to do. I have problems deciding what security system I should install. I want a simple one but then I don’t want to leave my house unprotected

    What do you guys suggest? Please include a price range, too. I don’t want to spend on something TOO expensive since I already poured out all my savings on building my house. I don’t want to get any of those DIY security systems either ‘cause ...  More»

    1:18 AM 06/18/2013

    • 0
    • answers

    No Answer Yet

  • 55 Berry in Williamsburg

    Has anyone lived or rented in this building? Looks like there are a few recent sales, and 1E is on the market, now. I found this pretty negative comment on the Streeteasy boards:

    http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk...  More»

    12:04 AM 06/18/2013

    • 0
    • answers

    No Answer Yet

  • Buying the neighbors yard?

    Has anybody bought their neighbor's adjoining backyard, or a portion of it? Ours clearly have no interest in using or caring for it, to the point it's now kind of a hazard. And yes it's owner occupied.

    Wondering what the legalities are, how much money is involved, how to broach an offer. Just thinking for now.  More»

    9:23 PM 06/17/2013

    • 12
    • answers

    Top Answer

    You must live in Park Slope... See More »
  • Drainpipe on the loose

    My roofer afixed the drainpipe from the roof with the hardware in the photo. It's a collar with a spike that gets pounded into the masonry wall. It keeps coming out. The drainpipe then overshoots the drainhole at the next stage (off my deck) and the rainwater goes flying over the edge of my extension roof. My question: what is the right hardware to use to fasten the drainpipe to the wall? Should I attempt to do the fix or should I hire a professional. If the latter, what sort of dude does this kind of work? Thanks for any comments.  More»

    8:20 PM 06/17/2013

    • 2
    • answers

    Top Answer

    I would just use some metal strapping (Lowes) and some concrete anchors/srews. You'll need a masonry bit on your drill. Set the anchors and attach the strapping tightly. See More »
  • Refinishing Wooden mantel and wood sealant

    Thanks to comments received on here to a post regarding removing wooden mantelpieces, we've decided to keep them and instead make them a little better. Is this something we could tackle ourselves? Would a light hand sanding on the old varnish suffice? As for the finish, I would like something with low voc. Any recommendations? Or, is this something we should have an expert do, and if so, any recs? On a related note, we have built in drawers in some closets that I think are 'plain & fancy' brand that smell bad. I think they are plywood (edges show lay...  More»

    8:11 PM 06/17/2013

    • 5
    • answers

    Top Answer

    I've had good results with Howards Restore a Finish:
    http://www.howardproducts.com/...

    I don't know if it's low voc, but it doesn't smell too awful--much less than stripping and refinishing.
    See More »