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Latest questions in Construction

 
  • While it's not a Brownstone, there is solid work to be had

    We are working with an architect, submitted plans to our board and the DOB. We are 99.9% ready to start June 17th. The job is in Manhattan: 322 Central Park West, apt. 15A.
    To read or talk more about our renovation, contact
    Andrew Wilkinson
    Robert Glass
    http://www.wilkinsonarchitects... 212 254 5210
    info@wilksonarchitects.com  More»

    9:16 PM 05/16/2013

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    GC's welcome to contact Wilkenson Architects to talk about the renovation, look at specs and to download bid forms. Bidding process is open to insured, licensed, experienced GC's. See More »
  • Where do I even start?? and how much will this cost?

    I've recently bought an apt in a co-op building. The apt has a long wall that makes the livingroom a "room" and it has a long hallway outside of it. We thought it doesn't make much sense, so we're planning to take down that wall, push the bedroom wall inward, build another wall to create a small office area with a clerestory window on top. We haven't look at the co-op regulations yet, but the selling agent confidently said the walls are not load-bearing walls so we can move them around, except the left wall of the kitchen.
    We're also thinking about t...  More»

    1:23 AM 05/09/2013

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    It's not just about drawings, any good architect is going to also be or work with an engineer. I wouldn't count on the agent's assertion about the walls to be true, especially if it was a seller's agent--they will tell you all kinds of things you want to hear whether or not they know the truth. I ...... See More »
  • Legal Advice on Construction Disputes

    Can anyone recommend a good lawyer for construction disputes?  More»

    11:50 AM 05/08/2013

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    Jay Zimner (212) 952-4369.

    I've known him for a long time and occasionally consult for him on construction related cases when he needs an architect's input. See More »
  • Fine amount for working after hours?

    Anyone know what the fine amount is for working after hours without a variance?  More»

    9:27 PM 05/03/2013

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    No Answer Yet

  • Construction Next Door

    The house next door to us is under construction. It's a 4 story brick that they extended out and are making it into a 6 family. The owner lives out of the country and he hired someone to manage the construction. I've heard that the owner's son is going to live in one of the apartments when they finish. We have no contact with the owner, we contact the construction manager if we have any questions or concerns. Since the house was extended out, their side walls go past our house so we have allowed them to use our deck to finish their side walls. They made ...  More»

    11:56 AM 04/29/2013

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    This is hindsight but you should never have let they on your property without a signed written agreement for them to protect your property and be responsible for remediating all damages. You should have asked to be added as additionally insured on their insurance contract. At this point you can go...... See More »
  • Cost of Adding Extension

    Looking for a current estimate of adding a one or possibly two storey extension (approx 19 by 15.)
    I believe the last time this question was asked on Brownstoner was 2-3 years ago, so something more current and soup to nuts with mid-range finishes and fixtures.  More»

    9:22 AM 04/17/2013

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    We've done two single story additions in the last couple of years, and are starting a third one shortly. All in (including fees for design/engineering/etc.), you'd be looking at about $250K for a single story addition. A second story would actually be very inexpensive, about another $50K. Will yo...... See More »
  • Tadelakt

    Have any of you master renovators out there redone a room using tadelakt. I'm planning a new bathroom and am seriously considering using this finish. As I tend to do everything myself, I'm wondering how difficult it is to work with and where to get it.  More»

    1:42 PM 04/09/2013

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    I did a bathroom, shower and all, a little while back with tadelakt and it turned out great. It wasn't the easiest material to work with, but I got the stuff from Stucco Italiano and the people there were super helpful and made sure I got the job done right. I'm pretty sure they offer classes too. See More »
  • flipper's houses

    Hey folks,
    I'm thinking about buying one of them flipper's houses in bed stuy and surrounding areas. Anybody come across Masada/Prime Homes and the like while house shopping? Can I trust that their electrical and plumbing etc passed inspection? Is inspection by the city an automatic thing when gutting the whole house? Or, is inspection only required when they have to file a permit?

    thanks for any input!  More»

    10:52 AM 04/08/2013

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    I do not know the flippers you mention, but had a bad experience with flippers. But as a general rule, if the flippers are buying unrenovated houses and then selling them as renovated, it is unlikely they are flipping without doing work that should require a permit. You can look up any address on ...... See More »
  • Looking for new general contractor

    Our new construction 15 unit condo building is looking to hire a new general contractor. We currently have several water related issues that need to be resolved, including removing masonry to waterproof all window lintels in the front of the building. Other construction projects are pending.

    We are looking for somebody thorough, trustworthy, punctual, and can give reasonably accurate estimates. Aren't we all? Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.  More»

    11:03 AM 03/20/2013

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    Call Doha at Luxury Construction. He hasn't done this specific waterproofing work for me (he has done roof and interior work for me though) but he has for a bunch of buildings in my neighborhood. Incredibly honest guy. 718-937-3642 See More »
  • Plasterer needed

    Can anyone recommend a good plasterer to repair or replace this broken section of crown moulding?  More»

    1:35 PM 02/20/2013

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    Raul 305-494-2539 See More »
  • Brand New Cabinets for sale

    Brand New Cherry cabinets (still in box) available. color pictured on left and configuration pictured also.
    Purchased cabinets recently for a studio renovation that did not work out. $500 or best offer. Pick ups only. Located in Bed stuy.

    only serious offers please michlew30@yahoo.com  More»

    3:50 PM 01/08/2013

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    Configuration
     See More »
  • Giant Tree vs Work Crew

    My neighbor across the street from me is having their sewer pipe replaced or repaired. The work crew has dug a giant hole in front of my house and across the street. Normally I would not even notice the work but the hole that they are digging is directly in front of a GIANT tree. I am worried that they are undermining it's root system. We have lost a lot of trees on the block due to the tornado and Sandy and this one has thankfully managed to survive. The tree is easily twice as tall as any of the brownstones on the block and if it comes down it is t...  More»

    2:21 PM 12/12/2012

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    If a permit was obtained to perform work on or near a street tree, the ORIGINAL is required to be on site. An original, not a photocopy. All excavation work done within 50 feet of a city tree requires a permit. Utility relocation and repair requires a Certified Arborist onsite during all utility wor...... See More »
  • Uneven Joists and Floor Leveling

    Our home is 55 feet long. The first 52 feet is level. However the final 3 feet is about 1 inch higher than the rest of the floor. I had someone come take a look at it and they suggested we shim our new floors to raise them up one inch so that the entire floor is level.
    It seems crazy to me to level the entire floor just because the last few feet are higher. Is it possible to modify the joists to make them one inch thinner? Am I risking disaster even thinking about this.
    Would love to hear from someone that has experience with this.  More»

    12:33 AM 12/11/2012

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    There really is no way to knowing based on the information you have provided. It could be that you have oversized joists in the one area and cutting an inch off, while onerous, wouldn't cause a problem (unless they are metal "C" joists). I'm assuming that the 55 foot dimension is from front to bac...... See More »
  • Permit Filing times impacted by Sandy?

    We are about to start a major renovation in Brooklyn on a townhouse and will be filing permits this month.
    I was wondering whether all of the destruction during Sandy and needed renovations for those impacted has affected the timing of permit approval with the DOB. Obviously those homes probably have priority.  More»

    1:15 PM 12/07/2012

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    I have not noticed it being delayed much. The problem is DOB keeps moving examiners to the HUB. DOB after the storm said they were backed up 5 weeks. See More »
  • HWK129 Nostrand Avenue Project Started? (If so the results are not great so far)

    Looks like work finally started on this. They have been replacing roads all over the neighborhood recently and the results have been in general really great. However it looks like they are using a different technique on Nostrand south of Flushing Ave, they are doing it one lane at a time (as opposed to all the lanes at the same time) and the results are terrible! The new asphalt is just as bumpy and uneven as what was just replaced. Is there anyone we reach out to, to make sure that this job is completed correctly?
    Here is a link to so info on the proje...  More»

    10:15 PM 12/05/2012

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