home improvement Archives - Page 4 of 5

Let’s Talk Gardens

April 27, 2011 RH 4 Comments

Let me be clear. I’m a DIY chick, but there are certain areas where I lack skills. I don’t cook. I don’t sew. And I don’t do gardening. This Spring I’m all about planning the parlor floor deck so we can hang out upstairs and watch the pets spread their feces around the yard.

I don’t know if it’s because I realize the deck won’t actually get built until 2020 or if most of the interior renovation is done and I’m getting bored, but I’m jonesing for a nice garden this year. I did get inspired by some photos (below) on Brownstone Brooklyn Garden District‘s Facebook page. Aren’t they gorgeous? Most were done by professionals, but this control freak needs to design it herself and play in the dirt.

When we first bought the house and I saw the lovely astroturf on the fence, I immediately envisioned a 1950’s kitsch back yard with pink flamingos, garden gnomes and string lights. Now that I’m working on this masterpiece deck, I know it’s not gonna match the tacky yard.

I’m thinking something more grown up. I love every single one of these photos. Between the pets and my black thumb, the less maintenance the better. Sooo, what should I do? *Also, if you wanna come over and help, there would be beer and pizza in it for you.

Air Conditioning Options

April 12, 2011 RH

It used to be so easy. You stick an air conditioner in your window every summer, store it in the basement over the winter and that’s it.

Now there are options.

We decided to look into these options once our window units started breaking down. Now here we are. Weather is warming up and we are without A/C’s for 2 rooms.

Back to 2006 when we did a semi gut restoration of this house, it would have been feasible to install central air. Two things stopped us from doing this. 1) We were hemorrhaging money on this renovation and couldn’t afford the cost or time. 2) There were still plenty of original plaster walls that we didn’t want to destroy by running ducts.

Through-the-wall units would let us avoid the problem of having to move the air conditioners in and out of the windows, but that seems to be the only positive thing about it. A hole has to be cut through the exterior for each unit. Then what happens in winter? You can cover it, but it probably still compromises your heat.

Which leaves us with a ductless/split system. These systems are pricier than window units but cost less than central air. Two or more evaporators can be hooked up to a single condenser. In the long run, splits may not be as thrifty as central if cooling the entire home, but our ship has already sailed.

Why is it called “split”? The cooling evaporator sits on your interior wall while the condenser is located outside the house. Many people put the condensers up on the roof or in the yard (city yards are probably a tad on the small side).

The unit stays mounted on the interior wall throughout the year. Are they nice looking? No. Can you make a lovely cover for them? Sure.

Unlike a window or portable unit, the split system should be installed by a professional.

If anyone has any more info, please share! I’m just starting to research this myself.

Air Conditioner Buying Guide by AJMadison.com

Replacement Windows

March 23, 2011 RH 15 Comments

Oy, we knew window replacements would be a pricey pain the arse, but we thought we would get away with 2 quotes tops and be on our way to setting up the next project.

The windows in our brownstone are those horrible 1980’s vinyl type. This winter felt like we left them wide open. They are DRAFT-TEE!

Ok, so here’s what we learned about historic-but-not-landmarked windows.

There are two ways to install new windows: Replacement or Brick to Brick. Now, replacement (which is what the vinyl are) would be dead easy and really inexpensive, but there’s no point replacing crap with crap.

Brick to brick is the way to go. Why? Because the installer takes out the entire frame and insulates the empty pockets where the window workings once were. Right now, that is what is creating the draft more than the actual windows. An added bonus is that the window will be a few inches larger and look much nicer. More window, less clad.

Fine. Unfortunately, our windows aren’t straight rectangles. They have a lovely eyebrow at the top. Yes, it’s lovely. But it also means we need custom windows if we want to go back to the original look. Which we do. They will be wood and they will cost anywhere from $2000-$5000 apiece depending on the window location (they vary in size) and who’s doing the quote. That is x 7 not including the rear windows.

The rear windows are pretty straightforward and there are no shutter pockets, so it looks like we can get away with replacements. Aluminum or fiberglass is better than vinyl. They can be made with a wood veneer interior to match the front windows.

And what about window manufacturers? Marvin is top of the line and pretty much one of the only companies we can use because of our silly-shaped historic windows.

Kolbe supposedly makes a nice product, not as expensive as Marvin. People seem to poo-poo Pella and Anderson. Pella has a more modern look to them anyway.

The window guy who’s coming to do a quote later today was talking about LePage Windows. The Canadian company does custom windows that are less expensive than Marvin. Website looks promising and I’m especially loving the French casement design (pictured above) that won’t work in a brownstone.

Finally, the installation matters as much as or more than the windows. You can have the finest quality window in the world. But it ain’t gonna keep you warm if it’s not tight in the frame.

So, there’s your Windows 101. More to follow when we actually buy and install said windows.

10 DIY Tools To Be Thankful For

November 23, 2010 RH

1. That razor blade holder thing for paint removal.
2. Cordless drill. Oh honey, I’ll never take you for granted.
3. Tape measure with marked fractions. Because I don’t know how to read it otherwise. Yup, there, I’ve said it.
4. Duct tape. You know why. When you can’t fix it….
5. Swiss Army Knife. Well, I don’t really use it around the house, but I carry it with me and it does come in handy at work.
6. Center punch. That little thing comes in handy!
7. Staple gun. Almost as versatile as duct tape.
8. Foam paint brushes. So environmentally unfriendly, yet so unbelievably convenient.
9. Metal snips. Because you can use them to trim bushes too.
10. Hammer. Of course, I wouldn’t forget you, my dear old friend.

Self Repair Manifesto

November 11, 2010 RH

Reclaimed Handmade Parquet

November 9, 2010 RH

Summit Surfaces has introduced a new parquet flooring line. The recycled 200 year old maple comes from a factory in Tribeca. It looks a little different than that thin crap you can buy at big box stores, no?

Although they do use the word “affordable” on their website, I’m not quite sure it’s affordable to everyone as their clients look pretty high end. At any rate, perhaps I can afford one tile to use as a trivet? They ARE beautiful!

Waxing Wood Floors

October 28, 2010 RH

Ever look at your hardwood floors and notice how dull and scratched they are? But you really don’t want to deal with a full blown sand and poly? Well, the solution may just be waxing.

We researched alternatives to polyurethane earlier in the year when we were getting ready to put our house on the market. The best option for us was to wax with Johnson’s paste and then buff. We bought an inexpensive hand held orbital buffer at Home Depot and it we are still using it.

Waxing is kind of an idiot proof method of getting your floors to look nice. It doesn’t take long at all and it’s as easy as a good cleaning.

Make sure you vacuum up all the dust and dirt, then mop with hardwood floor cleaner and wait until the floor is thoroughly dry before applying the wax.

Let the wax dry completely before buffing! In other words, have patience. You should see a film start to develop as it dries.

Go over the area a few times with the buffer. You’ll know when it’s right when the floor starts to shine. Not a horrible glossy shine, but it will look sealed and protected.

And that’s it. Just don’t do it if you’re getting your floors sanded soon. This is kind of an in-between solution. For instance, I just waxed the apartment where our tenants lived for 3 years. Just wanted a quick fix before we moved all the furniture in. The floors look great now!

Useful DIY Sites

September 2, 2010 RH 1 Comment

Since I’ve been so bad about posting my own DIY tips lately, here are some great sites with easy to navigate home improvement posts.

Bob Vila. The King of Home Improvement! Needs no introduction, but if you’re novice, perhaps you don’t realize the awesomeness of Bobby V. His site has step by step videos of each project, so if you’re too lazy to look at instructions, just watch.

Fine Homebuilding. This is a site for pros. You do have to become a member to access much of the site, but it’s worth it. Before The Internets were created I subscribed to the magazine (remember those things made of paper?). I ripped out the more useful articles and still keep them in a binder to this day, even though I never look at them because it’s easier to go online. Not only do they have DIY instruction, but they go over materials as well.

Family Handyman. Ok well, my biggest problem with this site is the name. I typed in “FamilyHandywoman.com” and guess what? They own that too! But it just forwards you to the MAN site. Grrr. One more thing….check out the photo above. That’s from this site. Why is the guy doing all the work while his bitch is just sitting there? Oh, they have photos of females working…on easy garden projects. (As if any of the other sites are better.) Anyway, regardless of their sexism, it’s a good site. Each project is broken up into a summary, tool list and step by step guide. So easy, even a man can do it!

House Renovation Tips. There’s so much information here that I’m not sure if it’s actually someone’s blog or one of those blogs that grabs content from elsewhere. In any case, I’m including it because da bomb. (Yeah, I said that.)

DIY Network. Categories are listed near the header and there’s a search bar waaay up top. The nice thing about this site is that they give you time, cost and difficulty estimates on each project.

I Want a Dumbwaiter!

May 18, 2010 RH

We’ve taken over 2 apartments in our brownstone but have not yet gotten around to privatizing the hallway. It’s a real hassle running up and down the stairs hoping the neighbors won’t catch us in our skivvies. Neither apartment is fully finished or furnished and we are far from getting our act together.

So, I’m nagging the husband for a dumbwaiter.

Who knew that commercial dumbwaiters were so costly? Over 3000 bucks! Wow, that’s not gonna happen in my house.

But there’s hope for the “We are lazy yet take on impossible tasks, and oh yeah, we are broke.” people yet! The video above shows us how we can build our own dumbwaiter for $300 using a garage door opener. Alls I need to find now is the space.

Also see:

DIY Network: Install a Dumbwaiter

E-How: Build a Dumbwaiter

You Know You’re DIY Obsessed When…

May 14, 2010 RH

…you have his and her safety masks hanging from your bathroom sconces.

Unfortunately, I did not set up this shot. Wish I did.

This Is Not My Beautiful House

May 6, 2010 RH 3 Comments

After a grueling final week to get the Beacon home on the market, it’s finally listed on MLS. The house has never looked so good. Yesterday was the broker’s open house which had a really good turn out.

The open house was called for 12-2pm and so my schedule went something like this:

4:30am. Wake up. Cawfeeeee.

5:00am. Paint spot on kitchen wall that was spackled the day before. Paint some patches in the bathroom.

5:30am. Clean cat pee bathroom. Bleach the shit out of it.

6:30am. Shower.

7:00am. Oooh, I stink again! What can ya do?

7:15am. Clear tools and ladders from kitchen. Vacuum new white grout that was never sealed and will be gray grout by end of week.

8:00am. Take out screens and storm windows in preparation for the window cleaner.

8:30am. Cawfeeee break. Call broker to delegate refreshment duty to him.

9:00am. Window cleaner arrives. We discover that the top windows that are covered by the storm windows won’t open. He can only clean the bottoms.

9:30am. Discover the bathroom drain is leaking since I pushed the pedestal sink too hard while cleaning cat pee. Throw a sheet down and pray the contractor comes on time today.

10:00am. Clean the rest of the kitchen without water because it’s not hooked up.

10:30am. Ah, Dimas the contractor has arrived only a half hour late! Quick Dimas, leak! Backsplash! Shelf!

11:00am. Dust and clean the rest of the house with the help of Dimas and his assistant, John.

11:30am. Jon of JonCar Realty arrives with the desserts. Dunkin Donuts and Sam’s Club. Really?

12:05pm. Change out of painting clothes while the first realtor arrives. Must dress like an orthodox Jew on this hot day because I have paint all over my arms and haven’t shaved my legs in like a decade.

2:30pm. Discover a large pubic hair on white bathroom floor after last realtor leaves.

Flickr house photos

Hallway, Bedroom, Guest Room, Bathroom

April 26, 2010 RH 3 Comments

Got to add a few more rooms to the “finished” list over the weekend. We still have plenty of work to do, but as far as we’re concerned, the house will be ready to go on the market by next weekend! Hopefully, we’ll have something that resembles a kitchen by then.

New Contractor Bid Site Outta Bed Stuy

April 20, 2010 RH 4 Comments

Swee10 is a new “online marketplace where homeowners design, share and post their home remodeling projects and contractors bid on them.”

Much like this blogger, the founder, Jean was inspired after the renovation of her Bed Stuy home. And much like this blogger, she is still not finished with said home.

Swee10 has got it going on though! The company has a team of architects and designers (including Jean) overseeing the now-in-beta website.

Members can browse projects and post their own and receive bids from interested contractors. There is a section to view bids and best of all…complaints! Keeps these guys honest, know what I mean?

Anyway, check it out. Even if you don’t have a project going on, worth the visit to check out that adorable logo!

They Said It Couldn’t Be Done

April 19, 2010 RH 4 Comments

Four months ago we embarked on a major renovation to get our Beacon house on the market by Spring. April 30th is the target date. We went over room by room, taking up some floors and taking down some walls. Nobody thought we would be ready in time, including (especially) the broker.

“That’s a tall order!” “April?! Good luck!” “That’s impossible.”

Ha! They don’t know who they’re dealing with. We are rocking this house and kicking it’s gorgeous ass into shape! So much so, that we have to get out of here quick because it’s so museum-like that’s it’s no longer habitable by slobs like us.

Behold the three downstairs rooms that are totally finished. Yeah, I know you’ve seen them, but I changed stuff around and took new pictures. All but one of the upstairs rooms will be finished today. It’s just a matter of me cleaning them up enough to take pictures.

Yes, we moved the dining area to the room just off the kitchen. Makes more sense than the way we had it.

Go ahead, tell us how great we are. Pat us on the back.

Oh, and PS: Dimas the contractor? Ever since he and his assistant John read my blog post about how slow as shit he is….they picked up the pace!!

101 Unfinished Projects

April 5, 2010 RH

We can’t finish a single project. Every room in our house is 90% done, but we get bored before finishing. Wanna see what I mean? Loads of before and during shots. No afters. 🙁

Fugly made-in-China chandelier. Hubby wanted to throw it in the trash. I said…..

“Paint it pink!” Inspired by the Jonathan Adler. It’s still sitting there with the tape though.

Exterior needs a ton of work. We’re doing the best we can with money and time constraints. Instead of stripping it down to bare wood, we’re scraping and patching. And when I say “we” I mean the contractor in this case.

Now that the wood is protected, it’s time to get back to building the porch. Doug Fir tongue and groove is nearly finished. It should be in by the end of the day. FYI, that’s plywood in the photo, case you didn’t know.

The wall in our driveway needs repointing. Grooves have been cleaned and it now awaits the cement. It’s in such bad condition that some stones came loose and fell on my husband. I LMAOROFL just as any good wife would do.

So, that’s where it’s at. Maybe I’ll get an after shot of something by the end of the week, but probably not. It’s mission: “Get rid of clutter” this week. Hence the tag sale.

reclaimedhome.com

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