Green in Harlem

Rubbish!!

2015-08-21T11:23:00.001-04:00

Latest project DIY thingy that was squirming around in my head was to relocate our garbage pails from the alcove beneath the Brownstone steps. It was always hard to deal with the garbage and recycling in the cramped alcove, so we thought we could use the space in the front courtyard instead.

Of course, it had to be kinda fancy... So we built a composite lumber garbage bin enclosure with pneumatic easy-open lid lifts, built-in planter boxes, a water reservoir, drainage and some nice black hardware to match the house. Pics below.

Some construction notes:

I love the Tongue and Groove composite lumber for zero maintenance and long life, BUT it's super heavy, super expensive.
It should have been 25% smaller. Next one!

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Building skylight cover, with exhaust fan!

2014-11-13T12:31:00.001-05:00

One of the projects that I've been noodling over is the main skylight. It's a classic brownstone skylight directly over the entire stairwell with a built in ridge vent that helps hot air escape in the summer. Great, right? Well, not so much in the winter as the heat flows right up the staircase and out...

Traditionally, these skylights had an enormous decorative cover that sat at ceiling level, forming an insulating air space between the ceiling and the skylight glass. Problem is, they were very heavy and unwieldy to remove. So guess what? They disappeared/broke/fell and were never replaced.

I thought: Hm. Good idea, bad execution. We can do better. What about a permanently installed cover, with flaps that opened and closed (yeah, I get to use magnets!!) that ALSO had an exhaust fan that turned on when temps or humidity got to a certain level?? Perfect. Seal it closed in winter, drop the wings in summer. Voila!

Below is a video slideshow of the build. Was a lot more complicated than I had thought, as, of course, nothing was remotely square or level in the skylight opening. Note to self: always build the frame and opening flaps at ground level, then install as one unit. Oh well, next time... Enjoy...

Materials:

Mahogany slab, ripped into stiles and sashes for flaps that open
1/4" Lexan (which is actually bulletproof glass) for windows
Hafele Duo Forte lid stays so flaps open down slowly
Brass piano hinges
Magnetic door catches, 50 pound capacity
Brass flush-mount ring pulls for handles
Brass transom hook and pole, for opening/closing the flaps
Angle iron, for attaching lid stays
2x4s
14" super quiet/efficient attic exhaust fan
Combo temperature and humidity switch for fan automation
Surface mount steel electrical boxes and wiring
Router bits for cutting in flap details
Self sticking insulation strip to seal flaps to frame when closed
Lots of clamps
Ridiculous ladder positioning over stairs...

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Laundry Room! Walnut! Countertop!

2014-10-28T13:03:00.000-04:00

My favorite wood mill, Elmwood Reclaimed Timber, provided me with yet more reclaimed walnut to build countertops out of. If you recall, I had finished the bar earlier this year using their reclaimed walnut product.

This time, I needed to fabricate a countertop for the laundry room to run over the washer and dryer. I ordered their black walnut in 1" thick and got to cutting, sanding, resanding, varnishing, sanding and fixing what I didn't get perfect the first time...

Et voilá:

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Master Bedroom Fireplace Tiling

2014-10-28T12:32:00.001-04:00

By popular demand, I've added a music video/time lapse of the Master Bedroom Fireplace tiling.

The tiles are mother of pearl, also procured from Build it Green as part of our Great Tile Purchase a couple of months ago. The edging is one of the Schluter profiles, which worked out really great in brass.

As always, Max and Ruby were very helpful.

Watch video! Turn up the sound! ;-)

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Behold! The Bar!

2014-10-21T16:47:00.000-04:00

Haven't gotten around to updating the blog with some of the finishing work that's been going on.

Apologies dear reader...

Below is a series showing the build out of the bar area on the Parlor floor. We had some left over drawers from the kitchen install, so needed to construct a cabinet, refinish the reclaimed walnut top I ordered from Elmwood Reclaimed Lumber (love them) and cut out and install the bar sink and faucet (both from Build It Green).

I coated the countertop with 5 layers of Epifanes Marine Varnish in high gloss. Even the dust from any clothing you are wearing can ruin the glass-like finish, so that's why there are no pictures of me varnishing... ;-)

Total pain to work with, but WOW what a finish! Enjoy the pics.

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Oh, Green Depot, why don't you just do the right thing? Update: THEY DID!

2014-05-23T15:39:00.003-04:00

Update: Sometimes companies "get it". Green Depot is, apparently, one of them.

After much angst with our badly botched Icestone countertop install (saga below, installer name NOT redacted to provide a caution flag for consumers), JoeK from Green Depot reached out to me directly, and with much effort on his part, got the installers to make this right. So nice to deal with people who care, appreciate good work and stand on their word. JoeK: you are a credit to the Green Depot org. Hurrah!! Thank you for Making it Right!!

.//A.

#########
Sorry to say, after many years of supporting Green Depot both ideologically and with my business as I renovate houses, ~~I may have to end my love affair...~~

Why? Customer service. In the end, I can get my desired products from a wide variety of vendors/suppliers. What differentiates them is service and a willingness to make something right.

Yes, something always goes awry when renovating. 100% Guaranteed. Sometimes it's a wrong part, unforeseen conditions or a misunderstanding that can cause some drama. OK, fine, let's discuss and fix it. But when it comes down to shoddy workmanship and the responsible establishment tries to run you around and around and around, hoping you will just go away, that's kinda the end for me.

So, nearly 18 months after having an Icestone countertop - purchased from Green Depot and installed by Marble Works - in our brownstone, looks like I have to go to court to get it corrected/replaced/refunded. Awful and a pain. But guess what? If my check bounced (i.e., I failed to deliver on MY responsibility), I don't think Green Depot would just let me off the hook...

What are the issues?

One piece of the countertop has a diagonal crack running completely through it that the installers tried to fill, polish and cover over. Nice try.
The template was cut backwards, so the rounded edges face the wall. Helpful...
Another counter is not polished on top, feels like rough sandpaper.
When originally delivered for install, the countertop was cut too short by 2 inches. With no other viable option, my carpenter and I cut off the cabinet legs and shortened the space by 2 inches so countertop would reach the edge of the cabinetry. Thankfully the space beneath was meant for open shelves. (About this last item, Green Depot said, "Sorry, we'll make it up to you next time."). Hysterical.

Abbreviated saga is below. Only reason I post this is to remind all of us that you should always get what you pay for. You must be civil and respectful and flexible, but you must get what you paid for. Period.

(On a side note, this was the one and only time that I have ever paid for an install/materials upfront. Apparently, that's Green Depot's policy. Never again, as you have no recourse if the work isn't done correctly. I remember thinking, "it's Green Depot, I shouldn't worry...").

###
10/22/2012
Emailed Frankie Gonzalez at Green Depot, letting him know that there was a problem with the countertop, that it was measured and cut incorrectly. Frankie asks me to send him some pictures of the countertop.

12/18/2012
Emailed/called Frankie Gonzalez at Green Depot, explaining that the countertop is also cracked and installed backwards. Included pictures.

12/18/2012
Green Depot responded, apologizing for the issue and was following up with the installer to fix it.

1/3/2013
Emailed Frankie Gonzalez at Green Depot again, asking for a status update on repairing/replacing the countertop.

1/3/2013
Green Depot responded, said he spoke to the installer (Marble Works) and that they would be calling me to schedule an appointment.

1/4/2013
Installer scheduled to visit house and see the issues on Feb 1, 2013.

2/1/2013
Installer calls on morning of appointment to cancel. Called at 9:55AM from number 914-376-XXXX. Installer could not re-schedule a time for another appointment and said he would get back to me with a new day.

2/5/2013
Numerous calls to Green Depot. No response.

2/5/2013
Installer (Sezen Barmaksiz, Dir. Of Operations at Marble Works) emails saying that they do not have the material in stock and cannot replace it at this time.

2/5/2013
I ask via email and phone call when the Icestone materials will be in stock?

Installer responds via email, “I don't know at this time will let you know as soon as I do. Thanks again for your patience. This email is a confirmation that your piece by the right of stove will get replaced.”

2/5/2013
Green Depot confirms that they called Icestone and that the material will be in stock in March 2013, so the countertop can be replaced then.

3/1/2013 - 4/15/2013
Numerous calls to Green Depot see when the material will be in stock and the countertop replaced.
No response.

4/29/2013
Emails to Green Depot and Marble Works, following up on the countertop replacement.
No response

6/1/2013 – Present
No further response from Green Depot.

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

The Lady likes her privacy

2014-04-23T22:11:00.000-04:00

Not helpful, Max.

The Lady likes her privacy. As a lady should

She said, "Hm, I'd like drapes on the master closet..."

OK! Let's get to it!

We have an old, embroidered comforter cover that was a pretty fine piece of material, but is wayyyy too heavy and hot to sleep with. We decided to convert them into lined drapes.

(Note: whenever you hear "sewing lined drapes", you should think, "ironing and pinning and ironing some more. Then, only sew for 1% of the time you ironed and pinned".)

Some action shots and videos below.
Of course, Max The Helper joined in. Very helpful, buddy.

Measure, pin, iron. Repeat.

Silk lining from Mike's Fabrics on 181st and Broadway

Fold, pin, worry about corner seams.

Solve corner seams!

1st video is the Singer 9970 in action. 2nd video is the finished drapes hanging.
(BTW, using the Walking Foot is just the perfect sauce of awesome when sewing dissimilar weight fabrics!)

Updated:
By request, adding a picture of the rod/loops as well as some seam-porn! I didn't have an inch of fabric to spare, so needed to have a hanging system that hung down and bought me back a few inches of length. Fabric was very thick, so was impossible to have blind or very thin seams.

Ingredients list:

Old comforter with nice stitching
Raw silk lining
Kirsch Mahogany rings with clips
Kirsch Mahogany drapery rod
Walking Foot (aka Even Feed Foot) for sewing machine
Blues Radio stream on Pandora
1 Helpful Cat to keep lining fluffed and gnarled

Rings with clips on pole

Really tight seam to save length

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Musing on my Muse

2014-04-19T08:53:00.001-04:00

Good renovation work is demanding and requires strong communication, teamwork and a ton of inspiration.

However, style points are often overlooked. To wit, I give you The Muse!

So next time I am hanging upside down, sanding until my fingers bleed or puzzling over how to get that finish piece JUST RIGHT, I'll just remember why I'm doing it... ;-)

Next Up: Master Bedroom Fireplace

2014-04-14T15:57:00.000-04:00

Now that the LR Fireplace is completed (well, almost, dear...), I moved on to the Master Bedroom Fireplace to knock that off the list. For the Master BR Fireplace, we picked up a sweeeeet stack of Mother of Pearl mosaics from Build it Green NYC at the same time we found the LR tile. We also found the beautiful antique mantle you see in the video at BigNYC a couple of years ago. Time to tile!

Enjoy with sound:

Fireplaces are all Mendota high efficiency gas inserts. Super quality and really nice supplemental heat source. They are described as "wall furnaces" and the model above (Mendota D30) puts out up to 30,000 BTUhs.

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Tiling the Master Fireplace

2014-03-21T13:45:00.000-04:00

Photo courtesy of NY Times

Well, well well where does the time go?

Yes, we've been living in our almost-complete beautiful brownstone. It's 100% functional (excepting the nagging roof leak that will be fixed SOONEST) and we're now turning back to some of the decorative finish work - tiling, picture rails, wood finishing, etc.

Today's update is on tiling the master fireplace!

For you long-time sufferers of our reno-blog, this is what we started with in the Living Room. Not terribly promising...

If you recall, the NYTimes included us in a small piece they did on the difficulties of green renovation here in Gotham. Link: Bumps on the Road to a Greener City

But with a little perseverance, luck and lots of hard work, we've managed to turn that yawning oh-shit-I-just-made-a-huge hole in the wall into a functional, and maybe even beautiful, centerpiece for the living room.

We go to Build It Green (BigNYC.org) pretty regularly. Many times we leave empty handed but other times we strike gold. They had just received a veritable mountain of tile that had been ordered for a hotel and not used. So we began picking and digging and stacking and sorting and cursing and laughing and debating over the tile. Probably moved 1000 pounds of tile all told. I picked out a lovely white Carrara marble mosaic for the fireplace. The Lady spied a more earthy-toned mosaic that was more in keeping with the original (and 75% destroyed) hearth. Definitely going with the Carrara, right? Nope. We got both. Such a great deal, we couldn't refuse.

Long story longer, the prep work of removing the existing deep-concrete-set tile (no thinset used in 1895!) and re-leveling the hearth enough to tile it took a few days of dusty labor. We used Schluter's Ditra material as an underlayment, which worked perfectly to allow for the slight hump in the hearth that formed as the building settled. Ditra and Kerdi is super stuff for tiling. Highly recommended. Don't know why the builders don't use it all the time.

Anyway, pics and a fun time-lapse video below. Still have to reinstall the bluestone shelf and soundbar under the TV, but you should get the idea... Enjoy!!

If watching the video, turn UP THE SOUND!

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Finishing the Garden Apartment

2011-10-01T19:17:00.001-04:00

Woohoooo! Some great updates to share!

Having had enough of living in a sublet in the oh-so-hip West Village, we asked SuperHero Contractor Chris to focus all of his attention on the Garden Apartment. This way, we could move into the apartment (actually BE in our house, crazy...) while the upper 3 floors continue to be worked on.

And...

...we're moving into it tomorrow. w00t!

Now, before anyone says "why didn't you do this earlier?", you have to appreciate the previous condition of the Apartment:

Before: Garden Apt Kitchen

Before: Garden Apt Bedroom

Yummy, huh? Maybe not quite up to The Lady's standards. Well, we fixed that. It now looks lovely. Floors are being refinished today with Rubio Monocoat.

Rubio Monocoat is an all-natural, molecular-bonding, nano-technology wonder-oil that dries quickly and keeps true to our Green sensibilities. Oh, and no odor or VOCs either...

Paint is Benjamin Moore Eco-Spec (or Natura). Also no VOCs or other nasty toxic stuff.

Latest pics below. Click for larger views. Really coming together. Will update when we get there mañana...

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill

The Roof! The Roof! The Roof is NOT on Fire

2011-04-24T12:45:00.001-04:00

Old roof gone! Not bad for 105 years old!

Very exciting events at La Casa last week! Roof Roof Roof!

After what seems like an eon with various other folks who never seemed actually interested in getting our house done, our new contractor Chris Riggi arrived and immediately starting making stuff happen. Like stopping the 4 story waterfall that our house had turned into. Not a torrent, mind you, but we thought that having a constant flow of water through the walls was a BAD THING.

So, new roof. Yay. There is, indeed, light way over there, around the corner, through the tunnel and over the hill... Go Chris!

A few more snappy-snaps below for the roofing geeks out there (me!).

Pls nail down securely

Kinda artsy shot

Shiny reflective surface

Finished!

Small roof over annex. Herb garden!

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Man oh Man do I love our copper bathtub

2010-09-24T11:49:00.004-04:00

Hello all! We're full swing in identifying and purchasing plumbing/lighting fixtures. We had a tub picked out ~~until we came across this gem from Signature Hardware. It's a floor model, so we got a good deal. Copper exterior, Nickel interior. Schweet...~~

(Please ignore the hideous brown tile behind it. That's not happening for us.)

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

You Have a Permit to Renovate Your House

2010-04-01T14:43:00.003-04:00

OMG. Email from our contractor today:

"Yeah! You have a Permit."

Some hard-earned reno-advice:
Sometimes the best messages are short...
Sometimes "working the process" actually gets results...

Always jettison people who suck...
Always expect results...
Always remember that YOU are the client...

And lastly, good people are hard to find. We have now found some. Keep them and treat them well. Take their advice. Debate only the important stuff.

Thank you, Sam!

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Antique Mantle from Build it Green

2009-10-19T15:02:00.023-04:00

Man oh, man are we excited! Not only do we have an ACTUAL approved building permit, we found this unbelievable mantlepiece at Build It Green (bignyc.org) this weekend. Click the images for a close-up.

Bought it and rented a truck to cart it over to the house that same day. Gotta love the lion heads with the dragon tails!

We almost bought one that we didn't love, just because we were worried about being able to find a period appropriate piece in good condition. Patience, indeed, is a virtue...

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Green Depot Has the Green Goods

2009-02-24T10:21:00.007-05:00

In our never-ending search for reliable, quality suppliers of green building materials and products I (only & sadly) occasionally come across a store that really delivers the Green Goods. I had written previously about Energy Federation Inc and Gracious Home for lighting, and we now have a new go-to place for green building products.

Green Depot has just opened a flagship showroom in Manhattan (with online shopping, 'natch). I had a visit and was very impressed with their products and staff. Great selections from lighting products to Forest Stewardship Council flooring to Ivy No-VOC Paint and one of the best displays of IceStone countertop materials.

Denise, in the kitchen department really took the time to explain the various sustainable cabinet materials, tile and countertops they offer. They even carry the way-cool Warmboard Radiant Heat Subflooring System! A much more satisfying shopping experience than the typical big box store.

Green Depot is a retailer of Green Building, Lifestyle and Design products, with a variety of stores or centers in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut and New Hampshire. Check 'em out!

I picked up a few hybrid rechargeable batteries for the various kitty toys and plan to return soon with The Lady to settle on countertop materials.

[where: 222 Bowery, New York, NY 10012]

Stimulus Package Green Energy Incentives

2009-02-15T18:46:00.017-05:00

Wow. I've been working my way through the 1500 pages of the Obama Stimulus Plan, lovingly titled American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, scanning for the changes in the Renewable Energy tax credits and incentives.

Not easy to find, but did discover some specifics that I thought I would share.

Solar How Water:
previous incentive allowed for a Federal tax incentive of 30% of the cost of the system, capped at $2000 maximum.
New: The $2000 cap has now been removed, so you get the full 30% tax credit for Solar Hot Water, a several thousand dollar change

Energy Efficient Improvements:
previous incentive allowed a $500 Federal tax incentive for the installation of energy efficient windows, insulation, appliances. Eh.
New: The incentive has been increased to a $1500 Federal tax credit for Energy Efficient improvements. See this chart for the specific equipment requirements (but note that the $$ amounts are out of date, it is now a flat 30% total credit capped at $1500)

These new incentives continue to push the "affordability curve" in the homeowner's favor. Below is the complete list of Renewable Energy incentives that I know of:

Solar PV/Hot Water = Federal 30% Tax Credit for cost of system. Uncapped.

Solar PV/Hot Water = NYC Property Tax Abatement - 35% of Post Rebate Cost over 4 Years

Solar PV = NYS offers 25% Credit of the Customer Final Payment up to $5,000

Solar PV = NYSERDA Utility Rebate for Solar Electric System (Currently $3.00 per watt)

Energy Efficiency Improvements = up to $1500 federal tax credit for the installation of energy efficient furnaces, heat pumps, appliances, windows and insulation.

There are also a wide variety of low interest loans available for homeowners as well. These are *not* home equity loans, but federally guaranteed unsecured loans for energy efficiency projects.

I typically rely on DSIRE to keep track of the various incentives, but they haven't updated their site yet to reflect the new stimulus legislation (Pres. Obama is slated to sign it on Tuesday).
[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Brownstone Parlor Kitchen Design

2009-02-11T08:14:00.011-05:00

As you know, we have decided to turn the formal parlor of our Harlem Brownstone into the main kitchen. We struggled with finding space for a functional kitchen within the old 1896 floor plan. The original kitchen was downstairs on the Garden Floor, with a back staircase for the help to bring up the food. Not exactly workable for us, as The Lady doesn't think we need a full staff to run the house...

So, we worked with SuperFriends Jen & Ellen (form of...Architects!) on transforming the Parlor into a Kitchen. Fortunately, we are going to be able to use some of the existing fireplace flue to run water pipes, etc., minimizing the need to carve up the walls. Right, Contractor Sam??!

In the interim, we came across a complete high-end Kitchen cabinet set that had been salvaged from a home in Manhattan! The salvage crew took great care in removing the cabinet pieces so they are in perfect condition, and we were able to purchase them at a very steep discount. So now we have a complete Kitchen set (with extra cabinets for the bar area) that is not only cost-effective, but also completely Green & Recycled!

This makes us giddy. Again.

The task over the past few days was how to take this kitchen set jigsaw puzzle, and make it fit, gracefully, into the Parlor space. Many hours later, we've come up with a pretty workable plan and a layout that is functional and stylish. Below are a few shots of the prelim plans and 3D representations. Click for larger images.

Onward Eco-Warriors!

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Free Renovation Tools Make Them Happy

2009-02-10T12:03:00.029-05:00

We are just so thrilled to have received a brand-spanking-new Komelon Stainless Steel tape measure from one of our favorite design and home renovation blogs: Charles and Hudson. Thank you! Woo-hoo!

We've put it to good work already: measuring kitchen cabinets as we endlessly re-configure the new parlor kitchen. The old tape measure (with duct tape holding it together) is now resting comfortably in the bottom of the toolbox.

So, check out Charles and Hudson, loads of inspiration, DIY How-Tos and information on products to be found.
[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Best Renovation Tool

2009-02-03T20:13:00.009-05:00

I almost gave up. May 2007, I was in New Orleans staring at a pile of Trex composite decking, a pile of stripped deck screws, sweating buckets. It was 10am, 90° and I had a bazillion screws to drive. Oh man.

3 hours earlier, I had rolled up to the house ready to knock out the deck project. Posts were set. Trex delivered. Piece of cake. Started laying the deck, and was a little surprised at the slow going. Hm. OK, I'll use the special "no drill, auto-countersink" screws. Thud. Still not getting through the composite deck. Wow, I thought, this is TOUGH stuff.

Unwilling to accept that I had to pre-drill each of the screw holes, I rang up a buddy who's a full-time contractor and gently humors my gung-ho attitude.

Me: "Hey Matt, I'm fighting with this Trex decking. What am I missing here?"
Matt: "The impact driver isn't working?"
Me: "Huh? What's an impact driver?"
Matt: "OK, stop. Don't ya'll have any new technology up North? Go and buy one. You'll never use another driver."

And that's how I met the Makita Impact Driver. Wow. I finished the deck that day. Looks great.

Get a Makita Impact Driver. Well, well worth it. The simultaneous action of driving (impacting) a screw while the drill turns it is just miraculous. Very lightweight, great battery life (Lithium Ion doesn't lose charge quickly). There's even a light built into the tip.

They are sold in all major DIY stores and online at Amazon, etc.

I am going to start listing my all time *worst* or justy plain silly tools. Anyone have a favorite worst?

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

LED Lighting Panned in New York Times

2009-02-02T11:01:00.016-05:00

An article in today's New York Times underscores what many of us are finding with the new LED Lighting products: they aren't quite there yet.

I agree with the analysis, but have issue with the conclusion (or lack thereof). Traditional news stories are not supposed to offer suggestions or opinion, but this is an analysis piece, so I had hoped the author would end with "so what you should think about is..."

For example, there are a number of new LED lighting products that are fantastic for specific uses. I wrote about the new WAC Undercabinet Lighting recently as well as other alternatives to inefficient incandescents lamps that work wonderfully for the right setting.

Voltaire's oft-used phrase, "the Perfect is the enemy of the Good" (or "Il meglio è l'inimico del bene", for our Italian friends) is well applied to this discussion.

To wit: If I can reduce my energy consumption, electricity costs and waste with the appropriate use of quality Compact Fluorescent and LED bulbs, I should do it! We should not wait for the holy grail of lighting products to start making the switch, as that will likely never occur. Today, we can reduce our electrical usage by 30-50% just by using smarter bulbs.

There are a ton of good options for homeowners, even if the NY Times sums it up with "Simply put, many of the LED products now available are not worth buying."

Reference: article from the NY Times Bits section: "LEDs to the Rescue? Not So Fast".
[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

New Solar Power Incentives - Federal & State

2009-01-28T19:18:00.007-05:00

So it seems Good Things really do come to those who wait! (or is it "Time and tide wait for no man"...?)

Had a great call with our Solar Contractor who re-quoted our Solar PV system based on the new Federal and State incentives available for Solar Photovoltaic electric panels.

Turns out, there are a number of changes to the incentives that really make a difference in moving forward. Of course, there is still some silliness (like not being able to take a Solar PV and Solar Hot Water incentive in the same year - ugh). Nevertheless, we are excited to see the government put (our!) money in the right places.

Summary:

Federal =Government Offers an uncapped 30% Tax Credit for cost of system

NYC = Property Tax Abatement - 35% of Post Rebate Cost - Over 4 Years

NYS = Offers 25% Credit of the Customer Final Payment up to $5,000

Utility Rebate = NYSERDA Rebate for Solar Electric System (Currently $3.00 per watt)

In our case, that leaves the Net cost to us, after 4 years at under $5,000. w00t!

It's time to go and get your Solar On!

References: DSIRE Solar Incentives by State

Note that the Solar Thermal / Hot Water incentives haven't changed. Yet.

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Brownstone Heated Front Steps

2009-01-27T09:52:00.013-05:00

Woke up this morning thinking about snow, the brownstone and having to shovel the steps. Getting the ice and snow off of those steps can be a real pain, and typically you will leave snow and ice all over them, making for a treacherous run to Whole Foods for your favorite organic, free-range, hot cocoa potion and a bucket of Tiger Balm for your back.

Having spent some time in the north of Sweden, where the snow is towering over your head, I remembered that they had heated walkways nearly everywhere. The snow fell (and fell and fell...) and quickly melted.

Aha! We're installing radiant heat, powered by a Solar Thermal Hot Water system. Why couldn't we extend some of that to the front steps? To be even more efficient, there could be a switch that would allow the front steps system to activate. Wouldn't exactly be fast, but might be smart. Have to think through when I would want it on/off more. Anyone have ideas?

In review, a radiant hot water heating system distributes warm (~ 130 degrees) water through flexible PEX tubing typically installed under the floors. The amount of water carried in the tubes acts as one large heat mass; efficiently warming the house and retaining it's heat for long periods of time.

Less water heating = less fuel used = less costs = green building!

I can see a system that has a heat exchanger carrying an antifreeze liquid through PEX tubing mounted in these aluminum plates to direct the heat to the bottom of the stone steps. Remember, it doesn't have to heat the steps to 72 degrees, just 33 degrees. Also, the heat exchanger is necessary because you can't have water running to the outside pipes, unless you want to have a sprinkler system under your steps after the first freeze...

We hope to have the bulk of our hot water generated by our solar thermal evacuated tube system, but might not even need to use it for the steps if we can just have the heat exchanger interface with the incoming city water (which is between 50-60 degrees).

I'll have to talk to Contractor Sam and Ellen & Jen the architects about it. They just LOVE to hear my latest... um... innovations... alway bringing up that "what's your BUDGET" thing. ;-)

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Update: Green Lighting LED and CFL Bulbs

2009-01-22T19:42:00.010-05:00

Quick update for folks in NYC on where to find good quality CFL and LED lighting products for your home in a retail store. Great staff who are hugely helpful.

Gracious Home, now open in Chelsea, has a great new selection of Green Lighting bulbs (or "lamps" as I am told they are technically called). What I liked was that the LAMPS were organized by the color temperature of the light. How tired are you of getting a CFL or LED bulb home only to find that it's a weak white/blue when you wanted warm, soft white?

Remember for warm tones in the living room and bedroom, you want 2700K temperature lights. Don't be snookered by the "pure daylight" marketing materials; those bulbs put off a super-white-to-bluish light and are rated at 5000K. Ick. Here is the original post: Where to find quality LED and CFL Bulbs?

I was especially impressed that they were carrying the new LED under-cabinet lights from WAC. The WAC InvisiLED Tape Lights are far and away the best performing LED under-cabinet lights I've seen (and I've tried too many...). No heat. Very low energy use. Simple install. Easy to link together. Check 'em out!

[where: 10032][where: Harlem][where: Sugar Hill]

Update: Green Paint Stripping

2009-01-11T22:27:00.034-05:00

Our great progress in stripping the paint from the spectacular window trim and base molding
has.
slowed.
down.
considerably.

Turns out, the recent cold snap (I love saying that, like we live on the prairie, maybe near the Big Woods!) has had an effect on the efficacy of the Smart Strip product.

As the instructions clearly state:
Limitations: For best results, surface temperatures
should be 60ºF – 95ºF. Smart Strip can be
applied as low as 37ºF, however, efficiency/effectiveness
are reduced and dwell time increases.

We have the heat turned off in the brownstone, and it's been hovering around 45-50 degrees. As a result, the Smart Strip isn't turning the 100 years of paint and shellac into the easy-to-remove goop we've grown to enjoy. We may need to wait for the weather to warm up a bit. Or buy a heater for the rooms we're working in. Argh.

For the fans, here are some action shots from this weekend. Note the wool cap. It's cold!

[where: 10032]

Green in Harlem

Rubbish!!

Building skylight cover, with exhaust fan!

Laundry Room! Walnut! Countertop!

Master Bedroom Fireplace Tiling

Behold! The Bar!

Oh, Green Depot, why don't you just do the right thing? Update: THEY DID!

The Lady likes her privacy

Musing on my Muse

Next Up: Master Bedroom Fireplace

Tiling the Master Fireplace

Finishing the Garden Apartment

The Roof! The Roof! The Roof is *NOT* on Fire

Man oh Man do I love our copper bathtub

You Have a Permit to Renovate Your House

Antique Mantle from Build it Green

Green Depot Has the Green Goods

Stimulus Package Green Energy Incentives

Brownstone Parlor Kitchen Design

Free Renovation Tools Make Them Happy

Best Renovation Tool

LED Lighting Panned in New York Times

New Solar Power Incentives - Federal & State

Brownstone Heated Front Steps

Update: Green Lighting LED and CFL Bulbs

Update: Green Paint Stripping

The Roof! The Roof! The Roof is NOT on Fire