Forte integrated

3rd, 14th, 19th, 26th floors were all occupied before by sales offices and the model show. Is anyone not on one of those floors and has glossy sills? That would surprise me. Maybe they were damaged and repaired, and then painted glossy?

If anyone wants additional medicine cabinet shelves, you can get them made at Bear Glass in South Park Slope for $10 each (www.bearglass.com). Bring a shelf for them to copy--we got several additional shelves and they did it while we waited, about 40 minutes. The edges of the new shelves are not frosted, but they are beveled and otherwise identical to the ones the medicine cabinet came with. You can get the clear/metal brackets at Pintchik Hardware on Flatbush for 59 cents each.

thanks chelsea! i was wondering about that.

does anyone have their solar shades installed in the building? i have quotes from budget blinds and from lwhome pro and really dont know who to go with. I would love to see an example. I am around all day if anyone doesn't mind me popping in for a peek

chelsea23, where did you buy your bathroom light fixtures? having trouble finding ones we like and there are too many choices!

is anyone finding that there is hot air coming out of your PTAC even through the heat is off?

closing on monday. looking forward to moving in.

Does anyone have the dimensions for the closets in master bedroom in the C line ABOVE the 7th floor?

has anyone cut into the walls to install a junction box? i know cutting into the concrete ceiling is not allowed, but i was wondering if cutting into the walls was any different. thanks.

Droop81m - Our electrician (licensed/insured, etc) has cut into several walls and soffits to install lights and junction boxes.

Ftgreener, the lights that Chelsea and I installed in the bathroom are simple/affordable and the electrician picked them up at home depot. I think these are the right ones: http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans-Recessed-Lighting/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xr5Zaqnr/R-202025126/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

So,

Chelsea, great tip. I think we will get 4-5 made.

We just got our bathroom fixtures at Lamp Warehouse. They are on 39th and Fort Hamilton Parkway. They have good prices, and if you tell them you are in Buyers Direct, they will give you a discount (they didn't ask for our membership card, though my wife is in the UFT, so we are members).

The walls are just sheetrock, cut away.

Anyone purchase pullout shelves for kitchen cabinets? We are considering it because they seem so functional.

We were in the building today and heard the GE repairman say that the automatic detergent dispenser that you fill once for many uses (it dispenses as it goes) should not be used really as it clogs a lot. Anyone have any experience with that?

We closed today. They cleaned our apartment really well, though they did some damage in doing it. Oh well. We will cope. We are going to be renovating a bit as well, so much of that will be corrected.

Shawn

Congratulations on the closing, Shawn. And, good luck with your renovations and move.

ftgreener - what happened with the mildew smell?
it is happening to me too in the master bathroom. no clue where it comes from....

also one of the windows in the 2nd bedroom is not installed properly and wind comes through - anyone else have that problem?

fortetobe - our washer does not have an automatic detergent dispenser...

I meant in the dishwasher, not the regular washer.

We have been using the dishwasher dispenser for about a month without any issue, if that counts for anything. I also notice the mildew (or similar) smell in the master bathroom -- one day I thought it was originating from the drain in the sink, but other days it is hard to say.

JJ, we are getting budget blinds installed on March 31, if you want to wait that long before making a decision you are welcome to come check them out anytime. On a related note, Eric has been wonderful to work with. He gives honest advice, and when we told him we were fine with a certain choice without having seen it he strongly recommended that we see it before making a final decision. Of course, when he came by it was obvious that the "white" shades were an entirely different shade of white from the white in the apartment and would have looked terrible.

This reminds me, are your closets done and if yes, do you mind if we come check them out?

Thank you KJLR I think I will wait and see them then. Looking forward to it.
My closets are done and I cant believe i havent gotten round to taking photos! Are you around tomorrow? Want to come by and see them?

I just spoke to the super about the smell - he claims that the longer we live in the apartment and use the facilities then the smell will go away....hmmmm

jj - Could you take the photos and post'em on google.group? For the sake of the rest of us, who don't have the luxe to see them in person tomorrow? :)

JJ - Thanks! Is it too late if we come by this evening around 8? Or is there a good time tomorrow? Also, which apartment are you again?

Interesting re: the smell. In general, Almir has been amazing at fixing things, so if he says so.

Heading to the airport at 7:30 but will be back in 3 weeks if you can wait until then. In the meantime am going to snap some pics and try to upload to the googlegroups. What is the googlegroups link again?

http://groups.google.com/group/230Ashland?lnk&pli=1
Have a nice trip! :)

Hi all. The smell in our apartment went away. I spoke with Craig Murphy about it about 10 days to 2 weeks ago. He said that it was a problem with the vents. They adjusted something and that seems to have solved it. I don't know what originally caused the smell. It woudl come and go.

We still have an issue when it rains with water leaking through the right most window. Apparently this is a larger issue that will be fixed in April -- but it's definitely annoying as we have painters in there now and they will have to come back to touch up when the leak is finally repaired.

Forte on Brownstoner.com yet again - http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2010/03/forte_closing_p.php

Hi everyone,
Is anyone planning on refacing their kitchen drawers and cabinets? We have a few severely scratched drawers and doors and they would not include this on the punch list since there is apparently no way to trace the original materials. We have the dark wood drawers and cabinets on the bottom. If anyone is getting rid of theirs please let us know. Perhaps there are some unscratched facings we could use. thx!

Btw, the smell that had gone away is back again so there must be something still wrong with the venting near the 2nd bathroom. Anyone else still dealing with this issue?

You should also contact the handyman Luis. On my visit last week, a high fl C line (I'm in the C and have dark wood) paid him to get rid of the whole set of kitchen cabinets & appliances!

Hi All - Would like to share one more source for closets. The guy works independantly (based in Bkln), his name is Andy (646.329.7740, closetscrafters@hotmail.com). For the same design, his quote is one third lower than California Closets and his lead time much shorter. He cuts pieces in his workshop. Where CC needs to break into two parts b/c the width is more than 44in or is reluctant to do the irregular foyer closet, he can all customize.
Haven't seen the final product (installation scheduled for next week), so can't speak for the quality. Just in case you're willing to take the risk of a small local company vs. a brand name.

Do we know for sure that none of the granite was sealed?

Is anyone able to get Verizon deal that ccforte got? I couldn't get it. I spoke to one of rep and they can't give me same deal because most of incentives are expired. I ordered middle of March. Please let me know anyone succeed.

The discounts depend on what you order and how much you spend. I was able to get something similar, but not all of the perks that ccforte had.

Hello! I'm new to posting on here, although i'll fully admit to using the info you guys have been sharing for the last couple months... I'm closing on a C line apt on Tuesday. Finally! Our first order of business is to get the floors stained (darker) and finished. I've spoken to one person in the building about Wood Floors By Classic, and have had two additional estimates, all in the $2k-$2,800 range for the whole job. One place (Verrazano Flooring) is charging more for water-based poly, the other two only gave one estimate for either oil or water. I wonder if anyone has any strong opinions about work done on their floors, or any of the places we've talked to: Verrazano, Gil from Big Apple (may be related to Flat Rate), and Wood Floors by Classic. Also, can't get a definitive answer on whether we're allowed to use oil-based polyurethane in the building... Any input welcome! Thanks neighbors. see you soon!

Has anyone else had an issue with the wiring in the outlets? Our contract blew a circuit twice. Well, he pulled the outlet out and discovered that the wires were loose when they were installed in the outlets. He checked a few others and found them to be loose. This is just a heads up. We are having our electrician check and reterminate the ones that need to be (too much time for me to be doing it).

So we are getting TransForm closets. While looking to find the phone number, I found this coupon. Free installation and $200 off. Hopefully this may help some of you. http://maps.google.com/coupons/page?did=0_10797179980466968420&provider=SELF&cid=UJRGUAXVQXIW5K5F&oi=md_coup&sa=X&ct=coup&cd=1&hl=en

We just found out our current lawyer is not in our legal plan anymore, can anyone suggest a great lawyer? Thanks!

We just found out our current lawyer is not in our legal plan anymore, can anyone suggest a great lawyer? Thanks!

for those of you that did minor work like the new closets (enlarging existing space and installing new closet doors)-- did you have to get any special permissions from bldg management or have the contractor/handyman submit any insurance coverage info?
i know the condo rules require much more information from the contractors (licenses, insurance, etc.) for more major renovations (especially anything involving electrical and plumbing work) but for little jobs like this, what has been your experience?

Hi all,

We went to our final walk through today, and noticed that the master bedroom in the 3bdrm A unit (same bdrm as the 1 bdrm in the B line) had a new water stain along the right side of the window. Did any of you notice any new leaks from the heavy rain we had recently?

Do we know when the building is scheduled to have window repairs, recaulking and gutter repairs? Or did these already happen?

Thanks all!

Hi all,
Our closet doors have finally been installed. For those of you that were interested in seeing them, I've added a pictures of them to the google group.

Would anyone have suggestions about where we could find some nice, decorative (wood, ideally) yet functional 3-4 step ladders?

p.s. theark1z, even if you're not having "structural" work done, your contractor does need to submit "certificate of insurance" details to the management company. I'm pretty sure that if this isn't squared up ahead of time, whoever is workign at the front desk won't let them in.

Hi everyone. Just a follow up to my own question. There are plans to have contractors come in the end of April to fix any outstanding issues with windows and leaks.

Here's a question. Who have you been dealing with to follow up on outstanding items on the punchlist post closing?

MoMoYa,

I really like http://arusticgarden.com/tashstla.html for ladders. They use old farm ladders. Really cook. I would also get a Werner telescoping ladder for the heavy jobs as decorative wooden ladders likely won't be as sturdy as their metal counterparts.

theark1z, they minimally need the certificate of insurance on file with the management company. Even Budget Blinds and Transform need to have it on file.

Shawn

Yay! we closed!

Now looking into installing overhead lighting in the living room. Did anyone install a drop ceiling to hide the wires? How else can you hide the wires?

MoMoYa,

We like what you did to the closet. We're in the c-line and looking to join the master bedroom closets. Have you done that also? Please email me at summerhuller@gmail.com Thanks!

If anyone has done that, we'd love to hear from you too.

Thank for the tip, Leom, about Luis the handyman. Is he in the building or does someone have his phone number?

I found Luis, but all was thrown away. If anyone else is getting rid of their dark wood cabinet facings pls let us know. thanks!

Actually, I might remove some dark colored cabinets from the kitchen in the C line. If that's what you are talking about, I will update you in the next week or so if my plan gets finalized.

To add more color to the wiring issue. I sat down with our contractor and looked at the wiring issue. The person who installed the outlets in our unit put the wires around the screws in the wrong direction, so when the person tightened the screw down, the friction was actually pushing the wire off of the screw terminal, not pulling it on to the terminal (easy mistake for a person that does not know what they are doing). So when someone jostles the recepticle hard, the wire may loosen or even come off. In areas where there are metal gang boxes, the wire can arc and blow the circuit. The fix is simple, turn off the breaker, loosen the recepticle, take it out, make sure the wires are tight, put real electrical tape around the contacts and reinstall. This way you are sure you won't have an issue, and you also tighten all of the recepticles down. One problem with this is that it will take some time to do it all.

As for hiding wires, the best way to do it without channeling into the concrete is a drop cieling or using wire mold. The advantage of the drop cieling is that you can put a recepticle box in it so that that is also hidden from view (and not sticking out).

Does anyone have the information to join the discussion group for people who live/own at 230 Ashland? We closed a couple months ago, but don't know where to join the discussion off this list.. thanks! I believe the information had been posted before, but couldn't find it...

I finally found the group on google!

really appreciate all the good info exchanged on this thread.. i have just bought at another new dev but this thread has been tremendously helpful, so thx all...a quick question for any of you who have gotten inspections..could someone give me contact info for sergie? (i think thats who a lot of u guys used) Also is it common or recommended to get the inspection done prior to closing? thx in advance

Go to the first couple pages for Sergey's contact.
If you're one of the first buyers, you'll probably need inspection for peace of mind. If other buyers already did that and didn't find any structural issues (or even better, like some are generous enough to disclose their reports on this board), then inspection might be a waste of money in new development. The punchlist company at Forte had a list of items you have to look at. For the rest, they told us to take "as is" even you find out some problems. Friends with RE experience can keep company at the walk-thru. In case you do miss some minor items, you could fix it up when you do electrician, painting, flooring works after closing. Or tip your building's doorman/handyman to do it, which costs much less than paying an inspector. Just my humble opinion. It really depends on your tolerance for risk-taking. Good luck with your purchase. :)

thx leom appreciate the help

Thanks leom. That would be hugely appreciated. Let us know if you go ahead and decide to remove the cabinets.

anybody has delivery/neighborhood restaurant recommendation?

I truely love No. 7 & General Greene.

Another awesome, albeit expensive, ladder place, http://www.putnamrollingladder.com/stools.html.

Fund raiser for Atlantic Ave. Development corp. A friend is the persident. It should be fun:
http://www.atlanticave.org/benefit/

As far as ladders go, I reccomend the Skinny Mini 3-Step Step-Stool from farmandfleet.com. I saw a similar two-step model at Gracious Homes. It fits in the narrow space between the electric panel and the door, and it is very easy to carry. Total cost shipped to the Forte is $31.00

Shawn + Alan, thanks so much for the ladder suggestions...the transom section of our closets are higher than we thought, so can't go the "decorative route" and skinny mini isn't high enough. Ordered a Werner. Do really like those stools from Putnam though. Think we might need one for the kitchen. Thanks!
Mike, a few other restaurants we've tried and liked in addition to the ones Leom listed are: Olea, Rice, Chez Oskar, Madiba, Smoke Pit.
Cheers!

Re: restaurants, in addition to what others have said, I would also recommend Pequena if you like Mexican food (not very authentic, but still delicious), and 67 burger is great if you want food quick. There are also a couple of Thai places on Myrtle that are good for delivery. I think we usually order from Manee Thai (not amazing or consistent, but perfectly good as long as you keep in mind that pad thai is better for sit in than take out). I understand there are also two new Italian places in the neighborhood (Romans and Dinos), but we haven't been yet. There are also a lot of great restaurants in the North Slope which are as close as some of the ones in Fort Greene. We really like Convivium Osteria (but pricey) on 5th Ave. And if you go to Chez Oskar you should get a mojito, and if mussels are your thing, they have all you can eat mussels for around $10 on Tuesdays.

And if there was ever a reason to want to buy a ladder from Putnam, this is it: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/nyregion/thecity/29ladd.html

any recommendations for good house cleaners? thx!

I just got my closets done by Arthur and he did a fantastic job. He was a lot more reasonably priced than many of the other alternatives. His contact information is closetscrafters@hotmail.com.

hello all! been a long time! some updates:

- my wonderful paint job from master painters might not be so wonderful after all as it is already peeling in the bathroom.
- do NOT hire them to do any electrical work. like put the cable into another wall etc - i can post a picture of what mine looks like! its so badly done its comical.

- has anyone resolved the issue of the joints in the window sills peeling and cracking? i had mine redone and now they are back to where they were!

Anybody who used architects and or installed kitchen islands, can you please share the vendor's contact info? Thanks.

jj1918, regarding the cracking windowsills, same here. not sure what the permanent solution is yet.

Hi everyone, I was trying to find a unit in Forte but currently none is available. May I seek your comment on Toren vs Forte? Many thanks!

circlesky, forte sold out

Hi Everybody. I am a new owner at the Forte and love the building. I would like to ask whether now that the sponsor has sold out and the building is 100% sold and mostly owner occupied, are we going to have elections to appoint a board of directors? Would appreciate anybody's feedback on this important issue.