2008 Nov
Focus on... Building Maintenance

Interior Intelligent Buildings Technology
2008 Nov Intelligent Buildings Technology

Technological applications to residential building life are becoming more prevalent, and in some cases, they’ve even become more affordable than in the past. An “intelligent” building is able to monitor its environmental, mechanical, and…

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Interior If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It
2008 Nov If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It

As technology leaps forward, countless pieces of formerly indispensable equipment become obsolete, outdated, and replaced. In light of these technological advances, it’s interesting to think of the things that have not changed—inventions…

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Interior More Than Just Scratching the Surface
2008 Nov More Than Just Scratching the Surface

Whether a building is old or new, built of stone, brick, glass or some other material, trouble with or damage to its façade is a serious emergency. Telltale signs of building breakdown on the outside—a growing crack or crumbling mortar f…

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Interior The Role of the Super
2008 Nov The Role of the Super

The co-op we owned in Astoria was a huge brick prewar building. Three of its sides were either attached to other buildings or else sealed off by high barbed-wire fencing. The only way into the building was the front door, and that meant …

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Interior Transitioning from Sponsor to Board Control
2008 Nov Transitioning from Sponsor to Board Control

Building a successful enterprise from the ground up involves the talent and commitment of dozens—if not hundreds—of people. It’s no different with a co-op or a condo, especially in the earliest days of its existence when it makes that t…

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Interior Dealing with Building Violations
2008 Nov Dealing with Building Violations

No matter how conscientious your residents, no matter how dedicated your super and support staff, it’s inevitable: your building’s common areas are going to take a beating. Foot traffic can damage flooring, and everything from luggage to pe…

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Interior When Repairs Need to Be Done
2008 Nov When Repairs Need to Be Done

When you live in a Manhattan co-op or condo, one of the things that you need to be aware of is what sort of building systems exist on the property, and more importantly, which of these you are accountable for. When it comes to most bui…

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Interior Finding the Money
2008 Nov Finding the Money

Taking the plunge and renovating an existing multi-family building to be more energy-efficient is an important and exciting endeavor. The long-term financial payback from increased energy efficiency in a building is well documented. Th…

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Interior Letting the Sun Shine In
2008 Nov Letting the Sun Shine In

From paying $15 to travel 10 gridlocked blocks in a taxi to shelling out about $10 for a kosher deli sandwich, New Yorkers are used to paying through the nose for the privilege of living in their beloved city. But the dollars really add …

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Interior Preserving a Unique Heritage
2008 Nov Preserving a Unique Heritage

New York City has long been defined by the wide array of ingredients and seasonings thrown into its cultural pot. Though the flavor of the Big Apple has changed and evolved constantly over the years, at the city’s center are the deep-ro…

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