First Two Members of My "Team Green"

TEAM MEMBER #1: Dad

The first person on board for the renovation of 50 Duffield Street is my project manager, otherwise known to me as "Dad." My father had an ironworks in Brooklyn for 40 years and knows many retired Italian electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, and artisans with time on their hands and contacts in their fields. My father has also renovated buildings in the past and is a sculptor whose work is on display at Botta di Vino, a lovely upscale wine store in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Here's a link to some images of his work: http://www.bottadivino.net/sculpture-garden.html The problem I'm going to have with my project manager, though, is that the role of boss comes so naturally to him, he's going to want to dictate things from the get-go. And his own child is not much of a match for him. Also, the benefits of going green, especially when it may turn out to be initially more expensive, may elude him. But, he's a smart man, so we'll see...

TEAM MEMBER #2: "Bob," the homeless man

Bob is a very hardworking, strong person when he's sober. He would often show up at my father's shop, or other businesses near Gowanus, Brooklyn, and do odd jobs for them. The problem is that he's been sober less and less often and has taken to living by the pier in Bay Ridge even during the coldest part of the year. And he's lost some brain function, I think, due to alcoholism and related illnesses. Let's hope he can be sober long enough to do some work on the project, and, hopefully, for good.

IT BEGINS:

On May 26, 2010, I purchased 50 Duffield Street, a 3 family house in Downtown Brooklyn in need of much renovation, but with some great features such as this fireplace (right):

My plan is to do a "green renovation" as far as time, my budget, and the house itself permits, then rent two of the apartments, and live in the third.

You might wonder what I mean by a "green renovation." Frankly, so do I sometimes. Some of the priorities for the renovation will be to,

• maximize natural light and airflow throughout the building
• restore and repurpose as much as the existing structure as possible
• avoid using toxic and otherwise harmful chemicals
• use energy efficient appliances
• minimize water use
• use, if possible, alternative energy sources, such as solar panels
• insulate extremely well

Although there are lots of things to do, the seller's 30 Day Use and Occupancy Agreement must end before physical work on the house can begin. In the meantime, I am trying to find an (inexpensive) architect that knows about green renovation. I'm also figuring out what the house needs, filling out tax forms, and girding my loins for a very big project that will include major renovations on 3 kitchens and 4 bathrooms, a roof, brick work, and much more.

I am writing this blog so that friends, family, my new neighbors, and people who are interested in doing something similar can get a sense of what is happening with the house. Please comment on the posts if you can. I need some feedback.