Guides for caring for a New York City brownstone


Heating and hot water
Why is one floor of my brownstone colder than the others?
Learn why one floor of a brownstone stays cold, what to check at the radiator and thermostat, and how a technician traces heat from the boiler.

Heating and hot water
Why does my boiler keep turning on and off?
Learn what boiler short-cycling looks like, the common causes in brownstones, why repeated starts matter, and what a technician checks first.

Air conditioning and air quality
Should I repair or replace my R-22 air conditioning?
How to identify an R-22 air-conditioning system, when a non-refrigerant repair may still make sense, and when replacement deserves a close look.

Plumbing, leaks and water
How do I winterize outdoor water at my brownstone?
How to shut off and drain outdoor spigots and irrigation lines before a New York freeze, and why water left in the pipes can damage the house.

Roof, gutters and exterior
Why do brownstone gutters and roof drains need fall cleaning?
Learn how flat and low-slope brownstone roofs drain, what clogged gutters can damage, which warning signs matter, and when to clear the leaves.

Request a walkthrough of your house
We walk through the house with you and look at its condition and its systems. The office then writes the checklist and the agreement, priced from what the walkthrough found.
- A checklist written for your house
- No long-term contract