ISO Great Tailor in FG/CH


I have a DWR upholstered couch with cushions that have a couple tears and need mending. I’ve spoken to reweavers and they cannot fix–they suggested a tailor. Anyone have a great one, who speaks English, who will put the proper time into repairing these (I don’t want a hack job done). Thanks!

Categories: Furniture
By Crumpler | 11/06/2009 9:42 AM | Comment

need carpenter for parquet floor


Hi all–I am in need of a good RELIABLE carpenter! I have a small area of parquet oak flooring that needs to be replaced (about five square feet) as well as some patching along where some
kitchen walls were removed. We have replacement tiles, but they would need to be cut/sanded/stained.

This job is a day’s work. Had a guy on the job but he flaked last minute, so I’m looking for someone who can be trusted to do the job and do it right!

Thanks.

Categories: Carpentry
By Crumpler | 10/08/2009 8:06 AM | Comment

Housing Loan Modification?


So in light of all a couple recent posts (Dahill, etal) on the new refinancing plans that Prez Obama has announced, I have this to report: I called my lender (Chase) this morning to ask them for advice on our mortgage (my husband and I have a 30 year fixed at %6.5). We’ve been making every payment on time, but as I was laid off last Nov. due to budget cuts, I’m slowly depleting my savings looking for work, and want to secure a more pragmatic rate. (Btw, the value of our BK coop has remained steady).

After being on hold for 20 minutes with the friendly folks at Chase, I was read to (yes, actually “read to”) by the deer-in-headlights “mortgage advisor” at Chase (I’m pretty sure she was at a call center in Manila–not that that is important, it’s more surreal than anything else) for about three minutes which gave vague bulletpoint details about Obama’s plan but no concrete assistance (ie, I wanted to ask Chase what I could actively do to improve our rate/payments over the long term, etc). She basically said they didn’t have any advice on the matter and re: the latest refi/home assistance plans coming out of DC, wouldn’t have any more info until probably the end of March.

So. I followed up by emailing our mortgage broker, who left me a VM saying that until Obama’s housing plans were actually IMPLEMENTED, they are more theory than anything else. She also said that since I’m recently unemployed, she suggests we do a loan modification instead of a refi, to avoid closing costs.

Just wanted to share my experiences and see what others out there in a similar situation have been contemplating!

Categories: Mortgage
By Crumpler | 03/06/2009 10:52 AM | Comment

Need contractor for minor reno


I own a 1 br. apt. at the CH Co-ops, and am looking to get an estimate on removing this middle bar area that separates the kitchen/living area (pic attached).

Also want to remove the short wall separating the kitchen from the living area. Most of the walls are concrete.

My husband’s dad (contractor, but out of state) says its a one-day job, my architect pal says it’s two days max. Don’t have a lot of $ to spend, looking for a fair and reasonable rate/reco’s. Thanks!

Categories: General Contractors
By Crumpler | 01/13/2009 1:42 PM | Comment

Drop in interest rates–should I refi?


I have a 1 br. co-op in Clinton Hill which I bought last year, w/ a 30 yr. fixed at 6.5%. My mortgage broker just informed me this morning that rates are now at 5.375%. Wondering if it is worth it for me to refi? If the apt reappraises for $15K more than I bought it (listings for comp. apts in my building are above that right now so it is a strong possibility), then I can avoid closing costs and save a few hundred dollars a month. Wouldn’t mind more $ in my pocket, esp. as I plan on having my apartment a few more years, not to mention that the economy is looking a bit dire these days… Any thoughts/advice out there? Thanks.

Categories: Mortgage
By Crumpler | 12/01/2008 5:32 PM | Comment

Looking for some good design/build guys


I live in a 1 br co-op and need to do a relatively minor reno job –knocking down the half wall that divides the kitchen from the living room, and building a small kitchen island with storage/adding pendant lights etc. I don’t think I need an architect per se — can anyone recommend a solid design/build firm or something of the like? This is not a high end job, but I want it done in a timely and competent fashion.

Categories: Construction
By Crumpler | 02/20/2008 9:30 AM | Comment