Basement Cleanup/Handyman


Well, since we’re snowed in, I’ve got spring cleaning on my mind….time to clean out an out-of-control basement and do some small repairs.

Can anyone recommend someone to help cart out and truck away loads of wood and junk from basement….I have an old card from “Jerry’s Rubbish”, but it is quite old

Also looking for a handyman to do some ongoing repairs — beginning with caulking of cracks and crevices around windows, floors…bathroom shower and tub, etc.

Thanks!

Categories: Handyman
By JudithH | 02/27/2010 12:00 PM | Comment

“Simple” Kitchen and Bath Reno


I wonder if anyone can give me some advice on anticipated cost and any recommendations on contractor for what I’d like to think is a simple reno/update for a small kitchen and two small baths.

In the kitchen, I’d like to change the counter tops and backsplashes (now “60s” formica). Probably to bluestone or granite. Other than that, I would replace appliances (myself) and change hinges and knobs on good solid wood cabinets, already in place.

In one bathroom (no plumbing to be moved): replace tub, toilet, vanity/sink, and re-tile walls (half way up) and bathtub surround, and floors.

In other (very) small bath, just replace vanity/sink and toilet, paint and paper (some grouting in shower stall needed).

In no cases, moving plumbing….these two bathrooms and kitchen renovated in the 60′s just really need a facelift.

Any guesses on what kind of costs I’m looking at….ball park (excluding bathroom fixtures and appliances)

Can anyone recommend someone who can do all/or part of these jobs neatly and reasonably?

Many thanks

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By JudithH | 11/01/2009 8:27 PM | Comment

Answer: “Unusual Bug Infestation


To those of you who responded to my post earlier this week…I was looking for help regarding a strange infestation that brand new tenants were in touch with me about: scores of “bugs” coming through one window that was surrounded with ivy….the exterminator (who was probably not even needed) confirmed that they were ordinary “garden variety” BEETLES (not powder beetles as someone suggested, nor any other wood boring variety thankfully). It seems they had nested in the ivy and/or air conditioner (both have now been removed). All is well, and I’m relieved that it was nothing more serious.

Thanks to all for your input and suggestions.

With the weather getting chillier, if anyone has a similar situation…you might want to hack back that ivy that tends to surround and grow over windows.

By JudithH | 10/07/2009 1:49 PM | Comment

Unusual Bug Infestation


After having nearly any bug problems in the many, many years I’ve been in my home…new tenants who JUST moved in on the top floor alerted me last night to an infestation they seemed to have in their bedroom (top floor, rear window where there IS a good deal of ivy hanging).

I’ve never seen anything like this…brownish/black insects about 1/2 – 3/4 long with legs and wings. They seem to be coming in droves. They appear to me to be more of an “outdoor” bug…maybe in the beetle family, but I really don’t know.

Our plan is to cut back the ivy today, but I wonder if anyone has had a similar problem, might know what this bug is, and most importantly….can anyone recommend a good exterminator???!!!

Many thanks.

Categories: Exterminator
By JudithH | 10/05/2009 11:43 AM | Comment

Repairing Brownstone Doors


I’m hoping someone can refer a carpenter who can properly repair (and possibly refinish) the wooden double doors on my brownstone. Years ago, the fire deparment “made their way” through these doors while no one was home, and they have been rather pieced together for some time. They are painted and have large panes of the original beveled glass. I’ve noticed that the molding on the bottom of one door has basically been disintergrating…and I’m now very concerned to see the glass beginning to slip down.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to a carpenter who can handle something like this?

Thanks!!!

Categories: Carpentry
By JudithH | 09/29/2009 2:36 PM | Comment

Re-surfaceing bathtub


I have a sixties bathroom (avocado green!) in our brownstone…the tub’s finish has recently begun to look very unsightly. I am loathe to replace it as I’m sure it will result in a total bathroom reno…does anyone have any experience with re-surfaceing a tub and if so, can you recommend anyone for the job?

Thank you!

Categories: Kitchen & Bath
By JudithH | 04/11/2009 1:42 PM | Comment