Marble Scrap


During a renovation, we had a marble fireplace removed. It wasn’t in good condition to begin with, and to broke during the removal, which we thought would probably happen.

So now I’ve got a bunch of pieces of marble, mostly broken into odd shapes. The mantle is still intact. Is there a way I can get some money for them, or are they worthless at this point?

Categories: Marble
By gabe | 04/11/2011 1:45 PM | Comment

What kind of sidewalk will withstand tree damage better?


We’re in a landmarked neighborhood. A tree with a large and growing root has pushed up our bluestone sidewalk, creating a trip hazard. The Parks Department won’t let us touch the tree or the root. We can replace the sidewalk with cement or adjust and replace the bluestone.

As we look into getting it fixed, I’ve spoken to one contractor who told me that, if we put down cement, the root will cause it to crack open and be much more expensive to fix. Another contractor tells me that we can put down the cement with some space for the root to grow, and we can recaulk it every couple years—whereas if we leave the bluestone it’ll keep getting dislodged and might crack.

I know bluestone is more attractive and more valuable and more expensive, and that Landmarks sometimes prefers bluestone, and that contractors sometimes want to replace the bluestone with cement so they can resell it. So all I’m asking here is which will better withstand the effects of this subterranian tree root. Thanks for any information.

Categories: Sidewalks
By gabe | 10/16/2010 5:44 PM | Comment

Contractor for Some Repairs


We own a piece of a brownstone co-op in Fort Greene. It hasn’t been well kept-up. I’m trying to fix that.

What I need is a guy or a company who will do a good job on medlum-sized stuff like fixing leaks into the basement, or flattening out the paving stones in the front yard. I got bids on several of these jobs from the general contractor who’s doing our apartment renovation, and he came back with some high prices. But for years the co-op has been using a couple of handyman types, and they wind up just patching over things in a slapdash way.

So I’m looking for someone who’s in the middle—reasonably priced and willing to take on some smaller jobs, but competent and thorough.

Anyone spring to mind? Am I asking too much?

Categories: General Contractors
By gabe | 04/24/2010 2:20 PM | Comment

Repairs to Basement: Contractor?


I recently bought into a brownstone co-op that needs a fair amount of work. Most immediately, there are multiple problems in the basement, including leaks, rotting joists, out-of-date electrical panels, and a bust hot-water heater. The work is going to require an electrician, a plumber, and some general labor.

Would you recommend hiring a contractor to get the whole thing done? Or should I find an electrician, a plumber, and a handyman separately? I imagine the contractor will be more expensive, since he has to pay the others and take a profit for himself. But it would be a lot easier if I could hire one guy to take care of the whole mess. Your thoughts please.

Categories: Cellar
By gabe | 03/17/2010 2:27 PM | Comment