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October 1, 2009
Basement Structural Work
Having torn down much of the drywall ceiling in the basement of our Bed-Stuy 2-family home, we discovered, no surprise, that we have some past and present termite problems. Seeking recommendations for contractor/engineers/architects to recommend solutions, bid on, and do, the necessary work. We're happy with our exterminator, but need someone to correct some past repairs and do some new ones. Thanks.
Comments
Midwood Exterminating on Church Ave
Posted by: BlueHills at October 1, 2009 12:00 PM
Sorry - original post wasn't clear - we need someone to repair or replace the 2 or 3 wooden joists (going across, not the long one down the middle) that have been damaged by termites.
Posted by: jellystew at October 1, 2009 12:10 PM
At the risk of being called ugly names by rob, my advise is that all you have to do is sister the joists, not replace them. In other words put in new beams next to the old ones to carry most of the weight. This is a very simple piece of work, you don't need an architect.
Posted by: Minard Lafever at October 1, 2009 1:59 PM
We have similar problem and were told sistering the joists in our case would be OK. But, I'm sure OP would still love a name to do that actual work because I know I would. Thanks!
Posted by: kensington gal at October 1, 2009 3:48 PM
We used Eagle Contractors to do that type of work in the basement. They did a good job. He is located on 39th Street in Sunset Park.
Posted by: Bklyn born at October 1, 2009 6:40 PM
Might have a name for you in a few days ofsomeone in Bushwick. We are doing the same thing, also in Bed Stuy.
Posted by: mopar at October 1, 2009 6:59 PM
as for the termites themselves, has anyone had any experience using terminex? as a newbie home owner 4 yrs ago, i found some mud tunnels in my basement and sadly I immediately signed a contract with them. They've been less than professional and have only recently seemed to get the problem under grip.
I pay a reasonable yearly fee to keep the rest of the house protected (as far as i can tell, every other room in the house that would need repair from NEW damage besides the basement room where first detection was noted is covered by terminex).
I'm having a hard time trying to figure out whether or not i should keep this "alleged protection" or just bite the bullet and go with an independent exterminator. I'm pretty fed up with them, although recently they've been trying to make things right.
all advice appreciated.
Posted by: afroskully at October 1, 2009 8:52 PM
Thanks mopar - Would appreciate a recommendation.
Afroskully - We use an independent local exterminator, and I couldn't be happier with his service, knowledge, and willingness to explain things until they make sense to me. We considered the big companies, but they seemed to be more about sales than extermination. Let me know if you want my guy's number.
Posted by: jellystew at October 2, 2009 3:03 PM
Don't have the name yet, but will get back to you next week when I do.
Posted by: mopar at October 3, 2009 10:48 AM
To afroskully
Terminate Terminex. They simply don't provide the service contracted for; I wrote to the regional office manager and had my money refunded.
They are old school con-artists, the kind you still run into in NYC, completely trying to get over on their clients. (some oil companies fall into this group)
We were definitely sold something we didn't need and encouraged to lie about having termites (we had mice).
Then the "scheduled" visits don't take place; they cancel them and don't tell you as you wait for someone to show up on the appointed date-this happenned twice. Then they offer to make it up to you with a credit they never post to your account.
If you want minimal or no stress from a pest control provider don't continue with this outfit.
Bad bad news.
Posted by: argentina at October 10, 2009 9:44 PM
Our guy from Bushwick is coming Wed. His rates appear to be very reasonable. If he does good work, I will post his name here when we are done.
Posted by: mopar at October 11, 2009 12:02 PM
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