Pablo Tejeda came highly recommended and did a great, well-priced job for me. 917.335.7138 or 917.618.5881.

Posted by: BKRed at October 20, 2009 1:04 PM in response to Desperately seeking painter

I've used Antonio Gomez to repair and replace intercom systems. You may contact him at: (347) 400-0908.
I have found that he fair and knowledgeable. Our intercom hasn't worked for years. In 15 minutes he fixed it and charged a very reasonable price. He's also very nice.

Posted by: BKRed at October 20, 2009 12:58 PM in response to Intercom System/Buzzer

I'd check out Eddie on Grand Street who refurbishes doors/furniture etc. You can call him on 917.627.3170.

Posted by: BKRed at September 30, 2009 4:17 PM in response to Repairing Brownstone Doors

If he really needs a paper trail, just formalize your deal with a sublease agreement between him and you and have him write his rent check to you every month.

Posted by: BKRed at September 30, 2009 4:01 PM in response to Adding to/Breaking lease

Can anyone recommend a good seal for an ipe deck? I'm about to reseal one...as soon as there's three dry days! Thanks.

Posted by: BKRed at September 28, 2009 10:54 PM in response to Ipe Deck seal

Fun post/replies...It takes me back to the fun of the brainstorming phase!

• The Bosch DW seems like a no contest vote...me too. I'm single, so I didn't overdo it on features – there's about a dozen models. I went for the least features on the model with a smooth front.

• I LOVE having an ice maker and filtered water in the fridge/freezer but wanted a smooth front so I went with a Jenn-Air.

• Look at Jenn-Air's double oven. It's two ovens in the size of one. This might not be for everyone, because the larger oven is on the bottom and you do have to get a little lower than most people when pulling out a big bird, but most of the time, I don't think twice about it. I didn't have room for a double wall oven.

• If you're getting a microwave, get a one that's also a convection oven. That's another way to get more than one oven in the space.

• I have a two level counter...workspace and eating counter. Instead of spending the $$ on a backsplash for the vertical space between them, I bought pull-out drawers with my cabinets which provide additional storage space and a regular Alzhemier's prevention exercise...teabags in this one? Measuring tape, screwdriver in this one?

•I had duct work for CAC run up at the end of the kitchen and we built wine racks and plate displays around it, hiding it and creating more storage. (From stock items too...)

• My kitchen and entire lower level is slate floor heated by radiant (water) heat. I love it. I know people want a more cushy flooring in the kitchen, but I love the durability of the stone and its warmth in the winter.

• I also put radiant heat under the marble floor in the master bath. I also did a walk-in double shower that has turned out to be a blessing with my new dog!

• If you're doing a rebuild, you can fake a counter-depth fridge by not framing out the area behind the fridge so that it goes back further than the counters.

• Personally, I did go for the sink sponge drawer, but I never use it.

Have fun with the planning!

Posted by: BKRed at September 22, 2009 12:42 PM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

I can second State Farm, although I haven't made a claim (knock wood). I have heard that Brownstone isn't responsive for claims via a friend who had them.

Posted by: BKRed at September 15, 2009 3:11 PM in response to Good/Bad Insurance Cos?

I haven't, but I must say it's not a very confidence-inspiring name for an electrician!

Posted by: BKRed at September 15, 2009 3:02 PM in response to Blaze Electric?

I got this info from a local rental agent:

Last 2 pay stubs
Last 2 bank statements
Credit report/credit should be in good standing.
Contact info for current employer and previous landlord/s
A personal ref letter wouldn't hurt either.
Salary should be at least 40 times the rent.

If there's a guarantor involved, you need all that info for them as well.

If you're considering renting to someone without a SS#, I think you'd want a copy of their passport and visa. That situation may call for a larger security deposit, as you really have no legal recourse if something goes south.

You might want to consider a larger security if the guarantor is out of state: I've heard that makes legal recourse more difficult.

Posted by: BKRed at September 8, 2009 11:45 AM in response to Tenant application checklist?

I have 6 apartments and I always do a credit check, as well as call references and employers. Based on all the info, I determine whether to accept an applicant or not. On several occasions I've rented to people with "crap" FICO scores, and they've been wonderful, long-term tenants. Right out of college, I was there too and I'm really looking for a responsible, pleasant tenant, not a number.

That all said, I registered with NTN (National Tenants Network) which allows me to get credit reports online immediately, for a great price. 800.228.0989 http://www.ntnonline.com/ I also recently read about http://citicredit.net/ and bookmarked them, but I haven't used them.

Posted by: BKRed at September 8, 2009 10:33 AM in response to Credit Check for Tenants?

I recommend my neighbor Rosanna Appleton, who I've used for almost two years now. She's very reliable and trust-worthy and is basically fluent in English. You can reach her at 347.995.6909.

Posted by: BKRed at September 6, 2009 3:26 PM in response to Cleaning Lady MIA

Thank you SteamMan!!! I'll keep trying. Hopefully foreclosures will level out and someone will return my calls!

I also had terrible experiences with the banks that hold my personal and business accounts, not to mention the actual current mortgages. I guess one in the hand is not worth two in the bush to them!

Posted by: BKRed at September 4, 2009 5:20 PM in response to How Can Self-Employed Refinance?

The response about taxes and "cheating" is exactly why I was concerned about posting this question. Anyone who is traditionally employed (W2 annually from one employer) really isn't able to comment on the financial management for freelancers/self-employed. The compliance is much more complicated, and the deductions are greater.

Buttermilk Channel, thanks for your input. It's my guess that you are enjoying the benefits of a healthy, profitable bi-coastal career and perhaps despite being self-employed, still show a comfortable personal income. Hopefully, I'm right behind you! And I've got all my receipts/statements to defend myself in an audit, although I hope it never happens! (No one needs that stress!)

As I mentioned originally, I am very aware of how much my company makes, but the flow through to me personally after the expenses for the company and the rental apartments I have are calculated is what creates what feels like a "grey area" because I'm definitely not living my life on the income that flows through to the personal. (And it's not an extravagant life...)

I will say that being in the media/entertainment industry, I take legit expenses that someone in other fields wouldn't be able to, but it's not insane. In my experience, a solid, low 6-figure income that flows through the company creates a personal income that doesn't qualify for much given the still-insane figures that we contend with as NYC homeowners, especially with the newly constrained calculations being done by banks. (In most cases, wisely, but in some cases, they're overcompensating.)

Anyway, the general sentiment of my initial post was certainly about specific advice, but also to speak to what I think is a mushrooming issue as more and more people in a growing scope of fields are being turned out and turned into the "self-employed." I believe this is an issue that's going to need attention. I guess I'll wait and see what happens. Luckily, I have a window, but I do feel a bit penalized as I'm shut out of today's rates. (I think this is also because the banks are overwhelmed with averting foreclosures, which I am luckily not dealing with...)

Posted by: BKRed at September 3, 2009 1:56 PM in response to How Can Self-Employed Refinance?

It's a little farther, but I implicitly trust Atros Mechanics. They've honestly served both my very old Jeep Wrangler and new (after warranty) Nissan Pathfinder. They moved from Bergen and 3rd to 29th & 4th Ave, but it's not a bad walk back & forth after dropping off the car for service. Ask for Mike or Jerry: 1.718.643.0707.

Posted by: BKRed at September 2, 2009 11:26 PM in response to Mechanic in Carroll Gardens Area

If you need the rental income to qualify for the mortgage, you may have a problem since the bank won't recognize the unit. Otherwise, it's actually pretty common to remove the fridge and oven for the purposes of inspection. You will have to decide if you want to take the risk and continue renting it after you close, but as someone else pointed out, if it's above grade and has windows, it could just be that the house predates C of Os.

Posted by: BKRed at September 2, 2009 5:30 PM in response to Mortgage Contingencies

It sounds as though BKed knows the distinction between agent and broker and is confirming that s/he is a broker. Everyone who passes the licensing test is an agent and remains so for a period of time (2 years, I think) and if active during that time, must be under the guidance of a licensed broker. After that time elapses, s/he can apply for the broker's license and practice independently.

I remember from school that it's actually a hindrance to buy and sell (more so sell) as a licensed agent/broker, because you have to disclose your status and are subjected to a stricter upholding of the letter of the law. While sellers are typically expected to be ethical, it is a "buyer beware" marketplace. That is less interpretive when an agent is selling/buying.

But, the basic question is "Can I?" And I believe the answer is yes, but again, the practicality of having other agents/brokers co-broke with you is always a challenge, although maybe less so in the current market. You can also use the leverage the commission creates as a negotiation tool.

Posted by: BKRed at September 2, 2009 4:25 PM in response to Co-broking for Myself

Old-school option: Macy's. They have a surprising array of choices and it seems the quality level is at least equal to Room and Board, Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn (kiln-dried hardwood frames, spring suspension, stain-resistant fabrics, poly-stuffed cushions), although there are fewer options for customization. They are having a big sale right now, which motivated me to go with them and save somewhere between $300-$1200 on the options I was considering at the other stores. (The higher-end prices had higher quality cushion stuffing...)

Posted by: BKRed at August 11, 2009 1:22 AM in response to Good sofa store

I was doing a complete gut rehab and a friend from Bayside suggested DirectBuy...after going to one of those info sessions, I wasn't sure it would work for me and because they give you this now or never pressure to join (This is your only chance to join...you can't join after leaving this showroom...), I joined with written guarantee of a refund if I didn't buy anything within a year.

Long story short, it's not for a New Yorker who knows where to get things...nothing I looked into was a good price and the style is very specific and limited. LUCKILY I had that letter and I was able to get the membership fee refunded (I don't remember exactly, but it was very expensive...a few thousand dollars for 3 years, I think.)

Maybe they need this resource in Texas, but here, there are much better and more affordable resources for tile, appliances, furniture etc.

Posted by: BKRed at August 3, 2009 10:36 AM in response to Direct Buy

I had a great experience with Marty from 5 Star Kitchens. Although they're in Long Island, Marty comes to your place to measure and brings cabinet samples. He then follows up with a 3D rendering. I found their prices better than HD or Lowe's; I had ruled out Ikea because adding the cost of assembly to the installation (as well as the frustration factor) didn't offer any savings to me. And Marty had a lot of good ideas on maximizing the storage within the space.

I went with Medallion cabinets, with solid cherry doors and I'm really happy. (I did get the handles from Ikea though. Order online to ensure they have the quantity you need.)

Marty: 516-872-2700/917-498-2305
http://fivestarkitchens.com

Posted by: BKRed at August 3, 2009 10:27 AM in response to Kitchen Renovation Work Question

Monteleone's on Court St. has the best Italian pastries, cakes and cookies I've had since my childhood bakery closed. Even my Italian in-laws are impressed by them.

I do still love Junior's chocolate mousse cheesecake...I can only let myself have it at Thanksgiving and I cannot show up at my aunt's without it.

Posted by: BKRed at July 29, 2009 5:37 PM in response to Best pastry store in Brooklyn

I've always use and recommend Ed Defraidas with Empire Pest (718-237-0989) on Court St. He's helped with both common and exotic issues...I had one tenant accidently bring in Moroccan moths in a box of couscous! He's also dealt with carpenter bees and common waterbugs for me.
Good luck!

Posted by: BKRed at July 29, 2009 1:46 PM in response to Honest Exterminator, Take II

I've always use and recommend Ed Defraidas with Empire Pest on Court St. 718-237-0989. Good luck!

Posted by: BKRed at July 29, 2009 1:44 PM in response to Honest Exterminator, Take II

I purchased Crystal windows for my brownstone and I really love them. They went in around 5 years ago and they've been reliable, but one of the reasons I did it is that I knew it was going to be an investment property of all rentals shortly.

In my new place, I was definitely going to do wood/alum clad, but my contractor convinced me to go with Lincoln windows from Dyke's instead of Marvin and I regret it. The corners cut in features is a constant annoyance. That said, I think the ideal is wood/alum clad, and maybe it makes sense to do just the front and then do the back of the house when you can.

Sorry, a little on the one hand, but then on the other, but I thought I'd at least share. I did an enormous amount of research the first time before deciding on the Crystal windows (bought and installed by Bay Ridge Windows.)

Posted by: BKRed at July 27, 2009 1:12 PM in response to Crystal Aluminum windows?

I live alone, so I went for the Duet Sport. I'm not that happy, so I'd love to know how they differ from the full Duet. Previously I had the Maytag Neptunes, which I miss terribly!

Although there were some recalls on the Neptunes, I never had any problems. (The recalls were about mildew forming around the washer gasket, mentioned above for the current Duets, ironically.) In fact, they're still in use by my tenants.

I'm also going to paste a Consumer Reports article about trying to track which manufacturers make which brands:

CONSUMER REPORTS 2007
Our recent tests of refrigerators included more than 70 models from 20 brands.

That's a lot of companies, until you play appliance detective and discover that the $20 billion annual market for refrigerators, ovens, washers, and other major home appliances isn't such a vast place after all.

That activity turns out to be a bit like playing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, though instead of the well-connected actor popping up repeatedly, a few mammoth manufacturers and
brands do.

Got pen and paper ready? We haven't covered every manufacturer, but this rundown will give you a good idea about who actually makes all those appliances. It's also worth noting that the manufacturing arrangements change all the time.

The Whirlpool Corporation, based in Benton Harbor, Mich., makes Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Gladiator products. The company accounts for about 17 percent of major appliance sales in the U.S., following closely behind the General Electric brand (17.8 percent) and the Sears Kenmore brand (22.2 percent).

Over the years, the Whirlpool company has gobbled up Admiral, Amana, Jenn-Air, Magic Chef, and Maytag, and makes appliances for Ikea (ovens, ranges, cooktops, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers) and Kenmore (some of the brand's refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers).

Gladiator and KitchenAid are two "Whirlpool bred" brands.
Whirlpool's certainly not the only Kenmore supplier. Frigidaire and LG also manufacture Kenmore refrigerators, Haier handles some of its compact fridges, and Danby makes some of its wine chillers, Bosch makes some of its dishwashers, and Electrolux and Sanyo build some of its freezers.

General Electric is well known for a vast array of products--lightbulbs, jet engines for military planes, and "The Today Show." But this corporate colossus, based in Fairfield, Conn., also makes appliances under the GE, GE Monogram, GE Profile, and Hotpoint brands.

Across the Atlantic, BSH Home Appliances is a leading purveyor of high-end appliances. This German company brings you upscale kitchen and laundry appliances under the brand names Bosch, Gaggenau, Siemens, and Thermador.

BSH has other bedfellows, including KitchenAid, for which it will start making induction cooktops in the summer. Keeping it in the family, KitchenAid turns out a built-in side-by-side refrigerator for Thermador.

Bosch's relationships spread as far as Asia--South Korea's Daewoo Electronics makes a Bosch side-by-side refrigerator.
Elsewhere in Europe, you might think of Electrolux as the onetime producer of those old, quirky-looking canister vacuums. But this Swedish manufacturer has also brought you refrigerators, freezers, washers, and more under its own nameplate and brands like Frigidaire, Gibson, Kelvinator, Tappan, and White Westinghouse.

Proving the Kevin Bacon theory, Electrolux is also
connected to Sears: It makes Kenmore dishwashers and high-end Kenmore Pro appliances.

Viking sounds Scandinavian, too, but the company, known for its pro-style ranges and built-in refrigerators, is actually based in Greenwood, Miss. It's a small world after all: Sweden's Asko company currently makes some of Viking's dishwashers. Viking does manufacture its other appliances (and by the end of 2007 will make its own dishwashers), except for a freestanding refrigerator that's made by Amana and undercounter fridges from Marvel.

Got all that?

Posted by: BKRed at July 26, 2009 7:29 PM in response to Washer + Dryer Recs?

I second the Jenn-Air dual fuel. The one I have is also a double-oven, with the upper portion being perfect for baking/broiling etc. The lower oven is larger, and is either electric or convection. Five gas burners. I've had it for two years, which is fairly new, but no complaints.

I went with a GE Profile hood because I wanted a low profile one and I selected the quietest one in that style.

Good luck!

Posted by: BKRed at July 13, 2009 7:47 PM in response to Range Suggestions

I second the Jenn-Air dual fuel. The one I have is also a double-oven, with the upper portion being perfect for baking/broiling etc. The lower oven is larger, and is either electric or convection. Five gas burners. I've had it for two years, which is fairly new, but no complaints.

Posted by: BKRed at July 13, 2009 7:46 PM in response to Range Suggestions

This is an older reference, as I haven't used them in awhile, but Lockaway, on Carlton Ave btw. Myrtle and Park was the best price and really nice to deal with. They have a nice system and parking too.

Posted by: BKRed at July 11, 2009 8:08 AM in response to Storage Facility Recommendations

You can post on Brooklyn Freecycle as well...especially at this time of the month there are several offers.

Also, if you're interested, I have a bunch saved for a friend of a friend who hasn't picked them up. I'm in Boerum Hill and you can contact me at nodnyc at gmail.com.

Posted by: BKRed at July 6, 2009 1:37 PM in response to Suggestions - moving boxes?

I really love my plumber; a great old-school Brooklyn guy who stands by his work. He's done everything from fix a toilet to design and install my entire plumbing and heating system, improving on the architect's recommendation. He's great and always responsive.
Billy Taylor: 917.216.5835. Let him know Noreen recommended that you call him.

Good luck!

Posted by: BKRed at June 12, 2009 3:05 PM in response to Looking for Plumber

OP here...so funny! Well, it's a good sign that nothing went south in three years! Thanks again!

Posted by: BKRed at June 7, 2009 9:49 AM in response to Professional Mirror Hangers

I've found that State Farm has the best quotes for both owner-occupied and fully rented. I use Rodney Shannon's office on Fulton (718-221-2900) but there's also Alan Wheeler's office, who advertises everywhere (718-488-7300).

Posted by: BKRed at May 27, 2009 9:53 AM in response to Insurance for my Brownstone.

I'm a landlord as well and I have felt a shift in the timing in the current marketplace. For as long as I can remember, as both a tenant and a landlord, the one month rule has applied... Almost no one lists and no one looks more than a month before the move-in date.

However, with an apartment to rent each month since April, I've noticed that renters are looking 6 weeks out and there's plenty of options.

At the showings for an apartment I had for June 1st rentals, most of the renters were out looking for July 1st. I also experienced that, to a lesser extent, for April 1st and May 1st apartments.

I'm not sure what's driving it; perhaps it's the combination of nervous landlords and the extra time renters need to check out the increase in available apartments right now?

Posted by: BKRed at May 27, 2009 9:36 AM in response to Best time to find a rental?

I highly recommend my plumber, Billy Taylor. Besides being a great guy, he's experienced in any sized job, as he's done little things for me as well as designed and installed the entire heating system and installed all the plumbing in my recently gutted 3 family home. I've never met anyone more reliable and honorable...in the few cases where things weren't perfect, he kept at it until it was, long after everyone else cleared out. His pricing wasn't the cheapest or the highest, right in the middle but his work is great and he'll work with you on budget. You can tell him Noreen recommended him.

Billy Taylor
917.216.5835

PS — I know Alladin is always recommended & apparently rightfully so, but my eyes popped out at a quote from them several years back to install washer/dryer lines.

Posted by: BKRed at May 27, 2009 9:27 AM in response to Washer & Gas dryer installation

I was pleasantly surprised that I got great quality natural woven shades and blinds off the shelf and cut to size at Home Depot, and then ordered some custom Bali top-down woven shades for the parlor windows at a fantastic price. I had checked out Blinds to Go (astonishingly expensive) as well as Smith + Noble, who I'd used before all these options were available at Home Depot, but the HD prices were untouchable. I did have a small issue with delivery, but it was rectified quickly and I've been really happy since the shades/blinds went up.

Posted by: BKRed at May 6, 2009 12:07 AM in response to Shades and Blinds - Buyer Bewar

OP again — Yes, we'd had several conversations about noise, adding carpets and the non-smoking policy throughout their lease. It would stop for a while and start again. But it seems like the general consensus is normal wear and tear, which is why I posted...just to get an objective sense of everything. I think I'm just surprised at what damage the high heels did, which I didn't know about until I began showing the apartment for rental. I'm an Aerosoles/Merrills girl!

Posted by: BKRed at March 29, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Assessing Tenant Damages

You can specify non-smoking in an owner-occupied multi-family home.

Posted by: BKRed at March 29, 2009 11:30 AM in response to Assessing Tenant Damages

OP here...Rick, I'm sure there some of that "no longer new" shock happening a little bit, but I think I'm primarily focused on the floors. I have had rental apartments before and have never seen anything like this, although those apartments have the standard 2 1/2" oak.

Again, there are literally hundreds of heel dings on what were gorgeous wood floors throughout the apartment. Typically, new floors wouldn't need resanding/restaining for a few years.

Thanks!

Posted by: BKRed at March 29, 2009 11:00 AM in response to Assessing Tenant Damages

It's probably crazy. My sister's apartment has (had) brand-new matte hex tile in the bathroom (white) and it immediately became dingy and nothing will get it clean. She can't wait to replace it.

Posted by: BKRed at March 29, 2009 9:54 AM in response to is unglazed tile crazy??

I constantly see Bill Logan at Urban Arborist 718 522-0612 and Hollis at Prospect Tree 718-871-1354 recommended. I wish I'd used either one of them when I had to remove a large pine tree. Instead I went with the young startup and it was big mistake. All three gave me an identical price quote!

Posted by: BKRed at March 6, 2009 10:33 PM in response to tree pruning service?

I used Dezel Building Services to clean up a badly damaged, original mosaic (hex tile) floor. They're in Manhattan but service Brooklyn as well.

767 Lexington Ave Rm 305
New York, NY 10021
(212) 751-3005

Posted by: BKRed at February 17, 2009 4:00 PM in response to tile cleaner?

This Old House makes a nice one you can buy but you can also poke around their site and download the info.

Good luck!

Posted by: BKRed at January 27, 2009 12:00 AM in response to Seasonal Maintenance?

OP here — thank you so much for the poultice advice...just what I needed. I'll post back on results.

Sorry cmu, I didn't diagram my sentences first, but the descriptions in parens were the two kinds of marble the floor has! Unclear modifiers, as my old Catholic school teachers would have marked in red pen!

Posted by: BKRed at November 6, 2008 12:13 AM in response to How to Remove Stains from Marble Floor?

I used State Farm. My rep has left, but the office number is 718-221-2900. Good luck!
Noreen

Posted by: BKRed at October 15, 2008 7:46 PM in response to insurance while doing renovation

I'm a former real estate agent and really get frustrated when I hear about people who act unprofessionally and propagate the stereotypes we hear about too often.

That said, with all the ways to research a property and its ownership history, I would send a note to the owner so that s/he is aware how the property/deal is being handled. I'd attempt to be polite and factual, with the goal of being informative. I would be very appreciative if someone informed me if I were selling a property in any time but especially in this increasingly challenging market.

Posted by: BKRed at September 24, 2008 10:28 PM in response to love the apartment, hate the broker

Thanks for the replies!
The building only has 2 unsold units, and everyone else has moved in, so we have that going for us. There's no single plan among everyone though. Some people are just paying what the post-abatement taxes will be (pending approval) while others are paying the pre-abatement tax.

I think the biggest question is whether the approved abatement will be retroactive or not...and it sounds like we'll have to try to get that answer from the builder's attorney.

Thanks again!

Posted by: BKRed at September 23, 2008 10:37 AM in response to 421a Abatement Advice_2nd Try

Thanks for the replies!

Posted by: BKRed at September 23, 2008 10:33 AM in response to 421a Abatement Advice_2nd Try

Don't forget the Ragamuffin parade...I remember it from my childhood! It's a great day for kids, with everyone parading and standing by in their Halloween costumes. It's this Saturday, 9/27 on 3rd Avenue.

Posted by: BKRed at September 23, 2008 10:32 AM in response to Bay Ridge festivals

If I'm not mistaken, I think a loan or note modification can only happen if the terms don't change.

Posted by: BKRed at September 10, 2008 7:38 PM in response to Will Jumbo Rates go down further?

I got a great price on two Kohler/Robern medicine cabinets at Lowe's, of all places, they were the lowest price. I had to drive to NJ to get it because I needed it fast though... and there's a Kitchen and Bath shop on Flushing Avenue & Spencer Ave, in Brooklyn, that has great prices on Kohler/Robern but they will most likely need to order it for you. (They have limited stock...)

Posted by: BKRed at September 10, 2008 7:29 PM in response to Medicine Cabinet

I've dealt with Shalev at ISA and had a very good experience, but it was for tile so I haven't had any installations performed by them. For granite counters, I went with and recommend Ken from Milestone Marble. He was very affordable and had some specials on standard sizes/shapes that I used in my rentals as well as a custom counter in my unit. He's in Greenpoint but comes withe samples and obviously does his measurements and templates on site. Here's the info:

Ken/Milestone Marble 718.782.2209 or 917.528.3555. If you decide to use him, please tell him Noreen recommended him. Good luck!

Posted by: BKRed at September 1, 2008 8:43 PM in response to recommendations on a granite counter top fabricator

OMG, I go away for a few hours and come back to wonderful ideas and links! Thank you each of you! Glad to hear the vote of confidence about no tub in "adult" bath and love the little kitchen/bath ideas I didn't think of that will be huge helps (cabinet with power strip, electrical on island, more lights & drawers than I could ever think I need, drawer for pots and pans, sponge drawer on cab front, no cab over toilet ETC!) There was not one thing that hasn't been helpful. Keep 'em coming...nice to hear other's are in the same boat and getting something out of this too.
:)

Posted by: amybnyc at September 22, 2009 12:45 PM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

One more to add:
A book shelf for cookbooks! It's nice to have them in the kitchen.

Posted by: fawn at September 22, 2009 12:47 PM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

"i'm in the same boat as the OP...a few questions:
i'd love to hear how people feel about the water/ice on their fridge...we have a fridge currently with this...but i'm wondering if the new fridge i'm thinking about will bum me out if it doesnt have this?
also how bout bottom freezer fridges? any love/hate comments on them? (what's the deal with ice in these? is it ice trays?)"

Fawn, I love cookbooks and that's why I think they should be NEAR the kitchen but not IN the kitchen as they get grungy.

CG, I personally don't like the icemaker/water thing. Just more complicated plumbing to get screwed up. Also I understand it cuts down the efficiency of the refrig.

Re the freezer on bottom, if you claim to be a locavore and buy your stuff almost daily and cook it fresh, it's much better as you won't be using the freezer that much. I like it that way.

Posted by: denton at September 22, 2009 4:12 PM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

More of the same:

Radiant heat (by far the most important.)
Venting to outside.
Ice maker.
Big sink.
Extra Cabinets.
Good lighting.

Here's one I didn't see:

Get 2 dishwashers. One is for clean dishes, the other is for dirty. You just swap back and forth and basically the chore of putting dishes away is gone.
When you think about it, a decent dishwasher is $750 bucks. Not much more than two more feet of quality lower cabinets. For a small amount of money you get a major convenience.

Fabulous during the holidays and parties too.

Posted by: guywithahouse at September 22, 2009 8:25 PM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

WTF? Sponge drawer? Such a thing exists?

The miracles never cease.

Posted by: bkrules at September 22, 2009 10:09 PM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

Nothing fancy really but I put a little glass shelf above all the sinks in the house. Great way to keep things in easy reach without it all looking cluttered.

Posted by: MrsLimestone at September 23, 2009 8:28 AM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

Most of what I'd suggest has already been covered, but here are a few others:

Pull-out trash/recyle bins
Blum soft-close drawer glides
Angled plug mold, undercabinet power strips
If glass cabs, get glass shelves encased in wood

Here are a few repeats with additional provisos:

Really generous lighting plan that is both zoned and on dimmers
Vent hood should be at least 6" wider than range/cooktop and, ideally, extend beyond the front burners for best capture area

Here's one departure from the no-contest Bosch dw:

Get a Miele! (Now that's a true no-contest.)

And, by all means, I second Zeebee's suggestion to join the Kitchen Forum at the Gardenweb. IMO, that's the most knowledgeable, supportive, creative and, engaging community of folk dealing with kitchen renos anywhere on the net.

Good luck!

Posted by: Brooklynista at September 23, 2009 8:45 AM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

Just a last word of thanks to everyone! Amazing and helpful responses that we will use - what could be better from this forum! I'll keep checking back to see if more people add, so don't hesitate. :)

Posted by: amybnyc at September 23, 2009 9:24 AM in response to ISO Your Kitchen Reno Favorites!

use a product made by Penofin.

http://www.penofin.com/products_exotichardwood.shtml

I had trouble finding it locally and just ordered it off of amazon and had it delivered.

Posted by: leroyjenkins at September 29, 2009 7:34 AM in response to Ipe Deck seal

Leroy is right on both counts - I use Penofin on our Ipe deck about every two years, and it looks great. I also had to order it online, after checking every local hardware store.

Posted by: petunia at September 29, 2009 11:20 AM in response to Ipe Deck seal