I would not use Movers Not Shakers if you have quality furnishings. They are fast and strong, but not very careful. They broke and scratched several of my things when I used them 2 years ago. They did do a great job of packing up my apartment though.

Posted by: Freckles at September 22, 2009 8:10 PM in response to ISO Great Moving Company

I vote for buy. Check out Kensington.

Posted by: Freckles at August 25, 2009 5:05 PM in response to what to do with all this equity?

I also have this composter. The NYC compost project sold them last year for $20. But due to budget cuts, I think they now sell them for $60.

http://www.nyccompost.org/resources/orderbin.html

It is open at the bottom.

Posted by: Freckles at July 28, 2009 10:29 AM in response to Want My Composter? $30!

I had Bracci Fence (718) 284-7300 do a cedar fence for me last year. They were less expensive then Amendola's. Plus the Amendola's salesperson misled me about the warranty.

I was happy with the service and outcome and would recommend them.

Posted by: Freckles at May 1, 2009 4:23 PM in response to Looking for a Fence Specialist

Kensington. Easy access to Prospect Xpressway and thus BQE.

Posted by: Freckles at April 24, 2009 2:09 PM in response to Eager for advice

Went to Belleville recently and it was amazingly good. For those who have written it off, I would give it another try. My only disappointment is that they no longer serve liquor--just beer and wine.

Posted by: Freckles at April 15, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up

Not knowing much about cabinets....what is more cost effective---using a cabinetmaker as the OP did or going with semi-custom cabinets and installation such as Medallion cabinets? Who has done the comparison and can comment?

Posted by: Freckles at November 10, 2008 12:26 PM in response to Cabinet maker -- Photos posted

I am interested. Please send a picture to fzymiko2 at yahoo dot com

Posted by: Freckles at August 12, 2008 4:11 PM in response to FREE butcher block cutting board

What is the number for Harry's?

Posted by: Freckles at August 11, 2008 12:50 PM in response to Harry's Appliances

I used this product to re-apply loose tiles in my shower. It was easy to use.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=10913-1168-9850&lpage=none

Posted by: Freckles at August 8, 2008 9:59 AM in response to Premixed Thinset

He's not insured--if that matters to you.

Posted by: Freckles at July 15, 2008 12:52 PM in response to anyone used Fred Becker painter?

I bought appliances from Appliancesbuyphone
888-828-3302
No delivery fee, no sales tax outside of NJ, great prices.

Call with model number in hand.

Posted by: Freckles at June 24, 2008 9:39 AM in response to aj mandison, pc richards or sears

I do have the drawers. I just followed the directions (after practicing at the Container Store first). I haven't had any problems with them--I definitely didn't need additional screws.

Posted by: Freckles at February 6, 2008 11:00 AM in response to Unfinished projects whine

I purchased Elfa systems for 2 large closets. The hardest part was getting the main rails into the walls because there were at least 3 different materials residing behind the walls, requiring different types of fasteners. After that, the rest was relatively easy. You might try going back to the Container store for an install demo. They were very helpful in showing me how to put together the various pieces and allowing me to try it myself in the store before attempting at home. My closets came out great.

I totally agree about the annoyance of the packing materials and bar code stickers.

Posted by: Freckles at February 5, 2008 12:19 PM in response to Unfinished projects whine

Have you tried this?
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/property/property_val_sales.shtml

Posted by: Freckles at October 1, 2007 10:08 AM in response to How to find out what was previously paid on a place?

Is John Roggenkamp a licensed roofer? Or does he do gutters and downspouts only?

Posted by: Freckles at September 14, 2007 12:38 PM in response to Gutters and downspouts

Have you tried this site?

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/property/property_val_sales.shtml

Posted by: Freckles at September 10, 2007 11:03 AM in response to Most Recent Sale Price Information?

There are some pictures on Brownstoners reno blog.

Posted by: Freckles at September 4, 2007 12:14 PM in response to Diguising Mr. Slim - pics anyone?

Slopenick don't worry about hannible, just keep reading the posts.

Bed Stuy and Crown Heights have earned a bad rap for many years. I live in the south end of Bed Stuy and have for going on five years now. It was a fine neighborhood when I moved in and has changed even in that time. We are a gay couple who moved from a rental in Park Slope. Our neighbors figured out fairly quickly that we were gay and you know what? It was no big deal. Perhaps it was because they also knoew I am a retired firefighter, but because it was as I said, no big deal. So that saus something for the image that people have of the neighborhood. It is heavily caribean and the people are great beighbors on the whole.

The real estate market has come up nicely and my house has appreciated in value nicely. I did get a "fixer upper" and luckily I am able to do the work mostly between myself and my friends. The neighborhood has changed in the time I have been there for sure. There are now more cafes, and a great restaurant that is thriving.

Getting to the BQE is not too bad, up Marcy Avenue to the BQE or even the Wlliamsburg Bridge.

And as far as being an "interloper" in the neighborhood I am exactly four blocks from my Great Grandfather's townhouse which he and my Great Grandmother settled in in the 1890's. I am actually the fourth generation (with a 60 year gap) on my Mom's side of the family in this neighborhood and proud to be back home. Take a look around, wonderful houses, really good people.

I would say stay on the south side of Bed Stuy towards Fulton Street so you are close to the A train, the same for Crown Heights, stay on the North End.

Good luck in your search.

Posted by: danm at April 26, 2009 1:14 AM in response to Eager for advice

That's cool you like the neighborhood so much and very cool you're four blocks from your great grandfather's house. Have you been by to visit? I thought the Caribean area was in Ocean Hill around the Halsey JMZ. But you're near the A Utica?

Posted by: mopar at April 26, 2009 11:52 PM in response to Eager for advice

After having seen some open houses in BedStuy and Crown Hts going for $750-900K this past weekend, I am left scratching my head for a great/good or even reasonable deal. I thought that prices in these areas would reflect a substantial discount due to lack of development(trendy restaurants, shops, bars) and questions about personal safety, not to mention abysmal public school reputation---with the exception of a magnet(?) school in BedStuy.

What gives here?

Also, we saw a real fixer upper on a nice block in BedStuy asking $600K. What is a reasonable price per square foot for a reno/restoration job that includes new plumbing, electrical, and roof? I have read anywhere between $200 to $50 per square foot, is this realistic?

Are other young urban POOR professionals like us taking the plunge into these areas interested in being enriched and enriching these areas? Will these areas ever follow suit (Park Slope, Willimansburgh, etc...)?

I imagine "outsiders" being welcomed by residents(more so by other owners I imagine since they bring energy and a desire to invest), am I dilusional?

As I read more of these posts, I become more educated about these neighborhoods and its locals. Thanks for all the info.

Posted by: PKsloper at April 27, 2009 12:12 PM in response to Eager for advice

I used Amendola's for a fence last year -- they were a little pricier than Bracci but otherwise I was very happy with them. They did a great job dealing with the fence around a tree that straddles my property line. I liked the guy from Bracci too but he didn't have any good ideas for dealing with the tree.

Posted by: Back40 at May 1, 2009 4:44 PM in response to Looking for a Fence Specialist

We used Amendola--pricey but a decent job; one hardware challenge they flubbed, but to be honest I have never really asked for a make-good on it. Decent fencing costs an arm and a leg; you quickly see why hideous chain-link is so popular.

Posted by: Brenda from Flatbush at May 4, 2009 5:29 PM in response to Looking for a Fence Specialist

We just used Fence Plaza to replace the cedar fence on three sides of our yard and were very impressed with their work. George was a pleasure to deal with, and his crew was very professional, hard-working and knowledgeable, and clearly took pride in their work. They worked through the rain to get our fence completed in one day. Their prices were comparable to other fence companies offering a similar product. We would recommend them highly to anyone looking for a fence contractor.

Posted by: bluehelen at June 26, 2009 9:43 PM in response to Looking for a Fence Specialist

My slightly educated opinion-- I agree with StuyMom-- check out Windsor Terrace. The prices are coming down on the houses much faster than Park Slope (will PS ever really come down??), and it's on the F line. Good luck!

Posted by: sharpg at August 25, 2009 7:51 PM in response to what to do with all this equity?

"what to do with all this equity?"

Cash out now! You'll never see 2009 prices in 2009 dollars again in your lifetime. Sell, rent and buy again after Case-Shiller stabilizes.

***Bid half off peak comps***

Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at August 26, 2009 5:14 PM in response to what to do with all this equity?

...but then what to do with cash? Gold (will see $1,600/oz but beware of scams) and other commodities. Maybe Euro or Asian denominated stocks. Just get out of real estate now and perhaps get back in later when it stops crashing.

***Bid half off peak comps***

Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at August 27, 2009 12:49 PM in response to what to do with all this equity?

I've had good experiences with Oz and plan to use them for my next move.

Not the cheapest, but they will send an estimator to your place (if you have enough stuff to warrant it) and give you a fairly solid estimate.

Posted by: northsloperenter at September 22, 2009 8:28 PM in response to ISO Great Moving Company