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Author's Posts
September 9, 2009
LOCKS in stock?
Greetings all, Does anyone know a hardware store or locksmith supply that carries a selection of door hardware and mortise locks and has them in stock? where ever i look its always 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. We want a good, sturdy, secure lock and decent looking hardware (not bright brass) but want it ASAP and don't want to pay 2X the price for a rush order. Any suggestions appreciated--brooklyn or manhattan. Thanks.
August 8, 2009
Tin Ceilings
We have established in an earlier post tha Abbington tin is sadly closed. A blessing a curse of that pace is that they took special care of the wares sold and sold items that others did not--such as treated tin panels and "corners". Unfortunately we are shore a couple of panels of our treated tin ceiling and do not know with what abbington treated the panels. COnsequently-we can not match up the colors of the new panel purchased from tin supply in Bushwick and those we purchased from abbington. Does anyone have a clue as t how to get in tuch with the folks that ran abbington or how to determine what type of coating they affixed to their panels?
thanks.
July 28, 2009
Abbington Tin
Wondering if anyone has the scoop on abbington tin ceilings. All their numbers seem to be disconnected but their website is up and I just bought some tile there late last year. Has anyone gotten a tin ceiling from them recently?
June 7, 2009
Removing a SWO
Got a Stop Work Order back in January (thanks to a lying bastard of a contractor who told us he had permits and walked off the job 2 days after a DOB inspector showed up. Anyway, we have been trying to get it lifted for the last 6 months, the plans are filed, we have hired a whole new crew, they have pulled permits, we have paid the fine (begrudgingly), the inspector is coming on Monday.... anyone know what happens at this inspection? Is the violation lifted right then and there? What's the process? How soon can we resume work?
May 6, 2009
Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio
The Scenario: Brownstone owners embark on a reno of their duplex. Pay GC a whole bunch of money. Told by GC that roughing complete just before GC walks (because he is a no good con artist scumbag but more on that later). Homeowners trying to get reno back on track and bring in plumbers (and new GCs etc.) to check rough plumbing and bid out any completion work--it becomes apparent that plumbing roughing is NOT done and a good portion of what has been done has been done defectively (for the sake of this inquiry-please trust that we have thoroughly investigated these claims and they are correct). Plumbers estimates come in as MORE than original estimates for plumbing work (we had 6) although there is some plumbing that does not need to be redone and some plumbing that require justminor adjustments. PLEASE TELL ME HOW OR WHY such a thing can be? Is it that these plumbers are just total opportunist --see we are in a bad spot and just want to stick it to us? Are there any honest plumbers in brooklyn? Can anyone offer any help?
April 8, 2009
Details Beneath The Surface
Who knew that if one were to glob on some Peel Away 7 and spend 7 or 8 hours picking and scraping THIS:
That you would find all of this detail:
This is probably the most gratifying and surprising discovery I have made in the house. I honestly had no idea that there was this sort of detail buried under all of the glop (I put the peel away on the plaster just to see if it would work).
March 29, 2009
SHUTTER TO THINK
Hey all. Its been a while but we have not forgotten about our reno blog. We have just been pretty beaten down by our recent experiences and haven't had the gumption to post. That said, I am so proud of Operation Pocket Shutters, that I am breaking the silence in order to do an expose on the project.
When we bought this house close to 2 years ago, we were pleased to observe that we had all the original pocket shutters ---albeit caked in 100 years of paint. We brought 2 floors worth of them to "Lou's in Hackensack" to have them dip n' stripped (via zipcar) and have been working on them on and off for about a year. When our contractor flew the coup and T and I were demoralized beyond measure-- we decided it would be a satisfying project to get started on and even more satisfying to complete (to quit would be letting the enemy win).
Here are the shutters pre-strip
Here they are once they were dipped
Dipping and stripping is a great short cut to beautiful wood but its still a lot of work to refinish them. First you need to pick out all that persistent lead paint crud that is wedged in the nook and cranies. We did this with a couple of dental picks and many hours. Then you need to sand sand sand sand sand sand sand with 3 grades of paper AND if your shutters are pine like ours (beautiful golden pine) -you need to treat the pine with a prestain which conditions the wood (we did 3 to 4 coats on each side).
Here are some pics before and after the pre stain treatment and sanding
After the pre-stain, you need to do one more light sand as the wood grain raises a bit during the prestain treatment and then finally you get to stain. Although the original plan was to stain the shutters, we thought the shutters looked so good after the conditioning treatment that we abstained from the stain and went straight to shellac.
We decided on shellac because its all natural (Its actually a resin secreted by the female lac bug) and because it sort of acts like a combo of stain and poly with a built in primer, sealer and odor and tannin blocker (the more I know about it the more i like it).
On the "basement floor" shutters, we used a clear shellac in aersol form. Had we to do it again, we would probably only use the aersol on the louvers (we went through an obscene number of aersol cans). All and all, we did 4 coats on each side nice and thick to protect the shutters from the elements.
Although we know its totally premature to put them up, we just could not help ourselves.
a href="http://www.brownstoner.com/southstuy/014.JPG">
Note: we had to also do some stripping around the window frames as the paint build up prevented the proper opening and closing of the shutters. We do plan to strip the whole window at some point soon.
For the gorgeous tall shutters on the parlor floor, we decided to use the amber shellac on all but the louvers. We probably will not put these up until both windows are fully stripped and this floor is close to complete but we are going to go ahead an hang the MISSION ACCOMPLISHED banner across the parlor floor anyway.
P.S.Unfortunately we do not have all the original knobs --anyone know of a good resource for copper ones like these?
December 1, 2008
Insecure about being UN-secure
I am in need of a mason/carpenter to install an exterior back door (a new frame will need to be built from scratch and we will also need some steps and concrete work outside). Its a fairly urgent matter as I am afraid that the back of our house is vulnerable to both mice and men (We can thank yet another unscupulous contractor for this predicament). Ideally I would like to get this dealt with this week as I am having a hard time sleeping with only a plywood board securing the building. Thanks for any and all help.
October 25, 2008
Turn on the Heat (Lamp)
I have been scouring the internet for days looking for a heat lamp and fan combo and can't seem to find one anywhere. Just loking for something simply for a small bathroom. Any idea where i might find one? I have already checked out Brooklyn lowes and home depot. Thanks.
October 18, 2008
Summer Recap: Dust masks, Eye Goggles, Mojitos, and More....................
We haven't posted much these last months because there has been a whole lot of not that much going on. Lots of starts and stops. And lots of frustration. But now that the air is getting crisp and actual work is commencing in the duplex (more on that in my next entry), I thought I would catch you all up with the doings over in South Stuy.
Most of the summer was spent bringing contractors in to bid out the duplex reno--but even with the market slowdown, it was tough. That said, we embraced the frustration, and with architectural plans in hand, we prepared for progress by tearing down, pulling up, and ripping out any wall, floor, or fixture that we knew we weren't keeping.
But first we needed to save the trim:
To entice friends to help us with the demo, we decided to celebrate the destruction and hosted a couple of pretty fabulous bbq's complete with marinated grilled shrimp, veggies, grilled radiccio with an OJ and honey glaze, garden burgers and tofu dogs, chicken, sausage, hamburgers, grilled eggplant wth goat cheese and basil (superb), fresh fruit from the Puerto Rican van guys on the corner on Beford near Atlantic, mojitos with mint from our yard, microbrewed beer, freshly made cupcakes from Abu's on Fulton, freshly squeezed lemon ginger and watermelon juice (from the halal steam table restaurants also on Fulton). We figured a tantalizing, mouth-watering spread was the least we could do for our dust-covered-sledge-hammer-wielding-crazed-demolition-derby friends.
Some may say that we bribed our friends to do our dirty work and those folks would be right. And sure, some folks trekked out from Manhattan for some free dogs and ice cold beers, but a good number of them came donned in combat gear with DESTRUCTION on their minds and little else. We were surprised when our otherwise mild-mannered colleagues and friends showed up adorned in coveralls, dust masks, professional-grade eye protection, and their own sledgehammers and crow bars. One friend of T's donned military surplus tanker coveralls and proudly showed off a fat multi-tool that he was sure he wouldn't use that day but wanted to bring anyway. And we were awed by the gusto and might they used to bring down the walls. Special shout-outs go out to B-rad and Damon--the two mildest of mannered friends, who turned into virtual Hulks, grunting and swinging sledges, speaking sentences of no more than two or three syllables, most of which started with "me" and ended with "smash."
In Demo BBQ 1, or The Rumble in the Urban Jungle (as T titled it), we knocked down the wall separating the bathroom from what will be our bedroom so that the the new plumbing, electricity, and pocket door can be installed.
Please excuse the dust.
It's Miller time--or rather Negra Modelo time.
In Demo Party 2, or The Walls of Jericho Part 2, we knocked down an oddly shaped closet (it wasn't deep enough to accommodate a regular sized hanger but was at least seven wide) and the wall in the parlor separating the kitchen from the living room.
Finally, in a solo effort, I pulled up a the abused, glue- (from the linoleum tiles that had covered them, which we pulled up last year) and water-damaged parquet from the bathroom to reveal pretty nice pine sub flooring. I was hoping that we could do a sort of French-country look by restoring and finishing the pine subfloor, but the subfloor ended up being in too bad shape, so we're going to tile it instead.
I am proud to report that the house has never looked worse.
Author's Comments
ADT is the worst. Their service sucks. Their equipment is cheap and flimsy. I totally agree with Brklyn Fire alarm Guy. I unfrtunately signed a long term cntract and am waiting fr it t run out so I can go elsewhere. Such a waste of money.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at September 22, 2009 9:12 AM in response to ADT or Other System?
Wexler Plumbing is amazing. Please tell them Tony sent ya--ask for John esposito
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at September 22, 2009 9:08 AM in response to Looking for: Plumber, Moving Co.
Bensonhurst???? Red Hook? Hw abut Bed Stuy/Crwn Heights? The armry wuld be a great place for a large retailer like that. It would have the vibe of Trader Joe's with the vaulted ceilings etc. and there could be a prgram set up where bulk goods could be donated to the homeless shelter or maybe even prvide employment opportunities.......................way better idea than an intake center
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at September 22, 2009 9:06 AM in response to BJ's for Bensonhurst?
thanks!
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at September 9, 2009 11:28 PM in response to LOCKS in stock?
Smiling Jeff at MDC-516 236-9607. Tell him his friends over in bed stuy sent him. He is a whiz
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at September 8, 2009 9:58 PM in response to Electrician
Great News!!! we have been needing some worthy options near the franklin stop. Keep em coming!!!
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at September 8, 2009 9:51 PM in response to Streetlevel: Bickels Jerk Express
Dental picks, pull scrapers, a med. firm tooth brush, water, rags. I would not use sandpaper on plaster and you need to be super careful not to gauge it with the scrapers. Good luck!
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at September 1, 2009 12:17 AM in response to Details Beneath The Surface
The whole down with Bed Stuy sentiment on this website is really getting boring and the clinton Hill versus Bed Stuy debate is just plain silly. Clinton Hill and Bed Stuy have more in common than any other two neighborhoods.
Hey does anyone remember when this site was about renovation and community building?
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at September 1, 2009 12:02 AM in response to An Italian's New York Dream
As one brownstone renovater to another -- all I can say is that I feel and appreciate your pain and revel in the glow of your triumph. Congrats! I hope success is sweet for you.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at August 18, 2009 10:15 PM in response to Gut Reno on Gates
Call wexler and ask for John Esposito--718 235-6800. Wexler isupstanding and awesome. Tell him I sent you
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at August 13, 2009 10:51 PM in response to Plumber Needed
I have said it before and i will say it again--People looking to invest in the stuy should seriously consider fulton street where the foot traffic is ALWAYS high and most people walk to or through to get to the subways--I believe a BID has just been approved for the areas between franklin and new york ave. You would be drawing foks from clinton hill, crowne heights and bed stuy--open a restaurant--that area needs more than just bush baby, steam tables, the many many many patty restaurants (delicious but way too many of them)and the 10 fast food chicken places.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at July 31, 2009 8:21 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?
Mike Drerup at Exponant.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at July 27, 2009 3:41 PM in response to Structural Engineer
Best plumber in the biz is Wexler Plumbing-they are amazing and professional. ask for John Esposito and tell him M and T from HomeSweetStuy sent ya. don't have the card on me but you can google.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at June 30, 2009 9:21 PM in response to In need of a plumber...
Jeff of MDC electric is awesome. Grom Montauk to Manhattan he gets the job done!
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at June 27, 2009 8:02 PM in response to Pro electrician for- major job
HomeSweetstuy wrote a review about Bushbaby on June 11, 2009 8:36 AM
Love the vegan choices (and hubby likes the other stuff). The jazz brunch. The friendly staff. The prices. The staff can be a bit slow BUT its a wonderful thing to sit in a nice space on a Sunday with the paper and not feel rushed.
So inspector came yesterday-sawthatIhad plans and permits and gave mea rescinded SWO right there on th spot. Work can start immediately now all Ihave todois rally the troops. Thanks everyone.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at June 9, 2009 6:51 AM in response to Removing a SWO
We actually had our holly plant pulled up and then tossed. Now that was upsetting because it was done with menace.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at June 7, 2009 4:48 PM in response to Stolen Plants
Maeve, i was wondering where you ended up getting that engineer's report from and if it was useful....
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 13, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Pulling building's plan from DOB
I have been stripping various surfaces in my house and have used peel away as well as citrus strip and rock miracle--as well as the silent paint stripper and a good old fashioned hear gun. I ususally use a combo of all of the above--hit it first with the heat guns --then go the chemical route and finally steel wool denatured alcohol and sanding. I will be posting soon about the newel post on the southstuy blog but let's just say-i recently purchased a drimmel and a sanding flap attachment and have been blown away about how fast those little specs of paint disappear. Wish i had discovered this tools utility 2 years ago!
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 11, 2009 10:26 PM in response to Peel Away 6
Benjamin levin at Wells Fargo--don't have his number handy but I have posted about him before--its always a joy to rec him because he makes the impossible possible
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 11, 2009 10:20 PM in response to Mortgage Broker Recommendation?
ha ha denton. Thanks everyone-I am going to check these guys out
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 8, 2009 9:45 AM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio
Still alive and kickin over here at Southstuy--I have probably had the most snarky remarks and haven't utilized the delete button all too often. Haven't been posting much because not very much has been done but I started the reno blog and I will see it through. so , with a little luck, ill have something to post about in a couple of weeks. Personally I think ts a bummer when reno bloggers just fall off but I can't blame them entirely as this site's focus has moved from reno to real estate in the last couple of years. Does anyone know what happened to Ms. Crown Heights?
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 8, 2009 9:44 AM in response to Bed Stuy Reno?
Jan Fogel is the woman you are looking for--she has been our angel.917-584-2925. Call her-you will be happy you did :)
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 7, 2009 8:45 AM in response to Architect recommendations??/
I did use a licensed GC with licensed subs--and checked out their numbers with the DOB--lots of good that did me. Yes, I am suing the heck out of the GC, going after his license and trying to get the DA involved with the fraud he committed (fake permits etc.) And yes, i did have a contract and he did have insurance. I can't go after the plumber directly because he is a sub. To get around that this time--i am hiring directly. The original 6 bidders were GCs who included plumbing for a quote between 10 and 15k. The plumbers coming in now are quoteing 13-15k to finish the work. I hear what you are saying about taking on the liability of another but i still don't think that justifies another 15k. I appreciate all of your advice and recs--please keep it coming.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 6, 2009 3:27 PM in response to Riddle Me This (Plumbing Questio
Thanks for your posts--the garden is coming along nicely and i really appreciate the tip on the Teak Furniture place.
BTW was the mulch at greenwood treated? We had wanted to pick some up but were advised to beware of free mulch if you don't know if its been treated as you might be bringing some little friends of the wood eating variety home with you. My guess is that it is not treated so my question to you and to other gardeners out there is --does anyone have any tops on treating the mulch in an efficient and non-lant killing way?
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at May 6, 2009 9:12 AM in response to Veggie Garden Time!
I support the BID--its going to be a wonderful thing for those that most travel the trash filled streets to get to the subway or to run an errand. Maybe the business owners on fulton will be a bit more conscientious about how they keep their stores and how securely they tie up their garbage. Oh and it would be so nice if even one dining option--other than subway or KFC were to open......
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at April 21, 2009 8:30 AM in response to Clearing the Air on the Fulton BID
Hey Denton, We miss you and can't find your email. Please email your ol friends from 270 at southstuy@gmail.com and let's make a plan
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at April 18, 2009 11:23 AM in response to The End is Nigh
I have to say i think Bed Stuy--especially the area near the a/c trains is way more desirable than Clinton Hill to both buyers and renters. We looked all through Clinton Hill but the G line sucks for transport and there is more stuff going on in Bed Stuy. Further--and for the record-we prefer Bed Stuy to Park Slope. We actually fled because it was over commercialized and way too Upper West Side --- its a nice place to visit but we didn't want to live there. Now Fort Greene is a whole other story--best of all worlds, in my humble opinion.
I think a house in this area can easily fetch 850 if it is marketed correctly. That said, this agent's listing leaves much to be desired and I really do not get a sense of the details from the pics.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at April 15, 2009 8:57 AM in response to House of the Day: 146 Halsey Street
Ahhh schultz-i wonder. I am sure the plaster medallion in the common area has more detail than its showing but we won't get to that for a while. Next up is finishing the newel post 9see prior posts). Its a purple beast but under all of that is mahogony which is longing to be free.
Thanks for the support
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at April 11, 2009 1:57 PM in response to Details Beneath The Surface
Hey there rabbit email me at southstuy@gmail.com and we'll make a plan to meet up and exchange war stories. You are in for an adventure.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at April 7, 2009 10:47 PM in response to SHUTTER TO THINK
Hey there Denton, Congrats! It is looking great. T is totally coveting your library--we have plans to do something similiar at some point but right now we just want to move into one floor of our duplex. Anyway, hope to see you soon.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at April 7, 2009 10:43 PM in response to The End is Nigh
Greetings Susan and congrats on your new home. Its my blog that you refer to above and if you go back to some of the earlier posts you'll see that I have done the stripping both ways and have learned the long way that it just does not pay to strip doors and shutters by hand. The best piece of advice I can give you is go to someone reputable and who knows what they are doing like Lou. I haven't seen a single negative post about lou and he has been doing this dip and strip thing for years. He also clearly has a deep appreciation for all things wooden and stripable and I don't think he'd strip something if he thought it would ruin it. That said there are things like--the bannister, newel post and super ornate pieces that should probably be stripped by hand---although there is a risk of gouging the wood if you don't know what you are doing. Finally, make sure you oil or pre-treate the wood as soon after stripping as possible--stripping does dry out the wood. I like teak oil for hard woods and that miniwax pre-stain for soft. As it will probably take the next 10 years of my life to strip and refinish all the wood in my house--i am sure I will have more postings soon.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at March 31, 2009 11:44 PM in response to Hand or Dip Stripper?
Hey there ParkSlopePS, The guys in brooklyn are super expensive. i don't remember their exact quotes but they were significantly higher than Lou's and because we have so much to strip the time and expense it costs us to drive to jersey is still less than what it would cost us to go to the local guys. That said, soon folks won't have a choice as Lou is talking about retiring............
Denton--you hit the nail on the head there--it is amazing how much better things look when you can remove the shakeshift curtains and put up the pocket shutters. We have been doing a whole lot of stripping while we await our arbitration hearing. Just you wait until i do my plaster post---its amazing what detail lays beneath all the paint.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at March 30, 2009 7:50 PM in response to SHUTTER TO THINK
ME too! This is long overdue. No offense to CH but we need it down on our stretch much more-- believe me--it is not a great stroll walking from Olivino in CH home.
This could possibly link the 2 stretches of commerce and wil ultimately be good for all of us.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at March 30, 2009 3:58 PM in response to Bed Stuy BID Gets OK From City Council
Welcome Neighbor. This is a great area. You are just a couple of blocks away from Bushbaby, Abu's bakery (yummy cupcakes), a great dry cleaner and even a Petland (if you have an animal it comes in handy). When we were purchasing our house, my family sort of freaked--referenced that Billy Joel song and just about did everything they could to discourage us. Now my father thinks it was a great investment and my family is anxious to come up and visit.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at March 15, 2009 6:25 PM in response to Buying in Bedford Stuyvesant
Junior is working on fixing the partition between the owner's duplex and the tenant apartments -we are also hiring him to skim coat our parlor floor if our stop work order ever gets lifted. Although he is not yet finished and I really should not be giving a rec yet, I have to say that he and Aida seem to be wonderful, hard working (not to mention patient) and honest people (and I am a cynic).
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at March 12, 2009 10:36 PM in response to Great Contractor -Recommendation
I love all discussion about the special type of people we are and all that but I want to respond to the OPs post. As a house proud resident over in South Stuy I would like to see:
1. The Slave Theater restored or reused in some way
2. The Armory turned into a rec center or at the very least see the city's plan to make it an intake center derailed (see my other posts for ideas)
3. I'd like to see a mexican restaurant and a bagel shop
4. I'd like to see business owners on Fulton SUPPORTING each other and keeping the street clean like they do in SOLA
5. I'd like to see less fast food restaurants
6. I'd like a place to hang out and get a glass of wine
7. I'd like there to be more take out and delivery places
8. More garbage cans
9. Mail boxes!!!
10. More trees
I could go on but I figure this is a start.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at March 3, 2009 10:29 PM in response to Changes in Bed Stuy
I am ALSO going through the same thing. I filed with the dept of consumer afaairs and am also going to arbitration. I spoke to many lawyers but decided to try to educate myself and forego representation. the complaint forms on the AAA site are very easy to fill out.
DO NOT invite the DO B into your house. Being the honest people we are, when the inspector came knocking we let him in figuring he could HELP us--instead he gave us a stop work order and fine--which on top of everything else --we now have to fight and/or add to our damages.
Giovanna-Please keep us posted on your progress with the department of consumer affairs. thanks.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at February 22, 2009 1:43 PM in response to renovation nightmare!
It would be great to get a Mexican restaurant in the hood or a Bagel store!!!
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at February 1, 2009 11:08 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Retail Space for 395 Classon Avenue
There was one on Nostrand and herkimer but it looks to be closed now (which sucks). The Y is REALLY great though
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at January 25, 2009 9:04 PM in response to Gyms in Bed-stuy
Denton, It looks great. T actually gasped when he saw that fab Wolf stove. Sorry you are having so many problems with Garfield but trust me---We can totally beat you in the tales of woe department!
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at January 17, 2009 1:40 PM in response to New Year's kitchen edition
That's easy--I wish everyday I could go back in time and unhire the scum that calls itself John McClellan.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at January 17, 2009 1:32 PM in response to Woulda, coulda, shoulda
We have a 5 family and I must tell you it was an absolute bitchto get financing as Lenders evaluate solely on rental income (even if you plan on making it your residence). In addition, there is a significant and painful difference between commercial and residetial loan rates and tax rates. We used Benjamin Levin as our motgage broker and he really helped us navigate.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at January 6, 2009 9:37 AM in response to Investing in Multifamily Props
I would like to add to this post as we just got totally screwed by our contractor--who took our 2/3rds and ran. I am going to sue him and go after his license but want to share with you what i have learned the hard way. Contractors make all their money on the roughing and the corrupt ones set up payments so that they make their 30% profit within the first couple of weeks--once they have that money--you will never see them again. But i'll see mine again, in court. I will post a much longer post once this process gets underway and yes-i will name names.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at December 13, 2008 7:46 PM in response to Our recent experience (and rec. for mason / GC)
This is my FAVORITE garden of the day. Its lovely. Please post follow up pictures when it grows in. And I am looking forward to the next brownstoner hang--we got there late and missed the first one.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at December 4, 2008 9:05 AM in response to Garden of the Day: Bearing Fruit in Bed Stuy
I think Homerklese is absolutely right. Contractors only give you names and numbers of the people who are going to give glowing reviews (or are somehow related or paid off)They are never going to tell you about the problem jobs. Forums such as this are the only way to inform and protect your fellow man--that at reporting the ahole to the attorney general, the city, the better business bureau etc. The reason why contractors can get away with this sort of thing is because everyone is too afraid to call them out on it. That said, its important to be honest about the good and bad in any relationship.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at December 4, 2008 8:42 AM in response to HUGE Problem!! help!
I have had great luck finding old hinges on ebay.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at December 1, 2008 8:28 PM in response to old hinge, new pin?
Check this out http://www.nyknowyourcontractor.com/cfmqstaticdocs/helpful_hints.html
New York State has some helpful hints about hiring contractors etc. I wish I had seen this before we hired our last one! I think para 9 is especially interesting--any brownstoners have any luck gtting your contractors to give you a brea out or to put the funds in escrow? It would seem that if anyone actually followed this protocol there would be alot less of this kind of behavior!
Contractors are required by state law to either:
Put your payments into an escrow account and use it only for your job until it is substantially complete (contractors are legally required to disclose where money will be held in escrow).
Prove they have bond insurance to protect your money. Ask for proof of which option they use before hiring them.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at November 19, 2008 8:33 AM in response to When contractors go wrong
Check out the shop on the corner of herkimer and bedford (not sure of the name). i always see lovely radiator covers in the window of all sizes.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at November 19, 2008 8:27 AM in response to Radiator Cover
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
these guys are like used car salesman be very carefull they will tell you anything to get to sign up and once you do you will not get out of it and as far as adt or slomins just go online to the better business bureau and you will see how good these companies are
Posted by: 5 COUNTY ALARM at October 27, 2009 1:26 PM in response to ADT or Other System?
less white people??!?!?!!
Yes that's EXACTLY what Bed Stuy needs more of:
more intolerance, fear and xenophobia.
THAT will make things better.
Posted by: bryanx at November 6, 2009 2:04 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?
I did think it was a nice article too-- That said, Bed Stuy is a large neighbrhood and is made up of more than just Stuy Heights (and I don't know if I would classify Stuy Heights as the "heart" of bed stuy-althugh it is truly a jewel). I live in Bed Stuy and Fort Greene is closer and more accessible to me for recreation than Stuy Heights.
Posted by: HomeSweetstuy at September 28, 2009 10:35 AM in response to Bed-Stuy, a Harbor in the Tempest?