Do not use a locksmith for woodworking, there is a good chance they could do something you will not be able to repair.

Posted by: Old City Construction at November 23, 2009 4:14 PM in response to Pocket Door Hardware

Hi,

I've been working with many brownstowners over recent months. I am a general contractor and a high end builder located in Cobble Hill. I have been specializing in kitchens and bathrooms for more then 12 years. I'd be happy to take a look at your space and provide an estimate. Portfolio available via email. You are welcome to email me billtancredi@gmail.com or cell 917.620.6328

Bill Tancredi
Old City Construction

Posted by: Old City Construction at October 14, 2009 6:52 PM in response to Condo Reno, Contractor Recs?

Try to find out if the manufacture has subfloor requirements, or specs. Also ask the vendor what they think, not all marble is the same, they behave differently. Most of the time cement board installed with thinset, on 3/4 ply will do the job, but i would make those calls.

Posted by: Old City Construction at September 28, 2009 9:04 PM in response to Marble Tiles and Subflooring

Anchorseal is the product used to seal the end grain if epi after it has been cut to prevent the end of the board from drying faster than the center and stop warping and cupping. It takes the center of a 4"x4" post, 30 years to fully cure. I have never seen it used as a finish, nor should i have. That is not what it's for. I do know that it can leave a waxy residue. My guess is that it will need to be scraped off and sand the boards. Not a small task, but it can be done. The wood is not ruined at all, in fact the reason it used so much outside is that it is almost impossible to kill.

Posted by: Old City Construction at September 28, 2009 8:51 PM in response to Ipe Deck seal

I'm located in Cobble Hill and have recently been working with many brownstoner posters. I am a contractor and high end builder specializing in kitchens and bathrooms with extensive tile work experience. I've been in this business for more then 10 years. I would be happy to come take a look at your project, discuss details and provide an estimate. You are welcome to contact me by phone or email and i can provide a portfolio in pdf. format.

Best,
Bill Tancredi
Old City Construction
cell 917.620.6328
billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at September 9, 2009 9:51 PM in response to Small Construction/Design job

The problem is the the estimate may say $30,000, and the final bill could say $60,000. There seems to be a large number of contractors in Brooklyn who bid really low to get the job, but have contract writing that allows them to add, and add, and add...until you finally get to the real price of the job, that an honest contractor gave to the client way back when. Work cost money, its that simple.

Posted by: Old City Construction at September 4, 2009 10:24 PM in response to Expensive Estimate?

I am a general contractor and high end kitchen and bath installer working in this field for 12 years. I am currently working on 56th and 6th avenue finishing two bathrooms. I would be available to stop by friday after work or saturday to see your project and provide an estimate.

I have been working with many brownstowner clients over the past few months.

A portfolio can be sent via email. You are welcome to contact me by cell or email.

Bill Tancredi
Old City Construction.
cell 917.620.6328
email billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at September 1, 2009 11:04 PM in response to Contractor Needed

HI, i have been installing kitchens for 14 years, i should be able to help with this job.
Please contact Bill Tancrdi @ 917-620-6328
billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 30, 2009 5:16 PM in response to Minimal kitchen alterations

I think that you posted this already, i though someone would have gotten you a name. Since you here again, i will tell you that while i am not an expert in metal work, i am in kitchens, and have installed metal plenty of times for kitchen projects. I have never had any problems with them. Please feel free to contact me.

billtancrdi@gmail.com

Cell 917-620-6328

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 28, 2009 8:33 PM in response to Kitchen backsplash

Hi, i am a very experienced contractor, doing many bathrooms. I have gotten plenty of tile work from this forum and would be happy to help you with this project. I have done a lot of glass tile installs, and they can be very demanding to get correct. I have plenty if references that will verify my talent.

Bill Tancredi
917-620-6328
billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 28, 2009 8:22 PM in response to How to install this mosaic tile?

Gut some one to grind it flat and chip some edges in it, and use some cement or concrete patch, if this was done recently they may be able to what is know as screeding on it where it looks seemless, but a little maybe discolored

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 26, 2009 6:08 PM in response to Sidewalk holes

What happened to Oleg??

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 26, 2009 4:26 PM in response to Building Lobby Renovation

If he starts to play the cello, call the NYT, and they could do a story, that will be made into a movie. Or i guess you could watch the soloist.

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 24, 2009 8:15 AM in response to Care about Columbia Street

Well sometimes painting the whole rail looks nice, but i do agree the i would perform better with a stain and clear coat, it wouldn't show dirt and finger prints as much. Would look pretty sweet too.

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 24, 2009 8:06 AM in response to to strip or not to strip

Chemicals are the only way to go for this job, i have seen some amazing restorations of stone mantles using them, good luck.

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 24, 2009 8:02 AM in response to stripping a marble fireplace

I would be happy to come take a look at your project and provide a quote. I have been a GC and high end carpenter for more then 10 years, and recently been doing a lot of work for the Brownstoner forum community of folks, and the feedback has been very positive.

You are welcome to call or email if you'd like to discuss details.

cell 917.620.6328
email billtancredi@gmail.com

Best,
Bill Tancredi
Old City Construction

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 19, 2009 11:11 PM in response to Carpenter or GC Needed

contact information would be helpful i suppose.

917.620.6328 cell
billtancredi@gmail.com

Bill
Old City Construction

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 19, 2009 8:53 PM in response to Bathroom Reno?

I would be more then happy to come look at your bathroom to discuss details and provide an estimate. I've had great feedback on brownstoner and I have been specializing in bathrooms/kitchens and tile work for over 10 years. I'm located in Cobble Hill.

Best,
Bill Tancredi
Old City Construction

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 19, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Bathroom Reno?

I am new to the area, and building a client base doing work in Brooklyn. I have installed high end kitchens for 12 years, so i have dealt with plenty of gas ranges. Please feel free to contact me.

billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 16, 2009 7:55 PM in response to Handyman to Install Gas Range

Your dryer vent is clogged. It's the 4" duct in the rear of the machine, you can usually disconnect it with a screwdriver. Disconnect it and vacuum it out, and you will need to check the exit port, outside the building. If you still have trouble, read the manual for troubleshooting, and maintenance.

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 16, 2009 7:43 PM in response to Help With My Dryer

Hi, if you're only replacing an existing fixture with a new one, you will not need a licensed electrician. I have my own small construction company, and have plenty of experience installing cable and rail lighting. I can be contacted at billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 12, 2009 10:00 PM in response to Install Tech Lighting Monorail

Hi, I have had a small construction firm for 12 years and specialize in kitchens and baths. I have done plenty of tile backsplashes and would be happy to give you a price. I can be contacted at billtancredi@gmail.com or 917-620-6328

Thanks Bill
Old City Construction

Posted by: Old City Construction at August 6, 2009 10:53 PM in response to A Good Tiler?

I'm a local carpenter, who can do your repair. billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 29, 2009 2:26 PM in response to wooden floor repair

Google maps. That's all i'm gonna say!

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 29, 2009 2:24 PM in response to Map of Brooklyn w/ Hoods

I realize you may be looking for readers to post recommendations for you job, but i feel compelled to post anyway. I am a very experienced contractor, new to the area with great references. You can contact me @ billtancred@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 28, 2009 8:10 PM in response to New Bath, New Wood floors,

I would be happy to have a look at it for you.
Bill 917-620-6328
billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 28, 2009 12:05 PM in response to Entry Door Decorative insert

You don not "need" any kind of reflective coating, the heat will exchange on its own, i would put some kind of cover in front of them the radiators, so as your legs won't be burned by touching them. Local hardware stores sell thin metal grate just for radiator covers. Good luck.

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 26, 2009 8:35 AM in response to Radiator Cover Or Window Seat?

I'm not interested, but you might want to post a pix if the tile, for those who are. Good luck.

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 25, 2009 9:54 PM in response to Beautiful High End Tile

I do not think it is necessary to use a design center for this job. If you would like i could look at it for you. I am a very accomplished contractor who is new to the area and doing small work until i find a large contract. Bill Cell 917-620-6328 email billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 22, 2009 8:05 PM in response to Replacing Shower Doors, etc.

Well if he doesn't i do. I did it professionally with the union in Philadelphia, and i have plenty of references to call if you like. Bill cell 917-620-6328, and email billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 22, 2009 7:52 PM in response to Handyman Recommendation

You will definitely need an architect and then an engineer. When you're done with them, you will need a contractor. I did a job very similar to this on a 1903 victorian in Philadelphia. Removed the door and window, added a steel header to support the brick wall it was going into. Installed a Weather Sheild french door. Then added a 11' x 16' Epi deck. Feel free to contact me if you would like to talk.

Billtancredi@gmail.com

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 20, 2009 9:29 PM in response to Deck to Replace Screened Porch

That is awesome!! Love he pix of them on top of white marble. Nice work.

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 20, 2009 5:33 PM in response to Spiff Up Your Old Hardware

I had always done some work when i rented, but i sound like your being a little ambitious. I would really ask the landlord prior to doing major stuff. Painting is one thing, but you need to feel this person out, like will they freak and make you put it all back the way it was. If you convince them your competent, they will be getting free work for nothing, its hard to say no to that. As with anything in this business, it's case specific. Feel them out first.

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 20, 2009 8:33 AM in response to Comestic Renos on a Rental?

White is going to show every little crack, gap, crevice, every little thing. If your afraid its dark, you can always add lights. You can't get rid of all the little imperfections. I would use black, and do not use Depot paint, use Benjamen Moore. Good luck.

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 20, 2009 8:25 AM in response to Painting Exposed Ceiling

Tipping at a business meeting is just weird, and to a lawyer!! I mean come on, as if they don't make enough already. Try the tip of your pen in the palm of his hand next time he asks you. What a tool!

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 17, 2009 10:28 PM in response to Tips at Closings?

Did you lower him down from the original bid?? It would not be an excuse for him adding to the bill, but it would explain it. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that if your posting like this on a blog, you might have been a difficult customer for him too. Either way, that"s too bad the relationship fell apart.

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 17, 2009 10:12 PM in response to Bill from circular stairs

You would be better off asking this blog for an Awesome plumber, he will be upon all the latest technology, local demands and requirments, and should know about rebate incentives.

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 14, 2009 6:23 PM in response to Boiler Recommendation?

Well with out seeing the job 2 weeks sounds reasonable. I just finished a bathroom that took 5 months, now they did have two more, it was a living room and it cost $65,000. Now it does not mean your tub and toilet has to be down the whold time. But the real commentary here is do you trust you contractor. If i were to say the bathroom is down for two weeks, then that is that! There wouldn't be any "Fluff" crap. I agree with dave, expect it to take longer

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 14, 2009 6:17 PM in response to Bathroom renovation

Hello,

I would love to look at your project. I have been doing this type of work for 17 years. I am doing a very similar job to this now, near by Prospect Park. Please call my cell at 917-620-6328. I am also available by email at billtancredi@gmail.com.

Bill Tancredi

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 12, 2009 9:21 AM in response to Quickie Drywall job

I have been in construction for 17 yrs, and have plenty of experience doing this exact work. My company is licensed and insured. I would be happy to consult and give you a reasonable bid on your project. I am based in Brooklyn so i am close to your location.

Bill Tancredi, Old City Construction, LLC. cell 917.620.6328

email billtancredi@gmail.com.

Posted by: Old City Construction at July 1, 2009 8:04 PM in response to Contractor Recommendation?

Maybe try sanding some of the shellac - not all. Then, use an alcohol based sanding sealer to seal it. The alcohol based sealer with adhere to the shellac. Sand that lightly, and then use an oil base poly tinted with a dye stain. I am not talking about polyshades which I do my best not to ever use, but real poly with a Mohawk Dye Stain. Dye Stains are compatible with the poly and are available in many colors.

Feel free to call me if you have any questions about these products. If I have the time, I'll kick this around a little with you.

Steve
www.thetinkerswagon.com

Posted by: thetinkerswagon at August 24, 2009 9:54 PM in response to to strip or not to strip

Start on the side that is least visible. Get hevy-duty rubber gloves, lots of rags and razor blade scraper. Don't know what kind of chemical you going to use, Rock Miracle worked well for me. You might want to try PEELAWAY #7 for higly detaild areas like the key stone in the center. The residue from the striper can be removed with mineral spirits and fine grade steel wool. make shure you have good ventilation. Definately cover your floors with thin cardboard and masking tape. After you are done stripping the paint you need to repolish. Good luck !

Posted by: gale at August 25, 2009 12:31 PM in response to stripping a marble fireplace

Try to scrape as many layers as you can with the scraper before you start with chemicals. Don't need the heat gun.

Posted by: gale at August 25, 2009 12:35 PM in response to stripping a marble fireplace

pardon me ..painting them is ass backwards.

Posted by: jack slade at August 26, 2009 12:04 AM in response to to strip or not to strip

thanks for the advice. I will let you know what happens.

Posted by: gligon at August 26, 2009 12:33 PM in response to to strip or not to strip

Every time I hear the work "screeding," I get excited. No idea why . . .

Posted by: IronBalls at August 26, 2009 8:11 PM in response to Sidewalk holes

do it soon. It takes 4 weeks for concrete to completely harden.

Posted by: bobjohn at August 27, 2009 3:40 PM in response to Sidewalk holes

The adhesive or thinset (cementious - preferrable) must be notched and spread very evenly. There are a variety of notch sized trowels. To ensure the adhesive or thinset doesn't squeeze through the grout joints, it takes an experienced hand and eye to get the right depth troweled. Anything that does squeeze through can be scraped out before the product fully sets. Obviously if it is not done evenly, it can turn into a tedious mess.

To keep tile from sliding, use grout joint spacers. They come in different sizes, are plastic, and you pull them out when the tile has set well enough not to slide.

If you do not notch the tiles will eventually pop free. The notch is necessary for bondability. If you want to DIY, buy a sheet of cementious backerboard and try some experiments.

Good luck.

masterbuildernyc@gmail.com

Posted by: masterbuilder at August 29, 2009 9:33 AM in response to How to install this mosaic tile?

Metal is difficult to clean. Why not go with industrial looking tiles if you want a retro modern look?

Posted by: IronBalls at August 29, 2009 9:00 PM in response to Kitchen backsplash

i could recommend myself but that would just be biased.. basically trust your gut. never go for the cheapest company nor the one with the most bells and whistles. good design is a perfect harmony of form and function

theodore
hush construction corp

Posted by: zberlin at September 13, 2009 1:03 PM in response to Small Construction/Design job