RFI's Profile
- 1997
- 2008
- Brooklyn
Author's Posts
February 24, 2008
Con Ed Fee?
We had a power outage yesterday and called Christopher John Electrical, who's been recommended by others on this site. The technician diagnosed the problem as a Con Ed wiring fault from the street. He charged the "standard" Con Ed fee of $295 in addition to their regular emergency service call fee of $266. This morning Con Ed arrived on the street to fix the electrical distribution box which was, by now, smoking. When that was complete the Con Ed guy came in and rewired the jump that Christopher John had temporarily put in place yesterday. During my conversation with him, he asked why we hadn't called Con Ed in the first place, saying there wouldn't have been any charge for anything because clearly it was a Con Ed problem. He ALSO said he had never heard of any such Con Ed fee charged by any other independent electrician. So here are my QUESTIONS: What is the deal with this Con Ed fee? Has anybody had any similar experience? Did Christopher John rip us off, or did the Con Ed guy not understand billing procedures?
Author's Comments
You can go to a place like Simon's Hardware in Manhattan, or Restoration Hardware to take a look at hardware and fixture samples. They aren't inexpensive, but the quality is good.
Posted by: RFI at December 9, 2009 9:08 AM in response to Bathroom Reno
I suggest you post the listing through Park Slope Parents classifieds. It might be worth the $25 membership fee.
Posted by: RFI at August 1, 2009 8:54 PM in response to Short term sublet
Don't you mean that the center is open through Labor Day?
Posted by: RFI at May 21, 2009 8:29 AM in response to Closing Bell: Coney Island History Project
I would contact Andrew Watel at Atomic Woodworking. His shop is in Sunset Park. His website: http://atomicwoodworking.com/
Posted by: RFI at March 6, 2009 8:22 AM in response to Wood Cabinet/Vanity Maker Reco?
I am a member of the family affected by this tragedy. I've been reading these posts and I want to respond briefly to the community, and especially to those who were witness to the accident of February 2. Thank you for your prayers, concern, and good thoughts. The situation is still unfolding for us. My uncle remains in critical condition in ICU in a coma, under constant watch from his family. We continue to pray for his recovery.
Posted by: RFI at February 13, 2009 9:00 PM in response to Developing: Pedestrian Struck at 8th and Carroll
My complaint with a lot of new construction is that the kitchens are postage stamp size. They're designed for the single professional who works long hours and orders in. I'm not a professional chef, but I still need adequate space to store kitchen appliances, pots and pans, dishware, glassware, and still have pantry space.
Posted by: RFI at January 15, 2009 12:46 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 67
With the exception of the mattress, you probably could leave the items out on the curb. My hunch is that within a matter of time, someone would pick them up.
Posted by: RFI at July 16, 2008 5:12 PM in response to Furniture Donations
2:04, no, it wasn't apparent that the box was smoking until the Con Ed technicians took off the cover in the street this morning.
We called the electrician first because the house needs electrical upgrades and it isn't uncommon for a breaker to flip. In this case, it wasn't the breaker, obviously, but at the time, we just assumed it was something else internal.
Regarding reimbursement, any more info on that? I'll definitely investigate.
Posted by: RFI at February 24, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Con Ed Fee?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
I'm a kitchen and bath designer and highly recommend Robert Kalka, he has a shop in the navy yard and his work is just exquisite, and he is nothing but a pleasure to work with:
(718) 486-8517
or
robertkalka@gmail.com
(please tell him Clare sent you)
Posted by: one2one at March 9, 2009 5:10 PM in response to Wood Cabinet/Vanity Maker Reco?
have you donated all your pieces?
Posted by: Peterz at July 24, 2009 1:31 AM in response to Furniture Donations
VRBO might work - a neighbor of mine uses them
Posted by: Arkady at August 3, 2009 9:28 AM in response to Short term sublet
what is VRBO?
Posted by: lilacgirl at August 3, 2009 4:39 PM in response to Short term sublet
vacation rentals by owner
Posted by: StuyIvy at August 3, 2009 6:07 PM in response to Short term sublet
The Interior Design Building on 57th (give or take) is a fun field trip and great for idea poaching. That and the usual magazines at B&N.
Posted by: Johnny at December 9, 2009 10:05 AM in response to Bathroom Reno
RFI: they said they "don't want to spend a lot of money".
Posted by: CGmodern at December 9, 2009 10:17 AM in response to Bathroom Reno
White subway tile is super cheap a la home Depot. Marble basketweave can be found on Ebay for about $12 a SF delivered - it's not the cheapest option, but isn't terrible and gives the bathroom a little visual zing that makes up for the plain wall tiles. I like hex tiles too, but the white does get discolored. If you go the hex tile route, maybe try black with black grout instead? You can find a nice pedestal on craigslist with a little time. I also used some nice Restoration Hardware lighting from Ebay for under a hundred bucks. A light aqua blue ceiling looks super with the black and white combo. My tenant is so happy.
Posted by: Deda at December 9, 2009 11:10 AM in response to Bathroom Reno
Deda's comments are great--very simple, timeless, elegant.
Also, you have a friend who's good at this. Think about it, you really do. You have a friend who would enjoy doing this. You have a friend who has already done this, or if you're young, their parents have already done it.
Tell them you want their advice. Make an evening of it. If you have something you're good at that you can do in exchange (you can lay out their resume? You can set up their computer to be faster and better? You can cook them a meal? You can lend them your car so they can drive upstate for their cousin Jane's wedding?)
Posted by: bkrules at December 9, 2009 12:30 PM in response to Bathroom Reno
$12 a sf for basketweave? fugly and expensive..... you can get a large selection of granite tile for the floor, say 12 x 12 for 7 - 8 per sf, many nice porcelain floor tiles from 4 - 8 per sf. white subway tile works fine, cheaper at marino tile than home depot, add some glass trim somewhere around eye level that pulls up the floor color and you can have what you call a timeless bathroom that doesn't make you think it's 1940.
Pedestal sinks available online at faucet direct, and ira woods, as are faucets, shower bodies, etc.
tub and toilet are cheapest at lowes or home depot, if you stick with simple models.
Posted by: raphael9 at December 9, 2009 5:04 PM in response to Bathroom Reno
I highly recommend Moving Your Way, a locally owned company. Igor is the owner. His rates are reasonable, and his movers take great care. We've used them several times and have always been happy. Here's the number: (718) 788-4920.
Posted by: RFI at December 30, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Brooklyn Movers?