allans's Profile
- Al Suarez
- 1970
- 2005
- Brooklyn
- Windsor Terrace
- House
- Graphic Designer
- Male
- 30
- http://www.taglatino.com
Author's Comments
don't forget to check the antique section of charleston hardware....I just saw these
Posted by: allans at November 16, 2009 11:16 AM in response to Looking Sash Lift
found something close here:
Posted by: allans at November 16, 2009 12:40 AM in response to Looking Sash Lift
Try http://charlestonhardwareco.com or http://www.thebrassknob.com
send them the picture they are very helpful
allans
Posted by: allans at November 11, 2009 1:02 AM in response to Brass Door Hardware Needed
Tommy (the plumber - 917- 907-2315)
Good honest guy. His estimates were spot on...he installed my water meter and has fixed some leaks for my tenants. Highly recommended.
Posted by: allans at November 9, 2009 9:26 AM in response to Plumber
Try Aiden from Excel Custom Cabinetry, his number is (718) 237-1619. He's a friend so you can mention me - one of his freelance wood workers installed my shutters about 2 falls ago. I paid his freelancer directly, it was very inexpensive.
Allan S.
Posted by: allans at October 30, 2009 10:11 AM in response to Installing shutters! Help!
Saw this process on This Old House. Found the clip here:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,1631531,00.html
Posted by: allans at October 29, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Epoxy Painting Bathtub
Try bleeding the radiators on the top floor. You may have air trapped in the radiator it will not allow the water to flow up into it. You'll need a key and a bucket. Check out this video it will give you some visual aid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGcbYAztoWE
Posted by: allans at October 16, 2009 9:11 PM in response to Boiler/heating system repair ref
Try All Renovation, they worked on my brownstone in 06, I check out current job sites and interviewed previous clients before hiring them. They were also the only contractor (I interviewed 4 all together) that delivered a professional itemized estimate which helped with my budget. I was a newbie to the renovation experience and was lucky to find them.
http://www.allrenovationllc.com
best of luck.
a.s.
Posted by: allans at October 16, 2009 8:54 PM in response to Nayci the Terrible Contractor
Did you do a search for Verrazano on this website? I am surprised you went with them as they do not have good comments about them on this blog. They have a good brand but their customer service and job quality is the worse.
Posted by: allans at October 2, 2009 4:29 PM in response to Verrazano Flooring NOT WORTH IT
I also have someone I use often, her name is Eloisa. You can contact her via her husband Julio as her english is not to strong. His number is 718-781-9904. You can tell him Allan recommended her.
Posted by: allans at September 29, 2009 10:36 AM in response to Cleaning Help
I have a set available. Email me at mr_tico@yahoo.com and I'll send you pics. I'm selling for $1k.
-Allan
Posted by: allans at September 25, 2009 10:31 AM in response to Help Finding a Door
Check out AllRenovation Construction, they also do work in NJ and specialize in Brownstones. I hired them to gut renovate my brownstone in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. They recently did a modern design for a Brownstone in Carroll Gardens which ended up being featured in NY Living Magazine. You can see the pics at the link below. My home was a more traditional project (I restored all the wood moldings throughout) but the Carroll Gardens project was a nice modern twist on a brownstone...
http://www.allrenovationllc.com/presidentst_after.html
I'm a big fan of the owner Pietro and his team, they were very professional and delivered on everything that was outlined in my contract. From all the other GC's I interviewed AllRenovation's itemized estimate (per floor) was extremely helpful to budget my project and keep costs moderate.
Best of Luck
Allan S.
Posted by: allans at September 9, 2009 2:17 PM in response to gut reno in jersey city
I agree. Toto is the best. I actually picked up my latest Toto from craigslist...brand new! It was a total deal but you really need to check every day to see if they come up. Good Luck.
Posted by: allans at September 2, 2009 5:19 PM in response to Toilet recommendations
They worked on mom's floors who is elderly and also did a half ass job. I think they thought since she's elderly she would not complain. They only did one coat of poly which came off within 1 year in areas of high traffic. I would try Carlos Wood Floors, I've used them several times - most recently at an investment property in NJ. His number is 646-281-2659, tell him Allan recommended him.
Posted by: allans at August 26, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Varrazano Flooring
http://nymag.com/nymetro/shopping/asknewyork/n_8950/
Found this info from the link above...
Today’s restorers can turn to B&B Sheetmetal (25-40 50th Avenue, Long Island City; 718-433-2501). B&B president Bob Baschnagel III, whose family has been in the business since 1901, says that it takes two to three weeks to reproduce a cornice. Prices vary: “Without attachments”—that is, extraneous details and moldings—“we can do a twenty-foot piece for $1,500. With attachments, it can go up to $20,000.”
Many brownstone owners opt not for stamped steel but for fiberglass. Mario Noto, the owner of Architectural Molded Composites (10-06 38th Avenue, Long Island City; 718-937-1977) explains that “it’s light and strong” and can last for 150 years. The cost varies from $25 to $40 per square foot; Noto says that most jobs are about 100 square feet, with corners adding $2,500 or so. “We replicated a sculpture for the Paramount Building’s façade using an eight-by-ten photo,” he says. "If we could do that, then nothing is impossible.”
Posted by: allans at August 5, 2009 3:32 PM in response to Cornice Contractor
I'm recommending my GC Pietro from AllRenovation Construction. I interviewed four other GC's before choosing AllRenovation. They were the only company that supplied a professional itemized (per floor) estimate and timeline for my brownstone gut renovation project. This was a tremendous help since I was a first time renovationer.
Also they took me to several on-site (real time) projects where I was able to interview current clients. They also had an extensive client referral list which they made available to me to call at my convenience. They are a trust worthy company and they do beautiful and professional work. I would use them again in a heart beat.
You can find out more info and see my project (Windsor Terrace Brownstone) on their site http://www.allrenovationllc.com or call them directly at 718-351-4099.
Best of Luck,
Allan S.
Posted by: allans at August 5, 2009 3:18 PM in response to ISO Good GC
I also had a tight budget but was only gutting 2 floors of a 3 family brownstone in Windsor Terrace. I was also a newbie to the whole process. I received 3 documented ballpark estimates in the beginning which I thought was the norm until another contractor sent me an ITEMIZED estimate. To my surprise he had every detail of the job itemized which helped me remove or reduce the cost to my budget. Needless to say I hired them and was pleasantly surprised by this companies professionalism and honesty. I would definitely include them if you are still bidding out the job. The company is AllRenovation and I personally dealt with Pietro the owner. You can find them via their website...
http://www.allrenovationllc.com
Good Luck,
A.S.
P.S. My job is listed on AllRenovation's website as Windsor Terrace brownstone.
Posted by: allans at August 1, 2009 8:44 AM in response to Gut Reno Estimate?
Never heard of them, regardless make sure you visit a current job site (talk to the owners about their work ethics). If they don't have an open or current job (this would worry me) then ask to visit 3 past jobs and speak to the owners. I eliminated several GC's that way during my selection process. I eventually went with AllRenovation (www.allrenovationllc.com) as they were they only GC that submitted a detailed itemized estimate per floor for my 3 story brownstone gut. If you go to their site my job is the Windsor Terrace brownstone. Good Luck.
A.S.
Posted by: allans at July 14, 2009 10:29 AM in response to Input on Paradise Construction?
I would report your landlord to 311, explain the situation and see if there is any recourse from the city. I would then write him a notarized letter listing your complaint, in the letter you should outline what you think should be the correct course of action by him/her in regards to a credit in rent. See where that takes you. If you hold up rent he may have the right to take legal action according to your lease. Also dig up the lease and see if there are any stipulations regarding renovations.
Good Luck
Posted by: allans at June 28, 2009 8:29 PM in response to Withholding Rent?
Try AllRenovation Construction, they have a coaching service which helps newbies with their project...you can get more info here:
http://www.allrenovationllc.com/services.html
good luck
A.S.
Posted by: allans at June 18, 2009 8:40 AM in response to Rookie Renovater Seeks Architect
This happened to me as well. Apparently the city had fixed the sidewalk for the whole block so they billed every property in 1995. The original owner of my brownstone was my mom who probably did not receive or inadvertently threw out the DOT bill. I had to go to Brooklyn's Borough Hall building next to Brooklyn Law School (209 Joralemon St, Brooklyn, NY 11201) and pay up. It was about $800 or so.
Good Luck,
A.S.
Posted by: allans at June 12, 2009 3:10 PM in response to How to Clear a Sidewalk Lien?
I always recommend AllRenovation Construction, they worked on my Windsor Terrace brownstone and did excellent work. I interview 3 other contractors and their estimates were all ballparks, AllRenovation gave me a professional itemized estimate which help in budgeting my project. You can reach them via their website:
http://www.allrenovationllc.com
good luck.
A.S.
Posted by: allans at June 12, 2009 3:05 PM in response to General Contractor
I also used AllRenovation for my Windsor Terrace brownstone project. They gutted my parlor and garden floor apartments and restored all the existing woodwork. It was 10 month job which went flawless. I interview 3 other companies and AllRenovation was the only one to submit a professional itemized estimate which made it easy for me to budget my job. I was also a newbie in renovation speak and terminology, they were extremely helpful and answered all my questions during the project. I highly recommend them. Any other questions please feel free to email me at mr_tico@yahoo.com
You can see my project on the following link of pics which they made available to me after my job, look for Windsor Terrace brownstone.
http://picasaweb.google.com/allrenovationnyc
good luck,
Allan S.
Posted by: allans at May 30, 2009 8:13 PM in response to GC recommendation
I recommend AllRenovation Construction, I hired them to do a gut renovation project of a Brownstone in Windsor Terrace. First off they were extremely professional, their estimate was itemized per phase, they took me to several on-site jobs to talk to current clients (one of them was a brownstone which helped me tremendously). They provided a word document full of references, I had only 2 change orders due to items I decided to add mid-way through the job. Finally, the project finished on time which was very important to me.
My contact is the owner Pietro Calabretta. You can reach him at pietro@allrenovationllc.com or via AllRenovation's office at 718-351-4099.
http://www.allrenovationllc.com
Feel free to contact me as well if you have any questions regarding a Brownstone renovation.
Best of Luck,
Allan S.
917-748-1451
Posted by: allans at May 8, 2009 2:10 PM in response to Good contractors?
Call Tommy from PSI Mechanical Corp. He installed my brownstone water meter and other some small items throughout last year at VERY reasonable prices. He came recommended by a friend. His cell is (917) 907-2315.
Tell him Allan (friend of Jennifer Flores) recommended him. Best of luck.
-Allan S.
Posted by: allans at April 17, 2009 9:09 AM in response to Plumber for Sprinkler Connection
Try Xcel Custom Cabinetry (formerly Emerald Furniture), I know Aiden - he's does great work. You can see a gallery of their stuff here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/xcelcustomcabinetry
43 Hall St
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 237-1619
Tell them Allan recommended you.
Best,
A. Suarez
Posted by: allans at April 17, 2009 8:41 AM in response to Looking for a cabinet maker
Never heard of them. I recommend you get 3 - 4 references of previous jobs plus visit their current job sites. Request to meet the owner of the current projects (on-site) - not over the phone. Also request to visit the reference sites. If they currently do not have an on-going project be wary as good contractors always have project(s) in progress. Also request an itemized estimate. If you get the following and everything checks out then you are golden!
Good Luck,
Allan
Posted by: allans at April 6, 2009 6:23 PM in response to Agneone Construction?
Try Charlestonhardwareco.com, I got a bunch of really nice reproduction items there for my brownstone. Here's the link to some copper knobs...
Posted by: allans at April 3, 2009 8:09 PM in response to SHUTTER TO THINK
Try Remains, I found them in Chelsea. They had very nice exterior lights. I would go to the actual store to see these live but here's the link to their website.
http://www.remains.com/Antique_Lighting_Collection-Exterior_Lighting-view_all.aspx
Remains
130 W. 28th St
(tween 6th & 7th Ave)
Posted by: allans at April 1, 2009 8:32 PM in response to does anyone know
Release his name here so no one else hires this thief.
Posted by: allans at April 1, 2009 6:59 PM in response to Contractor disappears with money
I used AllRenovation Construction for my Windsor Terrace brownstone gut reno. They did the iron work and deck from my parlor floor out to the garden as well. The project estimate I received from them was itemized which helped me with my budget. Some other estimates were ballpark figures which I though was the norm until I received the one from AllRenovation.
You can see most of their work on the link below or their website. Make sure they take you to see current jobs (that goes for whomever you consider). A good GC always has on-going projects and references. Also try and visit the referenced projects.
http://picasaweb.google.com/allrenovationnyc
http://www.allrenovationllc.com
If you want to contact me directly email me and I will send you my contact info. Hiring a GC for me was very intimidating, especially since I had a decent budget for the job. I was a newbie who had no help and learned a lot from the experience so please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Allan
allanfsuarez@gmail.com
Posted by: allans at March 23, 2009 11:17 AM in response to Good GC Needed
Call Tommy from PSI Mechanical Corp. He installed my brownstone water meter and other some small items throughout last year at very reasonable prices. He came recommended by a friend. His cell is (917) 907-2315.
Tell him Allan (friend of Jennifer's) recommended him. Best of luck.
-Allan S.
Posted by: allans at March 18, 2009 11:40 PM in response to I need a plumber
HurricaneKate,
The contractor was AllRenovation, they are quite popular here on this blog. They also renovated my parlor floor, you can see pics here:
I highly recommend their work and expertise. If you want to see more go to their website:
http://www.allrenovationllc.com
-Allan
Posted by: allans at March 15, 2009 10:38 PM in response to Apt Help
Congrats on the move. I have a garden floor apartment that will become available May 1st in my Brownstone in Windsor Terrace. I have pictures at the link below as well as a video from HGTV's Urban Outsiders who did a great backyard makeover of the space. It's a newly renovated 1 bedroom with an eat-in kitchen (stainless steel appliances, dishwasher and granite countertop) Laundry is in the basement. You'll have direct access to a beautiful garden. The rent I'm asking is $2,100.00 I'm 1 block from the F train Ft. Hamilton Pkwy stop. Minutes from Prospect Park. I have not yet put it on Craigslist but plan on it soon. Let me know if you are interested.
http://picasaweb.google.com/allansuarez/GardenAptWindsorTerrace?feat=directlink
Al Suarez
917-748-1451
FYI. The deck featured in the video is private to the parlor floor studio apartment which is already rented.
Posted by: allans at March 12, 2009 9:37 PM in response to Apt Help
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
As an accountant, I've worked with people who do various types of home construction. I happen to know that a $2,000,000 liability insurance policy, which is pretty much standard for specialty trades) costs anywhere from $5000 - $10,000 per year depending on all the incidentals. Any contractor that has a legitimate business should be able to afford that. That's also not to mention that the other companies were insured (I asked). I actually didn't see VF's showroom, and I'm sure it's nice, but I still didn't get my money's worth. So who can recommend another flooring place for me - I still have some more work to do next month.
Posted by: michael1482 at October 5, 2009 5:32 PM in response to Verrazano Flooring NOT WORTH IT
A lot of people have happily used the coop Si Se Puede, run out of the Center for Family Life. The money goes directly to the women who clean. www.wecandoit.coop/
Posted by: bestviewinbrooklyn at October 16, 2009 12:31 PM in response to Cleaning Help
I second Nayci Contracting has being a very deceiving company.I just won a $85,000 judgment against them in Consumer Affairs Court. Sucker1 I would be interested in knowing if you filed any charges against them.
Posted by: Giovanna at October 17, 2009 9:13 AM in response to Nayci the Terrible Contractor
Giovanna,
I'm considering suing my ex-contractor and would love to speak with you about your experience with the Consumer Affairs Court. Please contact me at mj at vanrhyn.com or 917-647-7319. Thanks.
Posted by: HappyDaddy at October 19, 2009 2:41 PM in response to Nayci the Terrible Contractor
Hi !!
I had my renovation work done last month..I got satisfying results.Initially I was worried because I don't wanted to take chance in my home renovation..as I love my home..
One of my friend suggested one contractor from http://www.patuxentrenovations.com..they were nice and provided satisfying results especially they did awesome work in my kitchen.All I did is I told them about my expected design,and they designed everything according to my design and choice.
So that was my first and good experience.
Regards,
Nelson
Posted by: ericwalter at October 29, 2009 8:49 AM in response to General Contractor Recommends
Hi !!
I had my renovation work done last month..I got satisfying results.Initially I was worried because I don't wanted to take chance in my home renovation..as I love my home..
One of my friend suggested one contractor from http://www.patuxentrenovations.com/
they were nice and provided satisfying results especially they did awesome work in my kitchen.All I did is I told them about my expected design,and they designed everything according to my design and choice.
So that was my first and good experience.
Regards,
Nelson
Posted by: ericwalter at October 29, 2009 8:54 AM in response to General Contractor Recommends
Landmarks can't "force" owners to ADD anything... They can only stop you from making certain ahistorical modifications/additions.
I realize that's not what you're asking, but the question was phrased oddly. Sounds like you may not need to install the shutters if you don't want to.
This from Landmarks' FAQ:
"Can the Landmarks Commission make me restore my building to the way it looked years ago?
No. The Commission regulates proposed changes to a building. It does not make you do work on your building. For example, if prior to landmark designation the stoop was removed and a ground-level entrance installed, the Commission can not make you replace the stoop."
Posted by: pinetree at October 30, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Installing shutters! Help!
Hi Giovanna,
I am very interested in suing contacting Consumer Affairs, but I can not afford the legal fees.
There are at least 4 projects that he is working on and he needs to be stopped! I have spoken to three of the owners and they have dug themselves into a hole and cannot get themselves out of it. Ayahn Nayci had left the country and his son Matt is in hiding
Regards,
Posted by: Sucker1 at November 4, 2009 11:57 AM in response to Nayci the Terrible Contractor
Hi Giovanna,
I am very interested in suing contacting Consumer Affairs, but I can not afford the legal fees.
There are at least 4 projects that he is working on and he needs to be stopped! I have spoken to three of the owners and they have dug themselves into a hole and cannot get themselves out of it. Ayahn Nayci had left the country and his son Matt is in hiding.
Regards,
Posted by: Sucker1 at November 4, 2009 11:57 AM in response to Nayci the Terrible Contractor
I assembled a number of door entry sets through ebay. There are a number of regular sellers there with a lot of Victorian door & window hardware. They are not offering items all the time so you have to keep searching. You can set up searches to alert you when something is posted...Antiques...Hardware...Victorian...sash...etc. I've also done internet searches to find other dealers as well.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at November 16, 2009 7:15 AM in response to Looking Sash Lift
Try the Brass Knob. They should be able to ship to you or you can take a trip to DC like my wife and I did...was worth the trip...they have an incredible warehouse full of finds.
http://www.thebrassknob.com/backdoors/catalog.cfm?category=1
Posted by: allans at November 20, 2009 1:57 AM in response to in need of old sink!