argentina's Profile
Author's Posts
November 5, 2009
Contractors & Chauvinism
Chauvinism is bad for business.
The second largest group to purchase homes, after married couples,are single women. On my block alone at least a third of the homeowners are single women. BTW this is the group that by and large started CHNA which spearheaded the Landmarking of Crown Heights North...yes the core group (the Board) was mainly women.
While it may seem archaic to post on gender inequality the fact remains that in spite of our buying power many contractors/building supply vendors make inappropriate remarks and behave in offensive ways that frankly will continue to loose them business, at least mine.
Todays's event prompted this post.
During a transaction at the electrical supply store on Rogers and Licoln Place in response to my question on price, the proprietor made a comment about women ,trying to be jokey I guess.
THen his assistant said: "Want me to beat her?"and chuckled.
I could hardly believe it.
"Excuse me...what did you say?"
"oh...maybe I should get my whip...ha ha"
"THis is not amusing...joking about violence against women is not funny....it's offensive and you are out of line"
He got very tense, stopped laughing and the owner stepped in and apologized, then the staff member who said it apologized ...
In the past weeks while this current renovation has been underway some of the comments made by folks interviewed:
"Don't need to worry your pretty little head about that" (not hired)
"You look so delicate"(not hired)
"Oh you seem like you have a brain and know what your are talking about" (lol NOT HIRED this guy had the thickest Bensonhurst accent imaginable)
"linda...sweetheart"(not hired)
One friend shared that a contractor actually made a physical pass at her while she interviewed him for roof replacement...this woman owns a couple of apartment BUILDINGS plus her own brownstone...she was mortified and he was not hired.
This is not everyone but the lack of awareness is common enough amongst contractors'& vendors' and prompted this post.
October 26, 2009
Antique Stove Restoration
Looking for someone that can restore an antique stove.Anyone have experience with this?
July 11, 2009
Quickie Drywall job
Looking for someone to do two walls- basically just mount the sheetrock onto existing lathe and tape and prep to be primed and painted.
Not a big job so need someone interested in a per diem job or on something this scale.
April 28, 2009
Tin Ceiling Restoration
Has anyone stripped a tin ceiling and re-painted it? Interested in keeping the existing ceiling it is in good shape but has loads of paint lots of it flaking off but quite a bit of it not flaking off.
Wood strippers are not interested in doing the job; they can't use the heat gun.Anyone know of a tin ceiling restoration person?or just someone willing to strip the paint?
May 31, 2008
Contractor- How I can charge him with fraud Part 2
Recently posted on this and received mostly sarcastic comments to a very distressful situation.
Nonetheless below are my findings:
File complaint with NYC Dept of Consumer Affairs
He needs to be licensed to do this work and if he isn't fines will accrue
File Complaint with State Attorney's Office
File Complaint with Better Business Bureau
File Complaint with Federal Trade Commission
Last but not least small claims court- attorney
Have done all of the above....he will pay.
May 25, 2008
Contractor- How can I charge him with fraud?
Just ended another contentious contractor episode. THis contractor was hired to replaster walls, paint and install crown moldings. He did a mediocre job on the first two and on the last day(I had to tell him it was the last day since he was milking the job) he ran around trying to find someone to install the crown molding he had been contracted to install.
I had noticed he had not brought tools no meiter or chop saw and that morning we argued about the fact he had not done any of this.
While he was gone, his helper approached me and told me that I should know that his boss was not capable of doing the crown molding. He was not equipped and he only did plastering and painting.He said I was a nice lady and didn't want to see me get screwed. Unbeleivable.
I had signed him on precisely because he said he could do all of it. I withheld some of the final payment and he is threatenning me with court for this.. I am fed up and filed a Better Business Bureau report but what else can I do to charge him with fraudulent contract?
Author's Comments
To slick:
Mysoginy and dissappearing from the job are not mutually exclusive.
to traditionalmod:
your post really gets the point I am making.
In this economy you can place yourself to an advantage by behaving professionally but overtly chauvinistic behavior is not professional and you will loose out financially. It's not about kumbaya moments it's respect for your client, you know the one that PAYS you.
I have heard so many comments from other women friends too numerous to list frankly, but they are intimidated by contractors...and contractors get away with stuff. I'm not intimidated and have fired people as well as developed long term relationships with contractors for specific trades over the years (plumbing, exterior work, mason)- guys I use repeatedly. In short I'm not a newbie and have done a lot of the work myself (with friends).The exchange in the electrical store really ticked me off. I was willing to let the proprietor get away with his dumb joke until his staffer piped in....not good.
Thank you all for posting your thoughts and weighing in.
Posted by: argentina at November 9, 2009 1:15 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
Threatenning to beat me with a whip when I ask about the price is a "value" I have to respect?
LOL
Posted by: argentina at November 5, 2009 10:44 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
You have proved my point.
This and your initial post are silly. You speak of people you worked with so you were not a client. Yes you can treat anyone as you like but the point is that as clients we choose who will get our business and who will not. Respectful behavior is part of it. Why you think it is "okay" to offend a client is your absurd perogative.
Posted by: argentina at November 5, 2009 10:41 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
you are being way too illiterate or defensive.
why don't you re-read the post? so
Posted by: argentina at November 5, 2009 10:26 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
Sounds like a previous tenant I had.
Some people are just needy. I'm an excellent landlord and I had a woman like that years ago. She even called me to tell me she had fainted on the subway and wanted me to know she may be having a health issue...wasn't sure if she wanted me to say to call me if she needed something. Weird.I did want to say EAT SOMETHING since she is one of those young women that hold up the trains because they go without food and then pass out.
Don't renew. Good riddance.
BTW people automatically assume the landlord is the problem yet there are tenants that are hellish....and being a good tenant is about more than just paying on time.
Posted by: argentina at November 5, 2009 10:11 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?
Any ideas why the boundaries are so much smaller than the original Landmarks study that was done in the 1970's? Many worthy blocks have been left out and some not as worthy included.
Posted by: argentina at November 5, 2009 9:20 PM in response to LPC Tees Up Phase 2 of Crown Heights Landmarking
OK- thanks all.
Regarding using a Mexican....what the...?
This is an antique stove needing both cosmetic and actual mechanical restoration. It is so freakin heavy I know why the stove was not moved .But it is beautiful.THe massing and scale is so unusual.
will also be e-mailing you Brooklynista...:)
Posted by: argentina at October 27, 2009 9:04 PM in response to Antique Stove Restoration
He is (over)paying for the brand.Windows We Are are fine, even Pella or Lowen.
Insulate insulate wherever possible especially roof, but rpelacing the windows does make a HUGE difference. My heating went down dramatically (30%)after all windows were changed. During replacement I had insulation stuffed in any window pockets, under sills behind brick molds etc...werhever possible to cut down on air infiltration. There are lots of nooks and cranies in brownstone exterior walls.
Posted by: argentina at October 20, 2009 11:27 PM in response to Top Energy Improvements?
not a clear solution...can you move the radiator to a better location or are you trying to hide them?
Posted by: argentina at October 20, 2009 11:20 PM in response to Kitchen Cabinets & Radiators
well definitely a valid concern, othercomments not withstanding.
but the best thing is to get covers made, it's an expense but a smaller one.
Posted by: argentina at October 20, 2009 11:17 PM in response to Replacing Radiators
Great kitchen....is it IKEA?
Posted by: argentina at October 20, 2009 10:54 PM in response to Another Post on the Bed Stuy Reno Blog
bobbyj
your response is really wacky.
he could have been cycling with OTHER people in which case "we" is perfectly logical....it's distrubing that this is what bothers you.
Posted by: argentina at October 20, 2009 10:53 PM in response to Closing Bell: Another Curbside Memorial
To afroskully
Terminate Terminex. They simply don't provide the service contracted for; I wrote to the regional office manager and had my money refunded.
They are old school con-artists, the kind you still run into in NYC, completely trying to get over on their clients. (some oil companies fall into this group)
We were definitely sold something we didn't need and encouraged to lie about having termites (we had mice).
Then the "scheduled" visits don't take place; they cancel them and don't tell you as you wait for someone to show up on the appointed date-this happenned twice. Then they offer to make it up to you with a credit they never post to your account.
If you want minimal or no stress from a pest control provider don't continue with this outfit.
Bad bad news.
Posted by: argentina at October 10, 2009 9:44 PM in response to Basement Structural Work
To Pigeon regarding rates:
Have you checked out HSBC? THeir conforming is at 5% and if you do their Communityworks 30 year conforming you can get a rate of 4.625%. There are restrictions with this product (no cashing out for refinance and no HELOC allowed) butit's allowed me to enjoy a great rate.
Posted by: argentina at September 14, 2009 10:44 PM in response to Conforming or Jumbo?
Yup- definitely get it down to the $417,000 right off the bat. When you re-finance it isn't always the cheapest thing regardless of the rate. THe first 5-7 years you are paying a higher amount towards interest rather than principal so it's like starting over and it may st you more in the long run.
Posted by: argentina at September 14, 2009 10:36 PM in response to Conforming or Jumbo?
Tile is the way to go.
Porcelanosa is great.
Posted by: argentina at August 27, 2009 4:03 PM in response to New Floor for Small Space
Hi,
I will actually be renting out a studio in my building available at that time; please email me at argenti_2009@yahoo.com if you are interested in discussing.It's a beautiful space and will fall within your price range.
Argen
Posted by: argentina at August 27, 2009 3:20 PM in response to From Boston to Brooklyn by 11/1
well dumbo or williamsburgh...are a fitting backdrop for the over inflated over hyped egos of these two....just saying.
Posted by: argentina at August 4, 2009 8:27 PM in response to Spike and Jay-Z Do Dumbo
bkny
this is NOT around the corner of the Brooklyn Children's museum....do you people even live in brooklyn?
BCM is on....BROOKLYN AVE...about 5 blocks east, this area is more of the now trendy franklin ave corridor, kind of no-man's land as the housing stock is a mixture of stuff (row houses/ industrial/aprt buildings).
it does fall within the now phase 2 of the landmark district of North Crown Heights so that's a good thing.
house is move in condition- the changes will be cosmetic.
Posted by: argentina at August 4, 2009 8:23 PM in response to House of the Day: 638 Saint Marks Avenue
try going on the nyserda website for info on incentives and even contractors.
have you considered a green option such as radiant floor heating?point of service hot water heaters...there are many ways to go so if you are going to invest 30K might as well look at your options.
Posted by: argentina at August 4, 2009 8:09 PM in response to Ballpark Boiler Pricing?
http://rakks.com/portfolio/portfolio_acad.html
this is another modular system that is rather elegant.
Posted by: argentina at August 4, 2009 7:45 PM in response to Built-Ins for Home Office
denaturalized alcohol will remove paint...but just get off the loose stuff and then prime and paint.
Posted by: argentina at August 4, 2009 7:25 PM in response to Iron Grating
you know where it can be restored?
Posted by: argentina at August 4, 2009 7:24 PM in response to Vintage Enamel Stove- $100
How high was high?
Posted by: argentina at August 4, 2009 7:23 PM in response to Making a Patio
Typically you will get a better price from a licensed plumber.National Grid sucks.
Now Angie's list is a good resource as well as word of mouth.Once you find a good plumber- hold on tight.
Posted by: argentina at August 3, 2009 10:32 PM in response to National Grid Boiler Estimates
Actually check this out:
http://www.us.hsbc.com/1/2/3/personal/home-loans/mortgage/mortgage-rates/nat-rates
Rates are still good and you can get a lower rate with a 30 year fixed than with a 5/1 and you'd be building up equity; forget that "interest only " product.
A few weeks ago you could have gotten 4.5%; rule of thumb is refinance for anything 1/2% point or greater. In this market 5.8% is high; go for the 5.25 or better.
Posted by: argentina at August 3, 2009 10:17 PM in response to Yet another refinance question.
this is pretty needy...paint schemes?
try library books- victorian houses paint schemes. lots of good stuff may sugggest something for you.
Posted by: argentina at August 3, 2009 10:06 PM in response to Paint Scheme Ideas w/Molding?
Triboro waterproofing.They're in Queens; they've done lots of concrete and masonry work at my place.Do you need a stair design?
Posted by: argentina at August 3, 2009 10:03 PM in response to ISO Stair Fixer
Lots of stuff...depends on what you want to spend...try wood panels and no no the plywood stuff from the 70's.Also cork is atractive.
It's fairly easy to put up some wood framing (1 1/2" x 1 1/2") that is attached to ceiling and floor and then mount anything onto the framing- actual sheetrock if you'd like you can get thickness of 3/8" or 1/4".....
Or you can hire an artist (such as myself) to do an installation/ large drawing etc.....
Posted by: argentina at August 3, 2009 9:58 PM in response to Covering Up Exposed Brick
Triboro Waterproofing they are in Astoria Queens; should be listed.
Posted by: argentina at August 3, 2009 9:52 PM in response to Front Stairs Mason Rec
It's cute but it's not all that...I'd be leery to move there primarily because of the massive development underway; that area won't be the same after Atlantic Yards.
Posted by: argentina at August 3, 2009 9:35 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 32 South Oxford Street
The numbers are ridiculous on this one....Corcoran needs to put down the crack pipe.
What is the point of having rentals if it won't even make a dent in the mortgage payment...and this won't. Why spend 2.25 million to live in Bklyn and be a landlord and still pay through the nose?
Posted by: argentina at August 3, 2009 9:01 PM in response to House of the Day: 225 Garfield Place
It's great to take advantage of the IRA for first time home purchase and if it is a Roth IRA then no penalty or taxes on it. FOr your 401 K it's also great that you can take out a loan. Either way it's a good way of financing the purchase- I did it this way and was fortunate enough to catch up on my retirement savings and far surpass what I had used in about 5 years.
Posted by: argentina at July 22, 2009 11:11 PM in response to Tapping 401(k) for Purchase?
try smith and noble online.
Posted by: argentina at July 22, 2009 10:52 PM in response to Front Door Shades
Affirmative. CL is still useful for this kind of hook up.
Posted by: argentina at July 19, 2009 10:22 PM in response to Broker Necessary These Days?
you have too much time on your hands.
try to live with the pests....
Posted by: argentina at July 18, 2009 10:42 PM in response to Identify a Pest/Hornet?
Well you can re-negotiate fee or sue him.
THe problem with Architects, and I'm one of them , is that the profession allows for such a broad range of "types" and most people are "designers"...so practical matters such as engineering isssues,building code, construction documents or construction administration may not be something they often engage in when practicing.
Recently I was casually discussing a project with a colleague/friend, it's her project and she is unemployed but is freelancing on her own. Anyway, it's a small addition in DC and I cannot believe half the stuff that she was leaving out and not considering regarding mechanical and electrical issues.Her experience prior to being laid off was as a manager so she may be rusty though she is a good designer.
Posted by: argentina at July 18, 2009 10:39 PM in response to Claims Against an Architect
How about getting a new one drawn up?
argenti_2007@yahoo.com
Posted by: argentina at July 14, 2009 11:43 AM in response to When Offering Plan is Missing?
Artistic crafts is good but their bids are always 50% or more than anyone else's.
Posted by: argentina at July 14, 2009 11:12 AM in response to ISO Rec for Front Door Repair
Well I can't answer on the kid stuff per se but I lived on Bainbridge st for several years before buying in Crown heights and loved it....and the Lewis bookstore wasn't even there yet.
I do remember kiddie films being shown at Fulton st park and lots of festivals taking place in the park....but on a day to day not sure what that is like for child rearing.
Grew up in Bklyn and after being out of NYC for over 10 years came back...it's the best.
Posted by: argentina at July 14, 2009 9:23 AM in response to Move to Stuyvesant Heights?
If you are comfortable with their references and have spoken to previous clients about hwo that process worked then it's fine. Typically if it's someone new I hang out a day or so and make sure they are doing as they say.Make sure they commit to a schedule , i.e., we are demoing Monday, boiler is being removed Tuesday, new lines installed by Wednesday etc....and see if initially it's on schedule and then check in daily for oral reports...you can also drop in unexpectedly.If it's a flat fee then they will most likely get in and out as soon as they can compared to a per diem agreement.
There are good contractors out there but it is also a field that is inundated with lots of dishonest people (like politics)...not sure why but especially in NYC I've found this to be the case.
Off-topic why are you converting to gas? Ever consider installing radiant heating?
Posted by: argentina at July 14, 2009 8:44 AM in response to Renovation and Home Safety
Thank you all for posting a response!
Posted by: argentina at July 13, 2009 10:39 PM in response to Quickie Drywall job
I would reccommend checking out Angie's List for reputable contractors.
Posted by: argentina at July 11, 2009 8:46 PM in response to Structural work contractor
It's still Jersey...and a very transient community of bar hopping 25 year olds.
Posted by: argentina at July 11, 2009 8:37 PM in response to Jersey City? Hoboken
Sometimes it is a power struggle.If the price is not too high from what you want and his references, licensing and work are good then you can go with him. You also have to feel comfortable.
In this market it's surprising how many contractors are not negotiating. One guy gave me a quote that was too high and i told him I scaled back the scope because I did want to use him and then asked him to price the new scope accordingly. He then said it would be the same price. I said sayonara.
THen he called me to see if I still needed a contractor- guess the work slowed for him but no way he had his chance.
Posted by: argentina at July 11, 2009 8:34 PM in response to Contractor Estimates
Architect here.
THe hat channels are fine if you don't need space between the brick wall and the finish wall for electrical, plumbing or if it is an outside wall, insulation.
If space is needed frame it out with 2-1/2 metal studs ; this is good too if you are hanging anything like cabinets on the wall then you can put plywood rather than the sheetrock and it will support the load and give you something to anchor cabinet to.
Posted by: argentina at July 11, 2009 8:28 PM in response to Sheetrock on brick. Best way?
too pricey.
Posted by: argentina at July 11, 2009 7:40 PM in response to Antique French Doors - 2 Sets
Wonderful!
I'm so jealous....I need a garden coach.
Posted by: argentina at July 11, 2009 7:05 PM in response to Veggie Garden Time!
Gotta say $1850 for a garden apartment in prospect hts. seems steep.
Posted by: argentina at July 9, 2009 7:38 PM in response to Rents going down? By how much?
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Here's my opinion:
1. send her a notice of rent increase....a big one.
2. offer to let her out of her lease immediately b/c she doesnt seem content.
Yes, it could be ugly but you cant live in fear. Presumably, you vetted the tenant and she has assets and a job. Further, she wont want to be on the blacklist.
Posted by: slick at November 6, 2009 6:00 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?
There are plenty of skilled professional contractors and suppliers out there so just keep on not hiring the a$$holes. If they have no respect for you then they'll do what they want on the job instead of what you're paying for.
I have my own tools and I know how to use them. I sweat pipes. But I don't have to prove anything to them. I'm not doing any heavy lifting - that's what I'm paying them for.
She who holds the checkbook holds the power.
PS I bought a wreck a long time ago. Got a lot of 'YOU'RE the owner?'. I assured them that it was OK, that it was legal for women to own property in New York State. They rarely GOT the sarcasm. rarely get that attitude any more.
Posted by: jfss at November 6, 2009 6:28 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
"where they called my husband for a decision, who would have to call me; who would call the plumber/electrician, who would then call my husband back instead of me."
Seems like your husband's fault here, lol. Why didn't your husband just tell the contractor you were in charge, and refuse to discuss it?
Ask him that tonight over dinner :-)
LOL -- we talked numerous times about how asinine it was that contractors refused to call me. It was like they were going through contortions NOT to talk to me. My husband and I would both tell them to stop calling him and to call me, yet they couldn't get it through their thick heads. Like a mental block or something that a woman would have decision making capacity.
I used to deal with this nonsense all the time when I worked in IT as a programmer and doing tech support. I worked at a huge academic medical center and the doctors would always questioned my ability when I showed up to fix their computers; my male colleagues never got second guessed like I did. Since they were essentially paying me, I took more BS than I would have liked, but when I'm doing the hiring, I reserve the right not to work with any contractors who have a pathological inability to respect women!
Posted by: brooklynstyle at November 6, 2009 7:14 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
the stupidest part of this is that some of my employees are women. and we still make dumbass sexist jokes..
Posted by: eman1234 at November 6, 2009 8:30 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
eman1234
since when is making a pass at a woman considered a culture?
You't can't imagine how many men bug the crap outta me on a daily basis.
Tis the season to be jolly.........
Posted by: Ysabelle at November 6, 2009 10:20 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
Listen, the reality is that women get hazed in stereotypically male work environments, and shouldn't need tougher skin than men in similar positions but absolutely do.
As a woman who has worked on way more jobsites than offices, I have survived and thrive because I have a very dirty mouth, am not afraid of conflict and am just about impossible to offend. I also go ahead and sympathize with how weird it looks to see a tiny blonde woman lifting a 100-lb bag of cement, actively point out that I am smaller than my co-workers, and generally don't try to act like everything's normal. I am a novelty, and honestly it's easier and more honest to work with it than it is to work against it.
You can't change people, but you can behave as if you will be treated the way you want to be treated, and empathize with the fact that a lot of people in the trades have very little formal education, come from countries that are really sexist, and live in a much more gendered world than you do. This mixture of integrity and empathy is strong. It doesn't work instantly, and is more about developing relationships than negotiating the hardware store, but it works really well.
Posted by: vanburenproud at November 7, 2009 9:33 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
The surprising thing about this thread is it is full of women I had previously assumed were men.
Posted by: mopar at November 7, 2009 10:36 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
"The surprising thing about this thread is it is full of women I had previously assumed were men."
You sexist :-)
Posted by: denton at November 7, 2009 5:30 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
People who renovate brownstones are spending tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. And while doing so they're being told by people like eman and denton they have to just accept and try to fit into the "culture" of these workers?
Whatever. Not by me. I would never hire anybody who made comments like the ones that were listed. How about these contractors and workers trying harder to fit into MY culture as their employer? You know, like I have to do when I'm hired by somebody! I think that's argentina's main point, that the new "culture" of homeowners in the United States is this: Women are a significant group of homeowners and even when married are more often the boss on these jobs, so act professionally and with courtesy or you don't get hired.
Posted by: traditionalmod at November 8, 2009 8:20 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
I didn't say that, tmod. I think my post was a little more nuanced than that.
Posted by: denton at November 8, 2009 3:46 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism
...another footnote.
Home renovation is stressful, that's universal for all homeowners;the dust, the cost, the unexpected delays, etc.To bring in someone that adds to that stress with their attitude is just foolish. A colleague who had her place done recently gave me condolences when I told her I was doing this project. She is a breast cancer survivor and said that was easier to deal with than her kitchen renovation. Yes it is a joke but the point is that the wrong contractor can make your life miserable for the duration.
Posted by: argentina at November 9, 2009 1:43 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism