Handyman Recommendation

DON'T DO IT!!! In her previous dwelling, she may not have received any noise complaints, but who knows how the sound will travel through your building??? I lived below people with a grand piano (which they purchased some time after moving in) and it was a nightmare, even though they played well and were nice people. The vibration, the volume, the way it affected my life were terrible. I eventually moved!! Seriously, DON'T DO IT. Any musician who can afford it has professional rehearsal space away from home. The pianist wouldn't be able to play her instrument anywhere but at home since it's not portable. Again, DON'T DO IT. Trust me that she won't restrict her playing only to 11-3 and that your other tenants will hate it no matter how good she is. Given how many people work at home these days, I can't imagine why you'd take the chance.

Posted by: billtubbyhouse at October 26, 2009 11:07 AM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

I am a landlord. After years of using an exterminator who was reliable and moderately priced but ineffective, I have recently switched to a new guy who has provided phenomenal and totally effective service in two of my buildings which had roaches and a few mice. His name is Justice. He and his partner Walter are licensed and extremely knowledgeable. Their treatments have been highly effective. His mobile number is 347 423 1231. Please tell him Lauren suggested you call.

Posted by: billtubbyhouse at October 5, 2009 1:04 PM in response to Unusual Bug Infestation

Corcoran agents most certainly can accept commissions less than 5%. I sold my co-op through Corcoran only because they agreed to match the 4% commission a smaller agency offered me.

Posted by: billtubbyhouse at September 16, 2009 10:18 AM in response to Sunset Park Brownstone Broker?

Yes. He does do sheetrock. He completely rebuilt the wall in my kitchen to which the cabinets were anchored. It was labor intensive and had to accomodate a lot of pipes, etc. He did a very good job.

Posted by: billtubbyhouse at July 24, 2009 1:07 PM in response to Handyman Recommendation

Reginald Lowe of Morray Electric is phenomenal! I bought a very decrepit house in Clinton Hill three years ago which Reggie completely rewired. He did beautiful work and everything is operating flawlessly three years later. He also substantially rewired a rental building I own. His business was created by his dad more than 50 years ago, I think, and he and his brother work in it actively. He is very knowledgeable about all kinds of fixtures and applications and prices fairly. He also happens to be a great communicator and has a lovely personality!! He may be reached at lytesout@netzero.net or in his office at 718/495-2821. I still use him for small jobs and have recommended him to several friends who also thought he was great.

Posted by: billtubbyhouse at July 22, 2009 3:57 PM in response to Need A Good Electrician

I hired Steve Rayboy to construct a cedar fence and pergola and a large ipe deck in 2008. I agree with the previous poster's comment that it was one of the best decisions I've made. The quality of the craftstmanship that Steve and his colleague, Warren, demonstrated was outstanding and my back yard has been transformed. Prior to starting the job, Steve loaned me several deck design books and talked through the entire process with me. He did everything he said he would do, in the timeframe he said he would do it, and for the agreed upon price. He's a terrific person, and a master builder!! His design sense is also very strong. Finally, he always maintained a very clean and safe work site, which I appreciated greatly. I can't recommend him highly enough. His website urbanexteriors.biz is a good resource, as well.

Posted by: billtubbyhouse at July 22, 2009 1:45 PM in response to Recommendation: Deck Builder

I agree with Christopher, put everything in writing. You might also ask her to agree to meet with you after a month to discuss whether any other residents have complained about noise or vibration. If noise becomes a problem she should ensure that the lid of the piano is closed, and her particular model may have a practice pedal or a pedal that can be used to dampen the sound and vibration. Her practice times are 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., it is actually reasonable to make some noise at this time as opposed to 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. You might also consider the other occupant of the building and whether this is likely to bother them. If everyone else currently living in the building works outside their home, 9 - 5, they won't even be home to hear the music.

Posted by: bohuma at October 26, 2009 1:26 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

Give the pianist a break. You could do much worse for tenants, like deadbeats or people who make noise late at night or pet owners. In addition to putting the piano on carpet, keeping the lid closed (and maybe with a cover) can make it unobtrusive.

Put whatever you need in the lease. And audition her at the hotel gig to see if you enjoy her playing.

Posted by: Bklnite at October 26, 2009 1:27 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

Since we are on the topic, I am wondering what people think is reasonable to expect of a professional musician re: bending over backward.

We have a small piano at home (almost like a spinet). The piano stands on a rug. Our downstairs neighbors have 2 kids, ages 5 and 3, and the mom stays home with them, and practically at any given time it's a nap time for one of them. Or, so she claims, when she calls as soon as my husband starts playing. Oh, and the kids' bedtime is 7:30 pm, so no playing in the evening either. The kick is, he probably playing at most once per week; I am not even talking about regular practice for hours or giving lessons.

Now, I wonder at what point we should start ignoring the phone calls and banging on the floor. Additionally, any additional soundproofing suggestions that can be easily implemented?

Posted by: kensingtonka at October 26, 2009 1:45 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

As someone who will reply with a Different angle
What floor is this piano being moved to?
Baby Grand Pianos are some of the HEAVIEST and cumerbersome things to move
(take it from me I worked for a moving company here in NY for years)
They require a lot of expertise and if this person is moving this piano up the narrow stairs to a 3rd floor walk up - GOOD FRIGGIN LUCK
many times these pianos have to be hoisted up which can damage all sorts of things (piano, bldg facade, roof,windows)

this is a big ol UGH - if she's a professional - she should pay $250 a month to rent some studio space in Sunset Park

Posted by: gemini10 at October 26, 2009 1:55 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

LARGE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ARE NOT APARTMENT FRIENDLY!!!!!

If you want to play the piano, live in a house. The woman has 2 little kids, and she's telling you that it bothers her. Pianos are loud. Have you considered listening to her?

Posted by: slick at October 26, 2009 1:58 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

kensa, seems you should try and speak directly to her and come up with a specific time you can play. If she's just a ball breaker then play anytime you like up to 10PM.

Posted by: denton at October 26, 2009 2:03 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

Per your logic, neither are small kids. I was under assumption that when one decides to live in an apartment building in a city, they agree to accept a certain level of discomfort caused by living next to a large number of people. Her banging on the ceiling bothers me a lot.

FYI, so far we are listening to her, meaning stopping immediately when she calls or bangs on the ceiling. But...we have a right to enjoy some music in our home too between the hours of 8 am and 10 pm.

Posted by: kensingtonka at October 26, 2009 2:12 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

The last two places I lived I could hear piano, and/or harpsichord practice and thought it was great.

Posted by: BHS at October 26, 2009 2:33 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

Folks, are you guys serious? (Possibly) hearing jazz piano played by a pro is horrible? You'd rather listen to screaming children or parties or bar noise? For real? I hate to get old New Yorker on you guys, but first of all, this is a city. It's full of people of all kinds. That's what makes it great. Second of all, the arts being embedded throughout the city is part of what makes it unique. Unfortunately, too many musicians have been driven out of the city by insane costs. Music is a wonderful thing. Good grief. And yes, I've lived near musicians. I've been in apartments where I could hear a cellist, an opera singer, a flamenco guitarist...

Posted by: lucille at October 26, 2009 2:38 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?

kensingtonka,
Here's a thread from a pianist bulletin board. Check the post about fiberglass backed ceiling panels.
http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Forum/3/topic/003967/Number/0/site_id/1#import
If you try being reasonable and downstairs neighbors are not, then yes you have a right to music til 10pm, to hell with them.

Maybe the pianist looking for an apartment should check if there's anything here
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/03/realestate/03habi.html
Musicians Preferred

Posted by: Bklnite at October 26, 2009 2:43 PM in response to Rent to a Pianist - Crazy?