It looks fine, i agree that you should have torn down the existing tiles to get that extra space. I will post pics of my bathroom renovation this week. I used ACR General Contracting, for an insured company they gave me a pretty descent price and the workmanship was excellent, they also take care of any emergency calls I've had. The owners name is AL & he can be reached at (917) 573-3304.

Posted by: caseycrespo at May 13, 2008 8:14 AM in response to What's black and white with nickel finishes?

Al Rosario (ACR General Contracting, Inc), he did a deck for me at 378 Court Street, legally u need a permit, but however u want to do it is your choice. You can ask for him at (917) 573-3304

Posted by: caseycrespo at May 13, 2008 8:20 AM in response to deck builder

if you want to see a door i had recently installed at one of my buildings i can send you a pic, you can email me at caseyrosario@aol.com. We replaced a window with a door for backyard access. You can call my handyman at (917) 573-3304, ask for AL.

Posted by: caseycrespo at May 13, 2008 8:22 AM in response to Need a new back door-where to start?

sometimes shit happens and u get unannounced shutdowns, its unfortunate, but it is what it is...

Calling the DOB is a poor way to handle things, in my time snitches got stitches... Talk to your building president...

Posted by: caseycrespo at May 13, 2008 8:27 AM in response to Weekend construction

anyone who calls the DOB is a loser & needs to mind their business in my opinion. I never understood the new people to these neighborhoods, leave it alone, dont be another pathetic yuppie...

Posted by: caseycrespo at May 13, 2008 8:31 AM in response to Saturday Construction

i had "All Renovation" quote a job for me in the past, i was not happy with their numbers, I own several properties in Park Slope and have used ACR General Contracting, Inc. for 5 years now & they seem to be honest & reliable. you can call the owner if you need a free estimate, ask for Al R (917) 573-3304. Oh yea they will also give mechanical & electrical prices too.

Posted by: caseycrespo at May 13, 2008 8:38 AM in response to Recommendations

Call AL Rosario (917) 573-3304.

Posted by: caseycrespo at May 13, 2008 8:45 AM in response to Plumber Needed

How do i post more pics?

Posted by: caseycrespo at May 13, 2008 9:13 AM in response to Current Renovation in Park Slope

Thats so sad. Time & time again I tell people to be careful, when I first started buying real estate I got burned like that, sadly it is very hard to do anything about it unless you have a valid contract. If you need a reliable person to finish the job for you try AL of ACR General Contracting, Inc. You can email him @

ACRContracting@optonline.net

He can provide you with a certificate of insurance with you as a named insured. Tell him Casey from MUAN gave you a reference. They can do all work from A-Z and they are well priced & he has a very experienced crew.

Posted by: caseycrespo at July 21, 2008 10:02 PM in response to contractor issues

Keep it simple, as your taste may not be the same as others...

Posted by: caseycrespo at July 21, 2008 10:04 PM in response to How much will a new kitchen increase the value of my house?

I unfortunitly went throught the same thing. I filed a complaint with Consumer Affairs and have a court date with them next week. They have there own court and have also pressed charges against them.

Posted by: Giovanna at July 22, 2008 2:07 PM in response to contractor issues

joe salem form woodozone did the stripping and refinishing along with lots of repairs and replacement of some wood in my apt. in park slope. I had him come in to finish the mess that was started by some else.. it took a little longer than expected but in the end it came out great . his # 718-755-6527.

Posted by: rano at July 22, 2008 2:42 PM in response to Woodstrippers around Park Slope

I concur with the recommendations of Joe Salem at Woodzone. Reasonably priced. Good work. He stripped doors and window casings for us, and finished/restored newels.

Posted by: brooklynrulz at July 22, 2008 3:09 PM in response to Woodstrippers around Park Slope

You will not get hairline cracks after a a few months. If you get cracks, they'll appear before you're done painting.

Plaster cracks when it shrinks and when it's structurally compromised. Shrinkage is about the wrong water-to-plaster ratio and too-thick application. Structurally, you want to make sure you put the plaster on something it will adhere to, and/or create a good mechanical bond.

I would suggest using joint compound (it's not evil, it's basically plaster, you can put it over plaster and it will look exactly like plaster) that's already mixed, and not putting it on too thick. If it's too thick, it will take forever to dry, and it will crack.

If that happens, sand it and go over it again with more compound.

And I would use something like plaster weld to ensure a good bond.

Posted by: vanburenproud at July 22, 2008 4:28 PM in response to Skim coating yourself

Thanks Dave in Bed Stuy, I look at the big picture when it comes to investing some money.

I was sad to see the tin go also, but the ceiling was very damaged & would cost more to repair than what it was worth. In some higher end apts I would consider spending the extra cash. I was investing in straightening out the floors & didnt want to see a slanted ceiling. Oh well, what can you do... At least now I have straight lines.

Posted by: caseycrespo at July 22, 2008 6:14 PM in response to South Slope Renovation

Is this the same company, this is the info that comes up when I did a corporation search for NY State...

No sign of an Alex Ruiz for this company.
Maybe he is a complete scam artist???

Selected Entity Name: ORBIT HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC.

Selected Entity Status Information Current Entity Name: ORBIT HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC.
Initial DOS Filing Date: SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
County: QUEENS
Jurisdiction: NEW YORK
Entity Type: DOMESTIC BUSINESS CORPORATION
Current Entity Status: ACTIVE

Selected Entity Address Information DOS Process (Address to which DOS will mail process if accepted on behalf of the entity)
ORBIT HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC.
44-07 NEWTOWN ROAD
ASTORIA, NEW YORK, 11103
Chairman or Chief Executive Officer
FOTIS KIROPOULOS
24-04 154TH ST
WHITESTONE, NEW YORK, 11357
Principal Executive Office
ORBIT HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC.
24-04 154TH ST
WHITESTONE, NEW YORK, 11357
Registered Agent
NONE

Posted by: caseycrespo at July 22, 2008 6:18 PM in response to contractor issues

they think walking on the tile will cause too much noise?! which is ridiculous because she doesn't wear shoes in the house. i thought about painting the floors white..i think that will have to be the option. the existing floor is really dark and worn parquet.

Posted by: redbone at July 22, 2008 6:45 PM in response to In lieu of white cermanic tile?

Not only the noise, the board has to take into account resale value for all shareholders, and they may feel that something that far off the norm could bring down the value of the apt. Boards are heads of corporations and the prime requirement of a board is to enhance shareholder value.

I'd bleach the existing floors and/or paint, per 4:10. You wouldn't need board approval for that.

Posted by: denton at July 22, 2008 7:02 PM in response to In lieu of white cermanic tile?

Most bathroom floors have ceramic tile. Some kitchen floors, too. They are hypocrates on your coop board.

Posted by: madamlee at July 22, 2008 8:10 PM in response to In lieu of white cermanic tile?

Most bathroom floors have ceramic tile. Some kitchen floors, too. They are hypocrates on your coop board.

Posted by: madamlee at July 22, 2008 8:19 PM in response to In lieu of white cermanic tile?