micah the handyman: 775-209-3796
reasonable and does nice work

Posted by: chinaspice at October 1, 2009 3:08 PM in response to a Good Handy Man is Hard to Find

my brother is a carpenter and deals with door repairs all the time. his name is micah - 775-209-3796

Posted by: chinaspice at September 13, 2009 8:59 PM in response to Front Door Repairs

generally, you need a plumber to change the fixtures, but a carpenter (or contractor) to handle changes to the floors, walls, doors, cabinets, etc...as a carpenter contractor myself, i would demo your bathroom, install the new floor (if you are doing one), do the walls, build or install the cabinet vanity - then the plumber would come in and install the toilet, sink, shower, etc....917 495 7120 (shane) if you still need help.

Posted by: chinaspice at February 3, 2009 2:43 PM in response to Bathroom Reno

hi, im a local carpenter-contracter, but do all the actual carpentry myself with a few of my men (licensed/insured if it matters to you). if you're still looking for someone to help, feel free to give a call 917 495 7120 (shane)- ive done everything from a gut reno down. i live in boreum hill.

Posted by: chinaspice at February 3, 2009 2:38 PM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs

typo - - - *your*

Posted by: chinaspice at January 18, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Anyone familiar with John Russo

I haven't heard of him, which doesn't really mean much considering there are thousands of contrators here in Brooklyn. That said, I am one of the many in the mix. Know how to gut and renovate, licensed and insured. Just finished a brownstone in Boerum Hill. if you're still looking, shanedeary@hotmail.com - you're experience with a contractor doesn't have to be a struggle, despite 75% of the comments on this forum.

Posted by: chinaspice at January 18, 2009 11:31 AM in response to Anyone familiar with John Russo

neil, this job isnt as elaborate as brucef has described, if im understanding you correctly: you only need to replace the verticle structural members (they are now old brick columns) with new lally columns - NOT the horizontal girt beam (the beam carrying the garden floor joists). . . .unless of course the girt beam is rotted, etc...bruce is correct in that the footings for the columns should be a minimum 3feet deep (and mushroom out at the bottom). . . .
if you'd like me to look at your job, im a licensed carpenter-contractor 917-495-7120 shane

Posted by: chinaspice at January 12, 2009 9:52 AM in response to Basement support replacement

xanded, just to put in my 2 cents again - i agree with george the architect. finding the right team to help leads to a positive experience. the other thing worth mentioning is the project doesnt necessarily need to cost 500,000. . .and before jumping to the conclusion that the structural damage is beyond repair, you should have an engineer or builder look at it - that way you'll know what youre getting into. ill say it again, there is nothing like owning your own home and being able to do whatever you want to it - no questions asked ! im shane 917 495 7120 if you have any questions. good luck !

Posted by: chinaspice at January 7, 2009 1:05 PM in response to renovation, and insanity

there is nothing like owning a restored brownstone in brooklyn - especially one that has been gutted and restored structurally and astetically. i wouldnt trade mine for the world. of course, it is a massive project, expensive, and a headache at times, but that makes it all the better when you and every family member and friend get to enjoy it for years and years to come without having to worry (because everything was taken care of properly the first time !). and you are living in something that embodies your taste and your lifestyle. 3 different floors in new york city? you cant beat it. its your home, its where you live, and you should love it every time you walk in the door. one year of construction for 20 years of enjoyment. go for it. and well, if you havent guessed by now, im a carpenter-contractor who does this for a living....

Posted by: chinaspice at January 6, 2009 2:28 PM in response to renovation, and insanity

thats a tough one. using walnut usually means custom. i just built a vanity, a bunch of tables and shelves out of walnut. are you familiar with carpenty ? theres a lumber yard in the bronx that carries black walnut. its my favorite wood. this is me: SD Construction -917-495-7120 - shane

Posted by: chinaspice at January 5, 2009 10:50 AM in response to Solid Wood Shelves

carlo, never heard of them, but doesnt necessarily mean they are not good. if you are looking to meet a variety of contractors, feel free to give SD Construction (thats me) a call. we just finished a gut renovation in boerum hill. im guessing, but probably a bit more hands on than universal craft due to our smaller size. but obviously still licensed and insured. could send you photos if youd like. 917-495-7120 - shane

Posted by: chinaspice at January 5, 2009 10:41 AM in response to Contracter referral. Universal Crafts

rebeccawisdom, it is definitely possible - we are a local carpenter contractor team originally from marthas vineyard who specialize in cabinetry/kitchens/carpentry. we just finished keri russells house. we're very straightforward, and if anything, good for some free advice ! feel free to call us 917-495-7120

Posted by: chinaspice at December 29, 2008 1:11 PM in response to contractor recommendation?

try shane deary - that's me - im a local carpenter and could give you a better price than that (assuming job is exactly as youve described) and do a better job. if you havent found someone already, my number's 917 495 7120 - easy to work with, reliable, and clean !

Posted by: chinaspice at December 2, 2008 8:53 PM in response to BASEMENT STAIRCASE QUOTE

im a builder, not an architect, but know what its like to work with them. one of the most important things is sharing similar tastes as far as design, space, even lifestyles. you'd be surprised how much lifestyle shapes one's vision of a home (ie, do they have kids, do you have kids, do they like to cook, do you like to cook, etc.). and, someone who want to keep you UNDER your budget. i agree with above, a scrapbook is good...now ill put a plug in for myself - if you need a builder, call SD construction (that's me) - 9174957120. would be happy to look at job !

Posted by: chinaspice at November 18, 2008 9:55 PM in response to Preparing for an architect

if i understand you corrrectly, you need to chip off the plaster on the surface of the brick, repoint it with new cement, clean it, and install a mantle ? if so, SD Construction could help you with this job - 9174957120. its not as simple as it seems.

Posted by: chinaspice at November 18, 2008 9:43 PM in response to exposing plastered over fireplace

I agree with the above, report him to the DCA, and also have a lawyer call him and put some pressure on him - he might get scared into settling fairly with you... S.D construction might be able to help you - very reliable, fair, and they do great work. phone number 9174957120

Posted by: chinaspice at November 18, 2008 9:37 PM in response to When contractors go wrong

i can tell you to stay away from : Blue Sky Design. i had a terrible time with them.

Posted by: chinaspice at November 14, 2008 11:30 PM in response to Structural Engineer

im looking for a set to fit my garden floor windows (back of house). can you send me pictures and dimensions ? what neighborhood are you in ? my email is chinaspice25@yahoo.com. thanks.

Posted by: chinaspice at November 13, 2008 8:53 PM in response to steel front and back door gates and window bars

If you haven't found someone yet, I would be more than happy to look at your job and give you an estimate. I just completed a clients backyard complete with a "fringe drain" leading to a drywell and retaining walls for different tiered levels. i also have experience with stone walls and flagstone. My number is 917-495-7120. Ask for Shane.

Posted by: chinaspice at November 6, 2008 8:56 PM in response to Landscaping and drainage for back yard

i just cleaned my marble mantle and it looks great. i mixed baby power and hydrogen peroxide into a paste, brushed it on thickly, and covered with plastic for 48 hrs. then wiped clean with a soft brush and rags. it worked better than i thought it would.

Posted by: chinaspice at November 5, 2008 9:39 PM in response to How to Remove Stains from Marble Floor?

im not an architect, but if you are also looking for a contractor, i would love to give you an estimate. i just gutted and restored our own townhouse in the boruem hill area. my email is chinaspice25@yahoo.com. my name is shane.

Posted by: chinaspice at November 5, 2008 9:33 PM in response to architects

hi, im a carpenter with this experience. feel free to call me at 917-495-7120. my name is shane.

Posted by: chinaspice at October 30, 2008 8:59 PM in response to Carpenter needed for door insulation

OP here - technically the staircase was built in 1860 but i am restoring it by leveling the treads with new ones and putting in new risers and balustrades, but everything else is staying. does this mean i can follow the code prior to 1968 ?

Posted by: chinaspice at January 29, 2008 9:19 PM in response to STAIRCASE CODE

i just installed a new cornice on my building in boreum hill. im more than happy to share my experience with you regarding costs, materials, method, etc. email me if youd like at chinaspice25 (at) yahoo dot com

Posted by: chinaspice at January 23, 2008 8:12 PM in response to Replacing a cornice

op here - it was the only stupid title i came up with at the moment of writing the question.

Posted by: chinaspice at December 4, 2007 9:20 PM in response to TOO MANY COOKS!

if you decide to get rid of your pine floors, i will pull them up and remove them for free. im an insured, licensed contractor in brooklyn looking for some extra pine flooring (even if it is in bad shape). if interested email me at chinaspice25@yahoo.com
thanks!

Posted by: chinaspice at December 3, 2007 7:05 PM in response to Updating Wood Floors

do you like hearing water flow inside your walls ? use cast iron.

Posted by: chinaspice at November 5, 2007 10:22 PM in response to Is PVC okay for Homes in 5 boros?

call 718 388 4255. forget the company name though. $800 for a 20 yard, $550 for a 10 yard. theyve neven been late for one of my jobs. and yes, juno is right - technically you need to take out a bond with the DOT.

Posted by: chinaspice at November 5, 2007 10:11 PM in response to Need A Dumpster

you dont even need to replace the entire floor board...you can just patch the missing piece with a new piece (or better yet find an old piece of pine in a one of the hundred dumpsters in brooklyn)....these old floors are out of level and full of imperfections - the patch will look cool. indeed it is a small job, but for the right person to do a nice job, it will probably cost somewhere around $200 to patch the piece and match the stain/finish so it blends into your existing floor.

Posted by: chinaspice at November 5, 2007 10:07 PM in response to Hole in wood floor

its not terribly difficult, but labor intensive. it depends how far you want to take the reno (just replace flooring? level floor joists ? etc. ). either way, you will need to tear up old pine flooring, lay a new plywood subfloor, then lay your new floor of choice on top. you can get old salvaged wide plank flooring from companies like carlise. or you can purchase new wide flooring as well. or you can try to lay your old pine back down depending upon how beat up it is and refinish it. i just did the same thing for myself. and if you decide to toss the old pine flooring, i would gladly take it off you hands for free. i might even remove it for you for free depending on its condition and save you paying someone else to demo it.....my email is chinaspice25@yahoo.com if youre interested.

Posted by: chinaspice at September 23, 2007 1:52 PM in response to Wood Floor Replacement

my email is chinaspice25@yahoo.com......anything longer though ? im looking for 16 foot.....

Posted by: chinaspice at September 15, 2007 10:51 PM in response to needed timber !

typo - - - *your*

Posted by: chinaspice at January 18, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Anyone familiar with John Russo

I'm interested.

Check out my work at

RickLaddBrooklyn.com

Posted by: Rick at February 3, 2009 3:53 PM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs

Try Artur Walla at 718.440.1578. He is a highly skilled carpenter/painter/tiler and more that "saved" our home project. We kept him busy full time for about 18 months getting our major home renovation to a habitable position. He will bring other speciaiized labor when needed. His contacts mostly work for high end Manhattan contractors, but work with him on the side.

Posted by: dl11216 at February 3, 2009 8:56 PM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs

Rick helped me finish up a project in Crown Heights recently. He does good work at a reasonable rate, is very reliable and a nice guy to have around the job site. I highly recommend him!

Posted by: nise17 at February 3, 2009 10:47 PM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs

I have a similar problem with my staicase,and need to be fixe also.
Let me know how it go.
Will be interest to know how .

Posted by: benoit at February 3, 2009 11:49 PM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs

I have a similar problem with my staircase,and need to be fixe also.
Let me know how it go.
Will be interest to know how .

Posted by: benoit at February 3, 2009 11:50 PM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs

much will be the cost to get it fix.

Posted by: benoit at February 3, 2009 11:51 PM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs

There are two common causes of your problem as identified in the photo.

The first correct answer that you will mostly likely hear, is that the wedges have fallen out from behind the treads and risers. "We need to open the back and replace those wedges"

Is this house a little older - maybe 1860's?

Well the real question is, why did the wedges fall out? It looks as if the tread is pulled out a little from the wall stringer. What would cause that? What will it take to shove it back in? How cheap can we patch it?

Let me guess, the floor at the landing has sagged a little. The landing is sloped away from the masonry wall. The outside stringer is down. Well that explains the gap, but know what do we do?

The stringers may be hand cut and chiseled, common practices 1850's thru 1880's. They knew they were going to tighten and straighten the treads and risers to the top and front of the cuts using wedges. But now we're swimming in these rough slots.

Stickey wicket, if we figure out some way to lift stringer back to where it once was, it will be too high at the landing now. Unless we decide to level the hallway. But now the landing is too high where it meets the rooms up stairs.

Correct, professional repairs are painful, and not cheap. But at least I've tried to steer you in the right direction, so you have a chance to evaluate the quick fix ideas that inexperienced carpenters may come up with. Done right, this stair case would be solid, solid, solid.

bruce

Posted by: brucef at February 4, 2009 1:09 AM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs

Yes Yes. We had the same problem. Stairs were coming out the the grooves (if that's what it is called). The old carpet was holding it all together. We called a high end company often referenced on the site and they quoted us 6,000 for one staircase. Im sure they would do a good job but we didnt have that kinda cash. Then I called Bill from Circular Stairs - who was also mentioned on this site and boy I was surprised. Not only did he quote less than half of the price of the other guys, but he said he could do it in 1.5 days. I didnt believe him. Then you can imagine my shock when not only did he show up on time with a crew to do the stairs the morning he was supposed to (unheard of in Brooklyn) but they finished and did an excellent job in 1 full day (btw 930 and 430pm) Tell his new friends on prospect place refered you. His number is 718 218 9051. Note it was hard to catch up with him at first, but well worth it !

Posted by: crownheights2007 at February 4, 2009 8:49 PM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs

Will be willing to work with you on pricing. Licensed and bonded. We do numerous things, tiling, stairs, sheeterocking taping, painting, millwork, etc. Emerging Enterprises, LLC. Will show you pictures of previous work
917-548-4665

Posted by: josephcarl at February 4, 2009 9:12 PM in response to Carpenter to fix the stairs