I have used Abdul Fedah at Heights Construction. He has a great crew, and is easy to work with. 646 235-2767.He can shw you many completed jobs in the area.

If your co-op requires drawings and permits, which it probably will, those will have to be stamped by an engineer or architect. It will be better for you, if that person is working for you and not the contractor. You will be paying for it one way or the other, hire the professional and get your money's worth.

Posted by: chmod at October 13, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Condo Reno, Contractor Recs?

Is your co-op going to ask for a building permit or insurance for the contractors? Did the bids take that into account? Have you checked with the board?

Posted by: chmod at October 5, 2009 8:04 PM in response to Contractor Estimates

I have someone to recommend, if you want to call
718 638-5458

Posted by: chmod at September 28, 2009 11:40 AM in response to Cleaning Help

Hi,
When I redid my kitchen I brought the stove to the front of the chimney, and all the cabinets and counter tops are 3 feet deep. It is an unusual arrangement, but I like the extra depth for appliances, etc., and tops seem less cluttered.

Posted by: chmod at August 17, 2009 3:52 PM in response to Shallow Stove?

As a homeowner and architect my recommendation goes to Heights Construction. They are reliable, fairly priced, and quick. I have used them for my own work, and also for 15 or so clients.

Contact Abdul@ 646 235-2767

Posted by: chmod at August 6, 2009 9:22 AM in response to ISO Good GC

I have sent many folks to both Park slope Plumbing and A&K, and like them both. Your contractor should be able to get you discounts at both places if you ask.

Posted by: chmod at July 22, 2009 3:59 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

Sorry to say ,but it is up to the co-op board. They can require a DOB permit if they want to.I would ask a board member or someone @ the management co.

Posted by: chmod at July 19, 2009 7:05 PM in response to Basic Kitchen Reno-Need Permit?

I would recommend either Heights Construction, Abdul@646235-2767 or John Leong 917 579-4001.
I have used both of them many times and they both do good work for a fair price.

Posted by: chmod at July 2, 2009 9:35 PM in response to Structural work contractor

We have a really wonderful women, but I would rather not leave her name and number here. If you want more info,, call me.
Jane 718 638-5458

Posted by: chmod at May 15, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Housekeeper

Besides doing my own house, they have worked for several of my friends and clients. Heights Construction does first rate work and the are easy to work with. Contact Abdul Fedah @ 646-235-2767.

Posted by: chmod at May 2, 2009 10:48 AM in response to Contractor Referrals

I need to come down on the side of A&K as well. I have recommended them to many people, with mostly good results. They are not the cheapest place, but I have found them helpful.
I am not saying that Mistersmooth did not get treated badly, but anytime I have dealt w/ either Jerry or Jennifer they have been very good. I also like that they are local.
As they sub out the counter top work, I would go elsewhere
for that.

Posted by: chmod at April 21, 2009 9:21 AM in response to Disappointing A&K Tile Store

Paizhester,
Try Heights Construction. Their work is superlative, and I think their prices are very reasonable for the quality. They have work you can see in Windsor Terrace. From the point of view of both a client and a design professional, they get my top recommendation. Abdul Feda :646 235-2767

Posted by: chmod at April 9, 2009 3:34 PM in response to Contractor recommendation

I used to think that there was a crack house on the street, but I am not so sure anymore, as the same house has been sketchy for 20 yrs, but the police never harass them, so who knows.
I really don't think the other folks on the block really pay that much attention. There are lots of folks outside in the summer, which I think is nice. When we moved here,there was more of a stoop culture, and especially on Clifton you could hear kids playing street games late into the evening. Like all the blocks it's quieter now.
Don't know anything about PS 56, sorry.

Posted by: chmod at April 7, 2009 2:49 PM in response to Clifton Pl b/t grand/st james?

I have lived around the corner on St. James for 20 years.This area has been called"fringe" for all that time as many, many residents have renovated and housing prices have gone up, up up.I have been very grateful we listened to our own hearts and bought a house.

SOOO There is a house on the block that has a lot of "action". There are lots of kids on the block, and many long term residents.There was a shooting last summer, but it was not random. I think it is one of the prettiest blocks in CH and convenient to new commercial on Grand. CH is not PS,but if you like this neighborhood, it's a fine block.

Posted by: chmod at April 6, 2009 12:06 PM in response to Clifton Pl b/t grand/st james?

Some granites can be very susceptible to standing water, ie
temporarily darken where water sits on them. Not so great for bathroom vanities. Avoid granites w/ "veins".

Posted by: chmod at April 4, 2009 9:38 AM in response to Granite or Marble ?

Hi nybk,
I am an architect who does lots of baths and kitchens,some custom, some w/ standard cabinets, each unique and I have lots of satisfied clients as references. Even when I do work in brownstones,I think like a modernist. It is a way of working as well as an aesthetic. If you would like
to contact me, I am @ pjazz1@earthlink.net

Posted by: chmod at March 29, 2009 12:20 PM in response to looking for a kitchen designer

Hi,
Many people are so down on their contractors that I am heartened to see so many names here.

I have done lots of work in my own home and design for others. My favorite guys are
Heights Construction: Abdul's number is #646 235-2767
Sure, they like to make money, but they are very concerned to make the customer happy. Their bids are fair and just as important, they do not go crazy with extras.
You will find they have very good references.
Tell them Jan gave you their number.

Posted by: chmod at March 23, 2009 7:13 PM in response to Good GC Needed

I can't really speak to your neighborhood, but we bought our house 20 yrs ago in CH. There was a little hemming and hawing from family members and most of our friends did not come visit, but we made new friends, and the house has turned out to be a great investment.We love our neighbors, and have been very happy. It is nice too, to have the stores and restaurants catch up w/ us. I will say that tho our kids have gone to public school, it was not local. GOOD LUCK!

Posted by: chmod at March 13, 2009 6:26 PM in response to Buying in Bedford Stuyvesant

I am an architect, doing lots of residential bath and kitchen renos in PS and have done work in Victorians too. (and I am recommended on Angie's list.) I think this is a good time to do work as it is quiet out there for the small guys. $15 is a fine budget for a regular, nice bathroom.
If you want to ask me questions about filing etc, please contact me, I would be happy to talk to you.
pjazz1@arthlink.net

Posted by: chmod at February 27, 2009 3:42 PM in response to Bathroom Reno: Reality Check

I use that office a lot. Go there and talk to Phil. 11am is the best time to go, and not on Monday or Thursday if you can help it. Th office is closed Friday, too. The more they do , the more it will cost you. Usually your architect and contractor would take care of lots of the services you are asking about, ie inspections.

Phil is a nice guy and helpful, but they are less then clear on the phone.

Posted by: chmod at February 24, 2009 8:56 AM in response to Scott Schnall: Questions

I am an architect who has been reading but not posting. We have been living and working in Brooklyn for 20 years. I recommend 2 contractors. Heights Construction, Abdul, 646 235-2767, or John Leong, 917 579-4001. Both guys have been working in PS and the Heights for years, and can give you references and take you to see finished jobs.They have good crews of their own, but can sub out electrical and plumbing work as needed.I have used both of them for work in my own home, too.

Posted by: chmod at February 20, 2009 1:40 PM in response to Personal contractor suggestions

DO NOT use Brooklyn Kitchens!!! But if you ignore this advice DO NOT pay them in advance! There are nice people there, and the owner (Brian Ackerman) may fool you into thinking he is one of them. He's a pathological liar, straight up, and I say this while using my own name.

Second PS Plumbing, also A&K, but there have been neg comments about A&K contractors. Consider using them only for tile.

Posted by: denton at July 22, 2009 5:20 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

I agree that local places are great if you want a high-end product but Home Depot (preferably a suburban location) has a good variety of fixtures and everything is in stock. They have good brands such as American Standard and Kohler and the pricing is very fair. Stay away from their store brand - Glacier Bay or any other brand that you do not recognize.

Posted by: JoeBushwick at July 22, 2009 5:49 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

Also, I bought a great little square porcelain sink from IKEA but then you most likely will need to use their cabinet base which is fairly low quality. Stay away from their faucets.

Posted by: JoeBushwick at July 22, 2009 5:52 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

I recommend looking online at irawoods.com and improvementdirect.com. The shipping is free, they're offering additional discounts across the board, and more for volume. Also, no sales tax.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 22, 2009 5:57 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

For tile I recommend Nemo Tile in Manhattan.

Posted by: Susan Elkins at July 22, 2009 5:59 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

I second the Nemo Tile recommendation. They have a great selection, competitive pricing and are really helpful.

Posted by: daisyh at July 22, 2009 10:03 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

The girl to the left at Park Slope Plumbing supply is Lisanne and she's GREAT!! You can't lose buying your fixtures from them!! When you go, tell her Erik from Aladdin gave you her name.

Posted by: Brooklyn Plumber at July 22, 2009 10:21 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

Wow! Thanks for all of the helpful feedback. I'm new to the forum and didn't expect so many comments. This is great.

Posted by: Duck Soup at July 23, 2009 11:09 PM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

This is what i do, this is a link to work I have done in the past year. http://s1002.photobucket.com/albums/af146/steven2667/ , I stand behind all of my work, from big jobs to small repairs, just give me a call.

Steven 646-996-9627 or 718-768-6020

Posted by: steven2667 at July 29, 2009 11:31 AM in response to Buying Bathroom Fixtures

I live in the area. Moved there in 2005. Is the house on Bedford avenue by any chance?

Posted by: landlord at August 6, 2009 12:25 PM in response to ISO Good GC