Staining Concrete

Try Z. Abedin. Great mason. Best price to quality I have gotten from anyone. You can reach him at 917 903 0196. Tell him Chris from Decatur street referred you.

Good luck

Posted by: cmontgom at September 16, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Need exterior/brick/leak repair

i highly recommend z. abedin. great work, very reasonable price. tell him chris from decatur street referred you. you can reach him at 917-903-0196.

Good luck!

Posted by: cmontgom at August 4, 2009 10:36 AM in response to Front Stairs Mason Rec

I recommend R. Williams from It's Electric. Professional, neat, well priced. Has done complete rewiring in my home. Tell him Chris from Decatur street referred you.
Good luck.

Posted by: cmontgom at July 22, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Need A Good Electrician

i highly recommend Z. abedin for the steps. You can find his number on another post (I don't have it handy). Great work. Great price. Tell him Chris from Decatur street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at July 22, 2009 2:25 PM in response to Door Rehab and Steps

I'd probably go with one contractor. It doesn't sound like removing the veneer is that big a job to hire two different people. You may even be able to do it yourself, or roll it into the price for refinishing.

I would recommend Z. Abedin. He's a great mason, specifically with facade refacing with both brick and brownstone. You can reach him at 917-903-0196. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Good luck!

Posted by: cmontgom at June 19, 2009 2:58 PM in response to Lower Facade Restoration

i highly recommend R. Williams from It's Electric. You can reach him at 917 531-9286. He has done major and minor work in my place including lots of recessed lighting. Tell him Chris from Decatur Strete referred you.

Good luck!

Posted by: cmontgom at June 16, 2009 11:50 AM in response to Electrician Recommendation?

DEFINITELY call Ibrahim Khalil at Ismail Construction. He just finished my entire backyard (including a retaining wall and new fence) got the whole job done in four days! You can reach him at 917-331-2336.

Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at May 28, 2009 2:16 PM in response to Retaining Wall Contractor

I HIGHLY recommend z. abedin. you can reach him at 917-903-0196. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Good luck!

Posted by: cmontgom at April 28, 2009 1:02 PM in response to stoop restoration

Definitely get a quote from Z. Abedin. Best rates I have seen for this work. Tell him Chris Montgomery from Decatur Street referred you. You can reach him at 917 903 0196.

All the best.

Posted by: cmontgom at April 13, 2009 2:12 PM in response to re-brownstone stair costs

Hey there. I would suggest you go with one contractor. I second the z. abedin recs. i've been a fan of the guy since getting crazy quotes from others. he can certainly handle the painting. you will likely get a better overall total price by going with one person.

that said, if you have a specialized woodworking need, go with an expert. May cost more but you will be happier in the end.

Posted by: cmontgom at April 9, 2009 3:30 PM in response to Facade Work

call z. abedin. i am a huge advocate of his after getting outrageous quotes from other contractors. i got three quotes that were he was responsive, timely, professional, and quite less expensive for the same quality work. you can reach him at 917 903 0196.

tell him chris from decatur street referred you.

good luck.

Posted by: cmontgom at April 9, 2009 3:12 PM in response to Facade

call z. abedin. i am a huge advcate of his after getting outrageous quotes from other contractors. i got three quotes that were he was responsive, timely, professional, and quite less expensive for the same quality work. you can reach him at 917 903 0196.

tell him chris from decatur street referred you.

good luck.

Posted by: cmontgom at April 8, 2009 11:36 AM in response to Facade recommendation

Definitely call Z.Abedin. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you. Great guy, great work, great price.
You can reach him at 917 903 0196

Good luck!

Posted by: cmontgom at April 7, 2009 2:58 PM in response to I Need Masonry Work

Definitely contact Hank Mitchell. He's an amazing interior architect/designer. He has worked on two places for me, ha s aknack for mixing old and new which i love. you can see some of his work at http://hmia.net/.

Posted by: cmontgom at March 30, 2009 11:14 AM in response to looking for a kitchen designer

please beware of castro. i went to order a burrito one and saw a bug crawl across the counter. the cashier took a towel, brused the bug onto the floor and proceeded to take my order. my friend and i did an aboutface and hit it out of there. from then on, we referred to the place as 'cast-roach'. perhaps they have gotten better since renovation, but i certainly couldn't tell you.

Posted by: cmontgom at March 19, 2009 11:58 AM in response to The Myrtle Miracle?

Try Mr. Innocent from Ino and Sons. You can reach him at 917-407-4653. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Good luck

Posted by: cmontgom at March 19, 2009 9:49 AM in response to I need a plumber

Try Z. Abedin. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you. 917-903-0196. Nice guy. VERY fairly priced.

Good luck.

Posted by: cmontgom at March 18, 2009 4:26 PM in response to Facade Paint Removing Contractor

brooklyntoolkit, your post is well intended. I appreciate the balancing act between what the neighborhood needs and what will not be too off-putting to current/long-term residents.

That said, I think Bed Stuy wants what every neighborhood wants - "quality services from quality vendors." I think most people would agree, new and old residents alike.

There is really a two-part answer to your inquiry. I think the first part is what types of services the neighbors need (and will take advantage of). The second part, that was not directly discussed, is the attitude through which the services are delivered.

On services...Bed Stuy is a neighborhood like any other. We are a people with pets, children, disposable income, hair, appetites, wardrobes, etc. Good businesses that speak to these are welcome. Pet stores, children's clothing, furniture, salons, small restaurants (with good food), clothing stores, etc. I am personally in favor of smaller businesses, but I also understand that established retailers like Starbucks attract people to explore and sometimes open more businesses in gentrifying neighborhoods. I saw this first hand in Clinton Hill with Connecticut Muffin on the corner of Myrtle and Clinton. The challenge will be that as/if these businesses come they may not be well supported in the midst of a recession. This is a global issue not specific to BedStuy.

On attitude...The distinction, however, with most gentrifying neighborhoods is that the quality and price of services must come at an intersection of approachable and attractive. For example, it can be insulting for some of the long-term residents to walk into a new establishment that does not offer a range of price points. This sends a "newcomers only" message. On one hand, they may be averse to or unfamiliar with the products offered, and have a cultural jolt at the introduction. On the other hand, stuff is just 'too damn high' and they know they are not the intended audience. I'm not suggesting that you open a business as an act of commuity service (I'm not that crazy). I am saying that you cannot ignore the customers around you. Nice does not have to equal high-priced. Affordable does not have to equal downmarket.

More on attitude...The rub with those who are anti-gentrification is not that they are opposed to quality services. Who wouldn't want them? Most just do not appreciate being treated like outsiders in a community they built and have fought to preserve. New business owners and residents need to insert themselves consciously into the pre-existing fabric instead of taking an insular "all about me" approach. You will find that that is usually at the crux of the anti-gentrification argument, not the types of services or the demographic of the people that come.

So as you think about new businesses, honor those who have been there. Meet the people at the church on your corner. Attend a community board meeting. Know the kids who play outside your door. Cuss if you have to. Just don't show up with your own plans for change.

Posted by: cmontgom at March 3, 2009 11:57 AM in response to Changes in Bed Stuy

I had the same experience with A. Malek. Had to track him down like he was doing me a favor by taking my money. I ended up going with Z. Abedin. He was on time, actually interested in doing my job, courteous, and far more reasonably priced than A. Malek. There are a few posts with his number. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 27, 2009 9:29 AM in response to Facade Work

try calling mr. innocent from ino and sons. he does this kind of work. you can reach him at 917 407 4653.
Tell him chris from decatur street referred you.
good luck

Posted by: cmontgom at February 20, 2009 9:46 AM in response to Licensed Sprinkler-Removal-Guy

The guy you want is Z. Abedin at 917 903 0196. I think he goes away for the winter because it's too cold to do mason work outdoors.

hope this helps

Posted by: cmontgom at February 20, 2009 9:45 AM in response to Z Abedin

try z. abedin. best price to quality. you can reach him at 917 903 0196. Tell him chris from decatur street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 18, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Cracked, Crumbling Steps

DEFINITELY contact Ron Eng from Formactiv. He did plans for my brownstone. His team is efficient cutting edge and unique. The web address is formactiv.net. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 17, 2009 1:51 PM in response to Looking for an Architect

DEFINITELY contact Ron Eng from Formactiv. He did plans for my brownstone. His team is efficient cutting edge and unique. The web address is formactiv.net. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 17, 2009 1:47 PM in response to Looking for an Architect

I highly recommend R. Williams from It's Electric. He's donw a complete re-wiring in my own home and has done successful large jobs for friends and family. Tell him chris from decatur street referred you. you can reach him at 917-531-9286.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 17, 2009 9:49 AM in response to Licensed Electrician?

i highly recommend z.abedin. by far the best price per quality i have found. i put him on to a few friends of mine and they were all very please with his work. i think he's out of the country now since mason work is slow during the winter. i think this because when we talked about doing my facade last year, he told a) he'd be out of the country and b) the temperature was too low. i waited and it worked out great.

you can reach him at 917 903 0196. tell him chris from decatur street referred you.

p.s. there was a post some time ago, where a poster asked to compare various contractors. i offered some opinions of different ones i interviewed and the prices they offered. worth checking out.

good luck.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 10, 2009 9:49 AM in response to facade renovation shortlist

just an fyi...I have heard from a handful masons that it's best to wait until the temperature is consistently above 50-55 degrees before you can do any brick, concrete, or similar work. just something to consider.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 9, 2009 9:26 AM in response to Mason for minor repair?

don't go with a jumbo. break the loan into two parts: a first mortgage and a HELOC or home equity loan. You will typically get a more competitive rate on the first note and a higher rate on the second if you go the HEL route. If you go with a HELOC, you will only pay the interest with a very competitive rate. i have done this twice, once through a broker, another time directly with a bank.

i dealt with a woman named roli singh at wachovia. she was great at coming up with good solutions for me. when rates dropped she even called me to refi. love her. you can reach her at 212 214 4535. tell her chris from decatur street referred you.

good luck.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 6, 2009 3:51 PM in response to Refinancing a 3 Family?

Queenie. I had the exact same experience when getting an estimate from Bernie. Didn't listen...insisted he knew what i wanted...kept interrupting me as i explained what i was look for...generally, an "i'm much too busy for this" attitude all the way around.

when i set an appt with him, he said, "i will call you when i am on my way. if i get voice mail, i don't come." can you believe he had the nerve to be late and then call to say he couldn't make it. I said i'd call back to re-schedule. he's still waiting for that call.

i work hard for my money and never have to give it away to anybody. he may do great work, but with all that attitude, he'll never do any in my house.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 6, 2009 11:32 AM in response to Bernies Glass, 1554 Fulton St, B

the simple thing to do is move the due date. i did this with my tenant who would also be late (only by a few days). The new due date is just three days earlier. If they are five days late, it's still early enough for me to manage my cash flow just fine and still impose a penalty if I need to.

Avoid the back and forth with your tenant. Restart their lease on a new date and move the due date for the payment. Problem solved.

Posted by: cmontgom at February 6, 2009 11:26 AM in response to Late Rent Notice

would you mind sharing the price of the shower glass. i'm shopping for something similar. Thanks

Posted by: cmontgom at February 4, 2009 11:16 AM in response to Glass Recommendation

I agree. That seems quite high. Try Ron Eng at Formactiv. He did plans for my place and was no where near overpriced relative to the quality of work he delivered. You can reach Ron at 212-414-2685. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Good luck.

Posted by: cmontgom at January 26, 2009 2:04 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates

Definitely call John Rodriguez. He removed asbestos from a furnace at my place more than a year ago. Clean, efficient, reasonable. You can reach him at 347 996 6148. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at January 14, 2009 2:50 PM in response to asbestos removal recommendation?

Try Home Depot first. If they don't have it, go to Quetzel plumbing supply on gates and lewis avenue (double check the cross streets). I found a sink drain there for $8, for which Home Depot wanted $30.

Posted by: cmontgom at January 12, 2009 3:21 PM in response to sink strainer basket 2-1/2" size

pay it. save yourself the headache.

Posted by: cmontgom at January 9, 2009 4:57 PM in response to water heater disposal

Try Ino & Sons. Mr. Innocent (yes, that's really his name) is very professional, timely, and reasonably priced. He just completed a major job at my place and a series of small jobs. You can reach him at 917-407-4653. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street sent you.

Good luck.

Posted by: cmontgom at January 9, 2009 9:46 AM in response to Plumer for small projects?

Dave. Thanks for the tip. In what range should one expect prices to be for the frameless enclosures? How did Atlantic Glass compare with other places you found?

Posted by: cmontgom at January 5, 2009 1:10 PM in response to Frameless Shower Enclosure

I send the post from justinm. Z. Abedin is great. I too was concerned about preserving old as well as creating new details at my place. Z. Abedin was able to preserve the old stuff and mold new matching details that hard worn with age. When I compared prices a year ago, his was the best price to quality. You can reach him at 917 903 0196. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Cheers

Posted by: cmontgom at January 5, 2009 9:51 AM in response to Time To Brownstone

I send the post from justinm. Z. Abedin is great. I too was concerned about preserving old as well as creating new details at my place. Z. Abedin was able to preserve the old stuff and mold new matching details that hard worn with age. When I compared prices a year ago, his was the best price to quality. You can reach him at 917 903 0196. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Cheers

Posted by: cmontgom at January 5, 2009 9:51 AM in response to Time To Brownstone

Call Mr. Innocent and Ino & Sons. Professional, on time, reasonably priced. You can reach him at 917 407 4653. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street sent you.

Posted by: cmontgom at January 5, 2009 9:31 AM in response to Plumbing

Call Mr. Innocent and Ino & Sons. Professional, on time, reasonably priced. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street sent you.

Posted by: cmontgom at January 5, 2009 9:28 AM in response to Plumbing

I had my plaster ceilings redone by Mr. Joseph Rene a little over a year ago. They are still stunning.

I had recessed lighting installed in two already delicate parlor floor ceilings. A portion of one ceiling fell as the electrician was wiring the lights. This portion included molding which Mr. Rene masterfully rebuilt. The ceiling in my rear parlor had water damage and a section missing. Mr. Rene used tubing to shape the plaster and molded wood to emulate the missing plaster. He also skim coated and painted the ceiling once completed. Friends are still amazed when I tell them I had work done to the ceiling. They look seamlessly original! His price was also very reasonable.

You can reach Mr. Rene (pronounced Ree-nay) at 347-526-4627. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street reffered you.

Posted by: cmontgom at December 15, 2008 3:28 PM in response to Plaster issues

Try R. Williams from It's Electric. He has rewired my entire brownstone. He does very neat, clean, superb work at a reasonable price. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you. You can reach him at 917-531-9286.
He just finished recessed lighting on an entire floor and rewiring electrical for my kitchen and two bathrooms.

Posted by: cmontgom at December 10, 2008 5:18 PM in response to Electrician recommendation??

Call Andy at Easy Air-Flo. He is due to soon replace my current oil-heating unit with a gas powered one. Removing the tank is part of the job. You can reach him at 718 496 3059. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at December 4, 2008 10:29 AM in response to Remove an old oil tank

Looks fantastic. I'm considering the same thing for next summer. What did the deck cost you? Did you need a permit? If yes, how was that process? Thanks

Posted by: cmontgom at December 3, 2008 11:11 AM in response to Garden of the Day: Bearing Fruit in Bed Stuy

Dave. I think you need to find a new cleaners...immediately! Try Sun Cleaners on Fulton between Kingston and Tompkins. Great quality...much lower than what you pay now.

Posted by: cmontgom at December 3, 2008 10:54 AM in response to What's Up at the Sumner Avenue Armory?

That sounds a bit high. Try calling Joseph Rene. He's a great carpenter that I have hired to do several jobs in my own home and has always done a fantastic job. He built an entire deck with two staircases at a friend's place. I can't tell you what the work will cost, but I doubt $3K. You can reach him at 347-526-4627. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at December 2, 2008 1:18 PM in response to BASEMENT STAIRCASE QUOTE

Z. Abedin does this kind of work. You can reach the owner at 917-903-0196. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at November 21, 2008 9:23 AM in response to Opening space under stoop

Try R. Williams (he goes by Williams) from It's Electric. He's re-wired my whole house. He's done everything form recessed lighting, new electrical lines, new electrical riser, etc. I've been using him for a while and just stuck with him, so I haven't compared his pricing in a while. You can reach him at 917-531-9286. Tell him Chris from Decatur Street referred you.

Posted by: cmontgom at November 19, 2008 1:43 PM in response to Need Electrician recommendations

Perhaps your marketing strategy and not your price is why you rental is still on the market. I once used a smaller brokerage to post ads for a rental in my building. After almost two months, I contacted a friend at Corcoran and got it rented within two weeks. He got the same rent and I incurred the broker fee. The $950 I had to pay the broker is nothin compared to the rent I have collected over the past two years.

Posted by: cmontgom at November 18, 2008 9:58 AM in response to help pricing a 1 BR rental?

I'm currently using M Rahman Construction to restore my lower 2 floors and the stoop stairs. We're about 1/2 way done so far and I'm very pleased. After working with a less than honest contractor on the inside renovation, I'm thrilled to have someone professional, pleasant AND competent. Why is that so hard to find today? Anyway, you can reach Rahman at M Rahman Construction - 347.768.9938
moziburrahman@msn.com or www.brownstonefacade.com

Feel free to email me directly for photos - I'm excited with the progress.

Posted by: ewoodward at July 21, 2009 6:04 AM in response to Lower Facade Restoration

M Rahman Construction
www.BrownstoneFacade.com
Rahman 347.768.9938

He's doing a great job on my place and was the best value by a long shot. Check back in 20 years and I'll let you know if I still feel that way :)

Posted by: ewoodward at July 21, 2009 6:11 AM in response to facade renovation shortlist

Thank you cmontgom
just googled and got
Z. Abedin at 917 903 0196
I will call him

Posted by: LADO at July 22, 2009 2:44 PM in response to Door Rehab and Steps

JW Electric did a fantastic job upgrading my electrical service and breaker panel for me. Joseph was knowledgeable and efficient. He sent a big crew of very professional guys and knocked out the job in less time than he estimated. He was also 25% less than the next cheapest bid (I got 4).

Posted by: HDL at July 22, 2009 3:02 PM in response to Need A Good Electrician

WCK Electric in Bed-Stuy did the work at my house and I was happy with the price, the guys who executed the work, the follow through, etc.

Posted by: herkimermaid at July 22, 2009 3:50 PM in response to Need A Good Electrician

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

Thanks for all the recommendations. Any of these guys not mind a bit of fishing, leaving as small holes as possible, if you're not doing a gut?

Also, whaddya estimate it costs to rewire a place (three floors) and put in a new breaker box? I don't know how many points, but figure three for most rooms is standard.

Posted by: mopar at July 22, 2009 5:09 PM in response to Need A Good Electrician

Oh! And the question I have always wanted to ask: Can you run a few new lines and not upgrade every wire? I suppose so, since practically every house I see seems to have done this. Not sure if it's safe, however.

Posted by: mopar at July 22, 2009 5:10 PM in response to Need A Good Electrician

For door stripping,repair and stain I would recommend Joe Salem who has done done a lot of work for me.

Posted by: Giovanna at July 22, 2009 10:42 PM in response to Door Rehab and Steps

Anyone That Want's Find a Electrician Should Contact Erick @ 347-512-4869.

Posted by: Powerman at July 22, 2009 11:52 PM in response to Need A Good Electrician