We just had masonry work done by Transcend (who advertise here). They also do jobs in the bronx I believe. See the ad to the right. I highly recommend them.

Posted by: cornetor at August 4, 2009 10:09 AM in response to Front Stairs Mason Rec

Word on past threads is that you don't need an attorney to close a refinance and the title person gets in the neighborhood of $200. This is consistent with my refinancing experiences. The bank's attorney should tell you what to pay the title person.

Posted by: cornetor at July 28, 2009 2:52 PM in response to Question about Refi

This might be an odd phone call to make, but I know Nick from Transcend Masonry would probably have leftovers from other jobs. They advertise to the right.

Posted by: cornetor at July 24, 2009 5:14 PM in response to Need a Piece of Bluestone ASAP!

I've used maid-day a few times for post reno, mostly because they were pretty cheap, but I thought they did a great job too. not sure of the spelling of the name.

Posted by: cornetor at July 20, 2009 10:39 AM in response to Cleaning Service Post-Reno

I just had a folllow up visit from our roofer to check a leak. He made the same comment, that he hasn't been able to get anything done for the past month or so. He has a good rep on the forum, so I tend to believe him.

Posted by: cornetor at July 14, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Roof work during this rain?

Junior Prates gets good marks on the forum. I used him once for painting and plaster and I would recommend him. Search for him or his wife Aida on the forum.

Posted by: cornetor at July 8, 2009 10:57 AM in response to Handyman required

Nothing says city living like a nice patch of asphalt.

Posted by: cornetor at June 5, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Landscaping help for front yards

I find it gets too warm in my basement over the summer, so I turn on the 2nd fridge to keep the wine.

Posted by: cornetor at June 1, 2009 5:39 PM in response to Storing Wine in Brownstone

Nick just finished some exeterior work for us two weeks ago. They refinished our front stoop, removed the concrete walkway and installed blue stone. They also repaired and resealed the rear wall of our house. I highly recommend him and his crew. They worked full days, completed the job very quickly and they did the job with care. After seeing the finished product, I also think the price was very good.

Posted by: cornetor at June 1, 2009 1:40 PM in response to Transcend Construction

I also would recommend Alladin. I haven't used them recently because I thought they charged top dollar. But I was always happy with the job they did. You won't regret spending for quality.

Posted by: cornetor at May 29, 2009 8:51 AM in response to Plumber recommendations

I also would recommend Alladin. I haven't used them recently because I thought they charged top dollar. But I was always happy with the job they did. You won't regret spending for quality.

Posted by: cornetor at May 29, 2009 8:51 AM in response to Plumber recommendations

I also would recommend Alladin. I haven't used them recently because I thought they charged top dollar. But I was always happy with the job they did. You won't regret spending for quality.

Posted by: cornetor at May 29, 2009 8:51 AM in response to Plumber recommendations

If I were doing it, I would call Transcend Masonry. They advertise on this site. They didn't do a retaining wall, but they just finished some great work for us at a reasonable price.

Posted by: cornetor at May 27, 2009 4:41 PM in response to Retaining Wall Contractor

We've just had our rear wall scraped and resealed. I'm not sure what the product was (BASF manufactures it), but it comes in a variety of colors.

Posted by: cornetor at May 21, 2009 3:00 PM in response to painting over thoroseal

I just closed my refinance with Chase this week. My application was submitted in mid January. I heard the same thing, they are backed up with tons of applications.

Posted by: cornetor at May 15, 2009 3:22 PM in response to Chase Refinance

We sold through A&H and it was a good experience. However, based on how much above market they got for our coop, I would hesitate to be on the other end of one of their transactions. They used a sealed bid system.

Posted by: cornetor at May 6, 2009 5:50 PM in response to Aguayo & Huebener broker?

I went to Tranchina in Staten Island this weekend. They have a ton of stone and pavers to choose from.

Posted by: cornetor at April 21, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Decent resource for pavers?

I think Ikea is carrying floating deck segments that you can connect together.

Posted by: cornetor at April 3, 2009 4:56 PM in response to Floating wooden deck/platform

yes, take the key out of the mailbox. If he tells you he lost it, give it back to him (as if you had a new copy made for him). do this each time he leaves it in the mailbox. Assuming you check the mail each day, problem solved!

Posted by: cornetor at April 2, 2009 1:54 PM in response to Problem With RC Tenant

I would take the key out of the mailbox and play dumb.

Posted by: cornetor at April 2, 2009 1:52 PM in response to Problem With RC Tenant

We did the same thing in a bathroom, unglazed white hexagons. They really hugged the dirt and scuff markes, so I had to scrub those floors frequently. I also used to seal them at least once a year to try and mitigate the problem. It wasn't terrible, but I wouldn't do it again.

Posted by: cornetor at March 30, 2009 9:44 AM in response to is unglazed tile crazy??

Junior Prates, search the forum for him and his wife Aida.

Posted by: cornetor at March 26, 2009 11:46 AM in response to Plaster repairer?

If I might introduce the smallest of problems, won't you need to keep two kitchens stocked if you are eating breakfast upstairs and dinner downstairs? Two sugar bowls, two containers of milk, bread, coffee maker, peanut butter, butter, champagne, etc.

Posted by: cornetor at March 25, 2009 5:16 PM in response to Where to put the kitchen?

I don't know the answer, but I will say our house is recorded as a two family, but it's really a one family. Each time we've had it appraised, the lynch pin for the bank's assessment was whether we had two kitchens. Because we only have one kitchen, they always valued it as a one familty.

Posted by: cornetor at March 24, 2009 11:54 AM in response to Two kitchens

I tried build it green to take my old cabinets, but they weren't willing to drive out to pick them up. However, put them on craiglist and you should get plenty of willing takers. I got rid of two kitchens that way, and I even earned a little extra $$. a little.

Posted by: cornetor at March 10, 2009 5:44 PM in response to Cabinet recycling

We had ours done for about $800. When we had our building repointed, they did the paint too. The paint came out nice, the pointing less so. So no recommendation from me. But Transcend Construction has been getting high marks from the forum lately. Maybe they do this type of work.

Posted by: cornetor at March 6, 2009 6:12 PM in response to Paint a Cornice

I would just add that anyone considering Verrazzano Flooring might want to search the archives for other reviews.

Posted by: cornetor at March 6, 2009 2:06 PM in response to Wood Flooring Rec

Admittedly, I don't know what I am talking about, but can you get a regular doorbell, and then splice an extra button onto the wire leading from the original button to the device?

Posted by: cornetor at March 4, 2009 2:17 PM in response to 2-station door bell

We did a similar project last year, similar size, but included shower, floor and walls up to 4 feet. I think we paid about $2000. The contractor was knowledgable and helpful in so many ways. I was very impressed. Then came the finished product. It looked like someone else did it. It looks like he rushed the job at the end and I see all the little details that were done poorly.
I am really intereseted to know who you got quotes from. I had a hard time finding recommendations on the forum and the one I did choose had some lukewarm reviews. Now I know, never go against the forum.

Posted by: cornetor at February 27, 2009 4:54 PM in response to Wildly different tile estimates

We've chosen him to restore our front steps and recoat the rear facade. Not starting until warmer weather, but he's always received positive reviews on this site, so I am hopeful that lives up to it

Posted by: cornetor at February 25, 2009 11:50 AM in response to contractor feedback

I think you are reaching a bit. That is, unless you want to calculate the savings of using a gas dryer vs. electric.

Posted by: cornetor at February 11, 2009 5:17 PM in response to Dryer Venting Outside

I'm with gemini10. Brooklyn feels more real and down to earth, more neighborhoody. Manhattan is a nice, fun place to visit (and work). I love being so close to Manhattan, while still being able to live in a place like Brooklyn.

Posted by: cornetor at February 3, 2009 9:42 AM in response to Open Thread

That is going to look awesome in my bathroom! I can't wait for my tax refund!

Posted by: cornetor at February 2, 2009 5:37 PM in response to Own A Piece of History

Yes, well into the new year you will see them. We went last night too.

Posted by: cornetor at December 29, 2008 11:35 AM in response to dyker heights christmas lights

I'm ready to replace my water heater as well. I've been mulling this over for the past year, reading up on tankless heaters. I read a review recently in consumer reports, and I've decided to go with a 50 gallon tank heater. Each situation is unique, but the review estimated that for a typical household, it might take longer to recoup the initial cost than the expected life of the unit. At the very least, it seems like tankless are not yet the clear winner, so I feel safe going old school on this one.

Posted by: cornetor at December 29, 2008 11:34 AM in response to Tankless Water Heaters...Thoughts?

We used Junior Prates for skim coating and painting and he was very good and affordable. Others recommended them on this forum too.

Junior prates (Aida takes the calls)
508-567-5432/774-955-3804 or
willianprates68@hotmail.com

Posted by: cornetor at December 3, 2008 1:12 PM in response to Paint/Sheetrock HELP!

I was just reading about them in consumer reports. With the current cost of the unit and installation, then factoring in the annual savings, they say it can take as much as 18 years to recoup the additional cost. I've decided to buy a new tank heater this go around.

Posted by: cornetor at December 2, 2008 2:06 PM in response to Tankless hot water/heating system

Time Warner bites. But you already knew that. I wish Verizon would get their act together so we could try theirs.

Posted by: cornetor at December 1, 2008 2:08 PM in response to Cable Provider: Time Warner or Direct TV

Funny that this year I've noticed them more than any other year; acorns dropping like flies and laying all over the sidewalks. The crops are bountiful in bay ridge.

Posted by: cornetor at December 1, 2008 11:34 AM in response to Have you seen any acorns?

I can recommend www.harmonycity.com for good vacation rentals in NY. I have used them for relatives a few times.

Posted by: cornetor at December 1, 2008 11:30 AM in response to Brooklyn Vacation

Alternative: There are lots of 8 unit limestone buildings in park slope that have 1100-1200 sf of space. We used to live in one on 4th between 8th and the park. There were 6 rooms altogether (2 BR, Bath, LR, DR and office). The price seemed comparable to a smaller brownstone unit, I guess not having all the same brownstone "charm".

Posted by: cornetor at November 4, 2008 9:58 AM in response to Brownstone Apt Layouts - Park Slope

I would think twice about resurfacing/covering below grade masonry. Our brick foundation was "sealed" on the inside with some type of cementitious coating. That coating is dropping off in chunks, in both the front and the rear of the building, revealing deteriorated brick underneath. I think ground water seeps into the foundation, and has no outlet. And without being allowed to escape and evaporate, water gets trapped in the brick. My side walls are also sealed, but they are still in good shape (fully attached house). This indicates to me that the front and rear are suffering from exposure to the elements from the outside. In my case, I think I need to address the problem of water penetrating the exterior of my walls. Not an expert, but that is my observation in my home.

Posted by: cornetor at November 4, 2008 9:52 AM in response to basement

Is it OK to powerwash brick? Since it is porous, wouldn't you be forcing water into the brick and any gaps in the joints? I've heard of steam cleaning and chemical cleaning.

Posted by: cornetor at October 29, 2008 1:32 PM in response to Power Wash for brick wall

All day, everyday.

Posted by: cornetor at October 29, 2008 8:53 AM in response to Adobe Flash Popup

Sounds like the same feelings we had 3 years ago (and still appreciate today). I hope your stairs don't creak like mine, just ruining the whole second floor advantage.
Congratulations!

Posted by: cornetor at October 29, 2008 8:52 AM in response to Where is Wasder?

MAM electric on 3rd and 71st. Ask for Gary, tell him Torin sent you. And tell him to call me, I have some stuff for him to do!

Posted by: cornetor at October 28, 2008 4:40 PM in response to In Need of Recos for All Things Bay Ridge

My cousin is a member and last I heard he swears by it. He does alot of renovation work and purchases cabinets and fixtures through them to save his customers cash.

On the other hand, my sister-in-law joined years ago and has never taken full advantage of it, so now they want to opt out (there is an annual maintenance fee). I've often browsed their catalog when we needed things, but never found anything I'd want to buy.

Posted by: cornetor at October 23, 2008 9:46 AM in response to Direct Buy?

Sorry for butting in so late in the life of What (not having followed the historical trail of predictions), but who exactly is the What's anger aimed at? Just curious, it would give me better perspective on the discussions, although I enjoy them regardless.

Posted by: cornetor at October 23, 2008 9:39 AM in response to The prefect financial storm has hit land..

If you do a search on the forum, there have been some recent posts about radiators for sale.

Posted by: cornetor at October 20, 2008 10:29 AM in response to Looking for Two Vintage Porcelain Bathroom Sinks

We have large gaps in our flooring and the previous owners plugged them with putty. It looks awful and pieces are always breaking off. You want to make it air tight, so maybe some type of caulk could work if you kept the bead below the surface of the floor.

Posted by: cornetor at October 20, 2008 10:26 AM in response to musty smell - located!

I hesitate to pipe up after vinca's awesome post, but I recommend you check out the front gardens on 11th or 12th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues (it's the block on the south side of the Ansonia Clock Building). People have put in some creative plantings and those are looong front gardens.

Also, on 2nd or 3rd Place in Carroll Gardens, between Hoyt and Clinton, there are a number of buildings with lovely front gardens. Since some face north and some face south you can get ideas for your specific situation. If you go on a weekend, you might catch some of the owners in their gardens; I've found them to be particularly friendly and interested in talking about their choices.

Enjoy your project!

Posted by: South Sloper at June 7, 2009 12:57 PM in response to Landscaping help for front yards

I think this was already suggested before but let me post the same link, I love this medicine cabinet as well.

http://www.thehardwarecity.com/?sku=5132162

Posted by: pinkwedd at June 17, 2009 11:52 AM in response to Medicine Cabinet

I can recommend a very talented German handyman who did work on my house and have referred him on to three others. He can do just about anything and is a real bargain in NYC. He does not market himself and goes strictly by word of mouth. Send your contact information if you would like more to andru3 at gmail.com.

Posted by: renomandru at July 8, 2009 6:06 PM in response to Handyman required

Highly recommend Bill Tancredi 917.620.6328 or billtancredi@gmail.com. He is local in Cobble Hill and has been doing highly skilled work (large and small projects) for more then 15 years. I'm sure you'll be satisfied.

Posted by: Laura Louisell at July 10, 2009 9:09 PM in response to Handyman required

contact mr luis 3478674695

Posted by: yurigmushainti71 at July 14, 2009 11:08 PM in response to Handyman required

contact mr luis 3478674695

Posted by: yurigmushainti71 at July 14, 2009 11:09 PM in response to Handyman required

i recommend NY Brite. they are not cheap but they do an absolutely thorough job. for a big job, they will have a team come and a supervisor to evaluate the work required and make sure the instructions are understood. i have used a couple of services in brooklyn that i was not thrilled with.

Posted by: i disagree at July 20, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Cleaning Service Post-Reno

Contact Erick The Skilled Electrician Reliable & Trustworthy @ (347) - 512-4869
References Available Upon Request
Thank You & God Bless

Posted by: RickInstallation at July 21, 2009 10:49 PM in response to Cleaning Service Post-Reno

Try Buscarello. I understand they have a pretty sizable stockpile of bluestone. They get bad reviews from customers of their sidewalk and facade work but presumably buying a piece of stone from them would be a more straightforward transaction.

Posted by: grand army at July 27, 2009 5:55 PM in response to Need a Piece of Bluestone ASAP!

I need to add to my original post and also to answer to tanner. I did have one problem with Transcend. My job ran 3 weeks and the last week Nick took his crew to a different job in Staten Island. He subbed out the last part of my job to another masonry company which was to add new brick to the front of my home. Nick promised in the beginning that he would do it so it looked like it belonged to the original building. The subs did a half-assed job and the design and brick color don't even match the house. When I complained to Nick he said that the color will change to match over time. This is my first house and having no experience with contractors, I beleived him.

Twice after that I made apointments for him to come back and fix a few minor issues with the job and I intended to ask him to do more work in the house for me, but he didn't show up for either appointment.

Well, its now been a year and the brick still looks lousy. I would add a word of caution when using Transcend and that is to get it in writing that his crew will do your entire job and he will not use subs. Its a shame I had to add this complaint on to what was otherwise a nicely done, but somewhat overpriced, job.

Nadine
Bay Ridge

Posted by: premadas at July 27, 2009 6:36 PM in response to Transcend Construction (was LN Masons)