Engineer

They're going to take pictures of your house regardless of whether they have permission or not. They'll simply stand on their property to do it. Far better that you are informed of their intention to do so and to cooperate with them in advance. That said, I agree with the other responses in that you should also do your own documentation of the existing conditions, including pics of the vacant lot, for your own purposes should the need arise.

I'll also go one step further and advocate for your taking pics of the project as it moves forward. Even the best developers make mistakes and it's in your best interest to document each step of the process. I'd personally be very interested in work that they do near the foundation.

Posted by: fauxvic at February 17, 2008 12:31 PM in response to new building going up next door

Hugh Hardy's office? www.h3hc.com

Posted by: fauxvic at April 10, 2008 1:44 PM in response to Contact for hcubed?

I've been very happy with Shaul Betesh and Tina Blakeman at Manhattan Mortgage. either of them can help you out. Prior to being at Manhattan Mortgage, they were at Guardhill Financial, a boutique mortage broker on 57th Street. Alan Rosenbaum, President of Guardhill, is also worth having a conversation with.

Posted by: fauxvic at April 13, 2008 8:46 PM in response to mortgage broker ?

While I understand some of the anger towards State Farm in the continuing wake of Katrina, they have been our carrier on our 2 family in Ditmas Park for the past 6 years. During that time, they've been nothing but professional, handling our single claim very well and keeping our premiums very reasonable with only nominal annual increases. currently paying ~$2600 for theft/damage/liability.

Posted by: fauxvic at May 14, 2008 2:08 PM in response to Getting Dropped By Allstate

I 2nd Master Plvmber's Python rec. I used them recently to snake a clogged main sewer line and they were super quick, super professional and very reasonable. After hours call out was $369.

Posted by: fauxvic at June 4, 2008 1:52 PM in response to Bklyn Plumber to Snake a Drain?

I'm guessing you already know this but Mary K. Gallagher is the go to agent in the area. Her only significant competition is Brooklyn Properties. Both Mary and Hal Lehrman (owner of BP) live in the area and they seem to get the best prices for their listings. Many of our neighbors have bought from them and I have yet to hear any major complaints. Barring those two, your options dwindle to Brooklyn Hearth and Julie/Kestyn. I used Brooklyn Hearth for our rental property and found them to be average but I don't know Julie enough to comment.

Posted by: fauxvic at June 16, 2008 1:53 PM in response to Ditmas Park Realtors

Anybody used TriState ? I just got a quote that was reasonable for a 2 family, 3 story in NCrown Heights.

Posted by: guest at May 15, 2008 4:02 PM in response to Getting Dropped By Allstate

What a terrible accident and damage, 10:36.

There's not one person who can say State Farm would have paid that claim, if it had been State Farm not Chubb. Even those who are fans of State Farm fully know they wouldn't have paid it.

Posted by: guest at May 15, 2008 5:57 PM in response to Getting Dropped By Allstate

State farm isnt the best, but it isnt the worst either.

Posted by: slick at May 16, 2008 10:14 PM in response to Getting Dropped By Allstate

So we were just dropped by Allstate too...apparently the reasons are going to be sent out shortly in the mail. We live near the Brooklyn Children's Museum Brooklyn/Bergen...so I don't know how it can be for flood damage...

Posted by: guest at May 27, 2008 10:24 PM in response to Getting Dropped By Allstate

$369 oh my God, are you kidding me? I guess you own the place as you're paying for the plumber. First, I woulnd't use draino, especially if you live in an old Brownstone as it can destroy your plumbing. Second, find yourself a handyman who will do this for $60 or less. It takes about 10 minutes tops. Or, go buy yourself a snake from Lowe's it's not that hard to do yourself and it will probably happen again in the future.

Posted by: Brooklynnative at June 4, 2008 2:42 PM in response to Bklyn Plumber to Snake a Drain?

I used RotoRooter http://www.rotorooter.com/ to snake out my tub drain.
Cost me around $370 also. It's ridiculous but I had to get it done because the slow draining tub was getting on my nerves. Took them 10 mins to run their power tool and swipe my card.
I'm in the wrong business.

Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 3:22 PM in response to Bklyn Plumber to Snake a Drain?

IF YOU ARE AT ALL HANDY -small hand-held electric snake by general or milwaukee pays for itself after one use - this should handle sinks, lavs, tubs and toilets (as long as blockage is in toilet). This works about 90% of the time.

not much different than using a drill or a kitchen top cake mixer although not as pleasant

Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 3:42 PM in response to Bklyn Plumber to Snake a Drain?

Go to Home Depot and buy this for $30:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100094697&categoryID=500944

Works like a charm.

Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 4:00 PM in response to Bklyn Plumber to Snake a Drain?

It really all depends on what kind of clog you have. Some years ago, I had a clogged sink drain and asked a friend of mine, a plumber's assistant to come and clear it for me. After his chemical treatment and manual snaking proved unsuccesful, my drain was even more clogged; he gave up and advised me to call in a plumber. The plumber showed up with an electric hydraulic snake -- which failed as well. He called for his boss. The boss arrives and determines that its time to completely remove the drain pipe and replace it. Explanation offered to me was that, after 100 years of grease and debris going down the drain and compacting, the pipe could not be saved. (Yes, I was shown the compacted pipe). Charge to me for repair? $1500! And that didn't even include the cost of tile repair! I suspect I may have been taken for a ride. But, ever since then, I have taken great care not to pour cooking grease down my drains and I will never simply dismiss a clogged drain problem -- especially in this old house.

Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Bklyn Plumber to Snake a Drain?

Call Rich at 347-760-8623, he's efficient and inexpensive.

Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Bklyn Plumber to Snake a Drain?