hotrodz23's Profile

  • 1956
  • Brooklyn
  • Carroll Gardens
  • House
  • Male

Author's Posts

September 30, 2009

Cabinet Pulls

Does anyone know where I can find cabinet pulls for my kitchen where the screw holes are 4.25" on center?

Thanks

September 17, 2009

Permits and Estimates

I have three questions regarding getting exterior work done to a brownstone that isn't in a landmark zone.

1. What permits and license's should I ask for and what's the proper way to ask/see if they have these permits/license's?

2. When getting multiple estimates, what is the best way to go about not accepting the the one's you don't want?

3. What is the best way to try to lower a price on an estimate that you think is to high?

Thanks in advance for your help.

September 15, 2009

Contractor Rec. and Reviews

Has anyone used the services of M.R.S. Incorporated (www.mrsincorporated.com), Technical Innovations Corp (http://technicalinnovationscorp.com/), Brownstone Authority (http://www.brownstoneauthority.com/), or Park Slope Brownstone Renovation.

I am currently repairing my wood cornice, but am looking to do some renovation in the future as well, both interior and exterior. Any input is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

September 12, 2009

Brownstone Cornice Repair

Hello everyone, this is my first post on Brownstoner. My grandfather owns a Brownstone in Carroll Gardens and is looking to repair the cornice on the back of the house. When he had the back of the house repaired and the people doing the job had the ropes for the hanging scaffold right over the cornice which caused it to sag and pull away from the roof where the ropes were.

It is made of metal and I was wondering if anyone knows of a licensed contractor that they have experience with that can fix this cornice?

Thank you for your help.

Author's Comments

@mamaday - I actually just had the same job estimated these past few days for a rear cornice replacement. I would love to talk to you about what I found and maybe exchange information about contractors and pricing. Please e-mail me privately if you would like to exchange info. kraizekaninemc at yahoo

Posted by: hotrodz23 at September 17, 2009 1:11 AM in response to Scaffolding

@Wasder, I haven't started anything on the cornice just yet, I am starting to make calls to get estimates. I was looking for reviews of these companies because they were the most heavily recommended for other Brownstone projects on this forum.

Posted by: hotrodz23 at September 15, 2009 1:29 PM in response to Contractor Rec. and Reviews

Update: the cornice material actually might be made of wood or metal.

Posted by: hotrodz23 at September 13, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Brownstone Cornice Repair

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

You're talking about repairs that can be very expensive. Have you spoken to the guys who damaged the cornice, either for a reduction of their charges and/or for repairs? What were the terms of the contract and insurance they provided?
Some sources below. If not willing to take on your job, they might be willing to recommend others:
http://www.preservinc.com/about.htm
http://www.yatesrestoration.com/Yates_History/yates_history.html
http://www.afcornice.com/
See also: http://www.randpc.com/ask/ate_ReplaceCornice.html
And this old Brownstoner post on cornices: http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2005/06/close_up_on_cor.php
My own experience with Metro: Had to schedule more than one appointment before they showed up, and never received a bid afterwards.

Posted by: vinca at September 13, 2009 1:04 PM in response to Brownstone Cornice Repair

I would not recommend Metro. They did a big job for me - repointing the brick facade and brownstoning the stoop of my four floor home. 1 year later the step chipped but after calling repeatedly I keep getting the 'yeah, yeah, we'll fix it next week' line for the last 5 months!
Clearly they do not stand behind their work.

Posted by: rukiddingme at September 13, 2009 6:50 PM in response to Brownstone Cornice Repair

I have used guy called Shahab Udin for many types of work.Repointing, stoop building, He has painted my cornice and put special wire to keep pigeons off,etc so I would bet could do this.
His cell is 646 523-7155. Very pleasant to work with.

Posted by: Petebklyn at September 14, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Brownstone Cornice Repair


Mopar - They do external stuff so far as I know: masonry, brownstone work, roofing, cornices. But that's only what I've used them for - they may do other things.

Posted by: Arkady at September 15, 2009 3:44 PM in response to Contractor Rec. and Reviews

I have worked with Patrick and his company. Patrick was a very cooperative contractor providing me with an afforadable deal along with quality service. I remember him mentioning that he is a brownstone specialist. I believe he would be able to do this job. If you are interested you can call him at 1646-945-7315.

Posted by: josh55 at September 15, 2009 5:34 PM in response to Brownstone Cornice Repair

Erick Good Electric Contractor 347-512-4869 Ask For Erick

Posted by: OldManSam at September 16, 2009 2:00 AM in response to Contractor Rec. and Reviews

I've used Mike Streaman of MRS, Inc. He's a good guy and did a great job on a park slope town house gut. You can see a picture of it on his web site (on the "about us" page: second from left) and has done some repeat business for the same client in his wine stores, also on the website.

He was also recently the featured contractor on This Old House, Brooklyn series, shortly after he completed our project. He doesn't try to be the least expensive, but he's worth his price, and then some.

I'd be happy to work with him again.

Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture

Posted by: JimHill at September 17, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Contractor Rec. and Reviews

You do not need DOB approved scaffolding for certain wall under 40 feet. Most reputable contactors will install their own scaffolding saving you 4-5 thousand dollars.

Posted by: downtowner at September 17, 2009 10:14 PM in response to Scaffolding

Thanks, Arkady!

Posted by: mopar at September 23, 2009 2:23 PM in response to Contractor Rec. and Reviews

I have worked with this one guy Rafique, hes been a contractor in the area for over 20 years and I've never had a problem with him. The quality of the work is great and the prices are of the lowest. His cell number is 718-791-1179

Posted by: tanive at September 25, 2009 2:37 PM in response to Brownstone Cornice Repair