Richard Perri @ Professional Home Inspections 718-828-9116 is fantastic. Honest and thorough.

Posted by: nyflicka at August 31, 2009 5:03 PM in response to Engineer recommendations wanted

We renovated using all Ikea cabinets and splurged on nice countertops, tiles and appliances. It looks great after 3 years. We love it. We had www.traemand.com rip out and install all the Ikea cabinetry (recommended Ikea installers) they were very professional and done in 2.5 days and hauled away our old kitchen.

Posted by: nyflicka at August 31, 2009 12:53 PM in response to IKEA Kitchen

Stay away from Aguayo & Huebener they are slimy crooks. There have been many an unfavorable post about them.

Posted by: nyflicka at August 9, 2009 2:26 PM in response to 660 Bergen: Shady!!

Why so many trillions of years?

Posted by: nyflicka at August 4, 2009 8:22 PM in response to Stripping Stoop Paint

Thanks for all of the input. I think we'll have him strip the old stuff off and then see what we have underneath. If it looks good we'll leave it.
If anyone has other ideas, I'm open!

Posted by: nyflicka at July 31, 2009 4:59 PM in response to Painting Stoop Stairs?

Yeah, not landmarked and already painted. If you have a suggestion of paint type that'd be much appreciated. Like I mentioned, the masonry stuff is all very light.

Posted by: nyflicka at July 31, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Painting Stoop Stairs?

our ikea kitchen still looks great after 2.5 years. we cook a lot and it looks like new.

Posted by: nyflicka at July 30, 2009 5:26 PM in response to Ikea Installers

Hi

I used Traemand 2 years ago and they were excellent. Our old kitchen was out and the new one in in 2.5 days, just as promised. I paid them an extra $300 to dispose of all the old kitchen stuff. I know the other company is good but they took forever just to return a call --but the times have changed since then.

Posted by: nyflicka at July 30, 2009 9:19 AM in response to Ikea Installers

We have used Carlos Mendoza for years now. We trust him implicitly (he has our key all the time) and he's become a friend. He's meticulous, reasonable and VERY good at his job. His number is: 917-535-4017

Tell him Michelle from Bond St suggested you call. He's very busy in general but it's totally worth a shot.

Posted by: nyflicka at July 29, 2009 9:44 AM in response to Looking for a Painter

Here is a link from a thread about A & H from 18 months or so ago. I added my 14 cents.
http://www.brownstoner.com/forum/archives/2007/10/roslyn_huebener.php

Posted by: nyflicka at May 6, 2009 4:53 PM in response to Aguayo & Huebener broker?

I'm not sure what neighborhood you are in, but the Hoyt St Association is having a their annual plant sale this weekend in Boerum Hill - on Dean between Hoyt & Smith all day Sat & Sun.
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=31&id=27769

Their basil has been fantastic!

Posted by: nyflicka at April 30, 2009 10:21 AM in response to herbs in brooklyn

Someone else asked this, but I haven't seen an answer: What about Jumbo Loan Rates for 30-year fixed? Are those going down too? We have 6.25% now which is great but I'd love to get it down if possible.

If you've had luck with a Jumbo refi, where did you go?
Thanks.

Posted by: nyflicka at April 16, 2009 5:27 PM in response to Mortgage rates

Hmmm...have you tried BARC in Williamsburg? Just another thought.

Posted by: nyflicka at April 1, 2009 9:26 PM in response to Beautiful kitty needs good home

There are a number of local vets that have adoptions - Animal Kind of 7th Ave in Park Slope and Hope Vet on Atlantic Avenue. There are many options other than the pound! Good luck.

Posted by: nyflicka at April 1, 2009 1:21 PM in response to Beautiful kitty needs good home

Last year I used Julie Cummings :http://www.juliecummingsurbangardener.com/index.html

She completely revamped our backyard - rebuilt a bluestone patio in back and built a really cool bar. She and her team were great.

Here's a link to my "Garden of the Day" pictures:
http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2008/07/garden_of_the_d_19.php

Posted by: nyflicka at February 17, 2009 10:41 AM in response to addressing my backyard..

According to Streeteasy it is "no longer available" - it did not seem to go into contract. It may have been taken off the market. Here's a link:
http://www.streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/316502-multi-306-washington-ave-clinton-hill-brooklyn

Posted by: nyflicka at January 4, 2009 10:32 PM in response to 306 Washington Avenue

The Clover Club on Smith St - Boerum/Cobble Hill. They have a great back room for parties and a very cool drink and small bites menu. It's a fun place to go. www.thecloverclub.com

Posted by: nyflicka at November 23, 2008 5:48 PM in response to Party Venue Recs?

Yes, thunder.

Posted by: nyflicka at October 28, 2008 9:02 AM in response to Explosion at 8:50am?

Yes, Kingsway Exterminating: 718-859-8448. Richard & Joseph Kourbage. Nice, honest, prompt guys.

Posted by: nyflicka at October 8, 2008 4:38 PM in response to Mice have become insufferably cavalier about strolling through my home

I think that buying bulbs or some rhizomes etc online is fine : www.whiteflowerfarm.com or www.springhillnursery.com. But I would agree with the rest about not buying live plants or trees online. There is an excellent and very well-priced nursery called Rosedale nurseries a friend turned me onto(www.rosedalenurseries.com)up the Hudson about 40-minutes, much cheaper than anything here in the city. Good luck!

Posted by: nyflicka at September 30, 2008 9:46 AM in response to Buying Outdoor Plants Online

Yes, hello Mordy.

Posted by: nyflicka at August 18, 2008 8:22 PM in response to This CO-OP got me going

I highly recommend Ryan Fortier too. He's a good honest guy.

Posted by: nyflicka at August 5, 2008 5:39 PM in response to Can anyone recommend good insurance agent?

Thanks, Biff & Park Sloper. It is a quirky language for sure... quite odd to hear when you don't speak it. Glad you like the trägård (garden in swedish).

Posted by: nyflicka at July 30, 2008 5:53 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Refining in Boerum Hill

Ja, Park Sloper
Jag är halv svenskt. Är du?

Posted by: nyflicka at July 30, 2008 3:32 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Refining in Boerum Hill

Hey "i disagree"- so you've been here before? Cool. It is an interesting block, with so many yards back to back. We are certainly lucky not having so much canopy around us for sure. And the open space around us really lets the breeze and light come in. The lot right behind us is empty - something is will certainly go there eventually, until then...

Posted by: nyflicka at July 30, 2008 1:41 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Refining in Boerum Hill

Thanks guys. Yea, we pretty much have turned into hermits. I can never get home fast enough.

Posted by: nyflicka at July 30, 2008 11:52 AM in response to Garden of the Day: Refining in Boerum Hill

This (the original post)has the stink of Aguayo & Huebener written all over it.

Posted by: nyflicka at July 7, 2008 10:23 PM in response to owner backs out of offer

Richard Perri @ Professional Home Inspections, 718-828-9116 is a fantastic engineer/inspector. He takes his time and really schools you on everything he sees.

Posted by: nyflicka at May 23, 2008 9:04 AM in response to INSPECTION

We put in an Ikea Kitchen. I actually went to an amazing blog called "Ikea Fans" and there are designers who run the blog. They designed our kitchen for free - with lots of input from us. Saved it onto the Ikea design website, then we just went to Ikea, printed out the order, rented a truck and brought it home. Then we had one of the official Ikea installers rip out and dispose of our old kitchen and put in the new one. We used www. traemand.com. They were excellent and done in 2 1/2 days. We had a separate plumber and electrician do the other stuff. Good luck.

Posted by: nyflicka at May 22, 2008 9:32 AM in response to IKEA Kitchen

just bought a few myself from:
www.gardenerssupply.com

very nice.

Posted by: nyflicka at April 21, 2008 6:38 PM in response to Self Watering Planters

I went to Kimera on Atlantic Ave.
http://www.kimeradesign.com/frames/atlantic.html
She made beautiful silk curtains for us. Good luck!

Posted by: nyflicka at March 26, 2008 6:24 PM in response to seamstress

I went to Kimera on Atlantic Ave.
http://www.kimeradesign.com/frames/atlantic.html
She made beautiful silk curtains for us. Good luck!

Posted by: nyflicka at March 26, 2008 6:23 PM in response to seamstress

Just fyi, we have had none of the problems Rick referred to. It's been very good.

Posted by: nyflicka at December 20, 2007 9:00 AM in response to Wireless doorbells?

We actually just bought a great (and stylish) looking one from the MOMA design store online - of all places. It's Jim Jensen's design and has 5 different tones. It's pretty nifty, easy to install and has great range. We have a 3 story brownstone. momastore.org

Posted by: nyflicka at December 19, 2007 9:07 PM in response to Wireless doorbells?

Jack Gavin at St John's Woodworking does lovely work and is a really nice guy:
http://www.saintjohnsplace.com/

Posted by: nyflicka at November 8, 2007 8:59 AM in response to custom cabinets

We moved to bergen & bond in january and this nabe is fantasic! Are there projects nearby? Yes. But this is NYC and there are projects everywhere. We have experienced no problems. Bergen & Hoyt is really lovely. It's a great area because it's nearly all brownstones. It gives off a great vibe. Good luck!

Posted by: nyflicka at November 3, 2007 7:12 PM in response to Bergen & Hoyt--Good location?

9:57- you are likely right there.

Posted by: nyflicka at October 29, 2007 10:02 AM in response to Roslyn Huebener Strikes Again

As I said, their job is not to become "friends", it was just a happy coincidence. If you use them know that you have been warned. You may think the Bush administration is "good at their jobs" too.

Posted by: nyflicka at October 29, 2007 9:53 AM in response to Roslyn Huebener Strikes Again

I couldn't agree more. Since the hell they put us through last year, I have been trying to get the EXACT same words out there as much as possible. It's not "hot air wasted". You do not need to be a venal, horrible crook to sell a place. In fact, the place we ended up buying was through a lovely broker who is now our friend. Not that they need to be your pals either, just business-like. A & H, completely screwed up our deal. Roslyn was calling me, sometimes 8 times a day, trying to get me to drop "the silly mortgage contingency" on our contract. "Everybody does it". The broker under her that we were working with had no idea that Roslyn was trying to work on a different deal with someone else when we had already written a 6-figure check for the down payment. I'd get her calls too crying about how Roslyn is behaving strangely. It was like high school with giant $$ amounts attached. Eventually, and blissfully the deal fell through. They ended up getting 30K less for the house than we offered and closed 3 months later than we did on the great place we found that week. A& H are the most unethical bastards I have seen. They should go down. Call it hot air, but they are the worst of the worst.

Posted by: nyflicka at October 29, 2007 9:41 AM in response to Roslyn Huebener Strikes Again

I loved Movers Not Shakers too. They were exceptional 718-243-0221. Tell them Michelle from Bond St sent you.

Posted by: nyflicka at October 19, 2007 9:15 AM in response to Good Moving Companies

This has the filthy stink of the crooks at both offices of Aguayo & Huebener. Is it common? Yes. But they are the worst of the worst.

Posted by: nyflicka at October 12, 2007 6:15 PM in response to Making an Offer and the Shady Real Estate Broker

We are having the same problem and getting the parks dept to get back to us regarding the "free" program is near impossible. Can people provide the phone # for J & L Landscaping, or anyone else for that matter? (we are not landmarked). Thanks!

Posted by: nyflicka at October 12, 2007 8:34 AM in response to Sidewalks and bulging tree roots

landry, I'm glad that it's working out for you and that you're satisfied, but I wholeheartedly disagree that it's of no concern that the agents are pushing illegal modifications as a selling point. Red flags are flying galore.

Posted by: jland at August 9, 2009 10:09 PM in response to 660 Bergen: Shady!!

jland
Im not saying its of no concern. If you feel strongly about it, you should report them. I just think its not going to go anywhere. If the agent is suggesting that someone could add an "illegal bathroom" and they are telling them that its illegal then im pretty sure the agent will not be held responsible for what the buyer does.
And while I think its incredibly stupid for the agent to be doing that, I think that if you are going to purchase an apartment, no matter what an agent tells you, you have to do your own homework and read the offering plan. I have had agents tell me ridiculous things and never in a million years would I just take their word for it. *Especially* something like that.
From my perspective, if you *need* a 2 bathroom apartment then that particular one is not for you. But if you decide its worth the risk to your investment to purchase it and add the suggested "illegal bathroom" then you should also be willing to assume the responsibility and not just say "well the broker said I should do it".

Posted by: landry at August 9, 2009 10:38 PM in response to 660 Bergen: Shady!!

Landry, surprised at your strong tone here. Clearly you understand that if the agent gets reported and ANYONE IN YOUR BUILDING TAKES THE ADVICE OF THE BROKER AND THE DEVELOPER, and builds an illegal bathroom the ENTIRE building is in trouble and could be shut down. Sounds like the developer and the broker are encouraging this, so yeah, the buyer is the dope, but surely you are not naive enough to really believe that this will not impact the entire building. That's what you get from buying with a shady developer. Good luck!Remember, it only takes one buyer...

Posted by: condoinbklyn at August 10, 2009 10:28 AM in response to 660 Bergen: Shady!!

Landry, Congratulations, but you probably are wise enough to not ignore all the concerns being raised. As 10:28 pointed out, you may not be causing the problem but I am pretty sure a resident on the 4th floor duplex will be putting up a bathroom illegally and that's when you get into trouble for none of your fault. (Keep in mind that, it will also cause depreciation of your unit because your unit will be seen as part of the condo that promotes illegal alterations...remember you are in a condo, not a single family home).
Just think about it, why would anyone buy those units for over 600K for only a 1 bed / 1 bath without being able to increase the value of their investment by making legal alterations? As you said, anyone smart will not purchase the 4th floor units for the listed price of a 2 bed (when it's only a 1 bed) but the fact of the matter is that there are 4th floor duplex listings in contract and most likely they were coaxed into the deal by the broker suggesting them ways to add an illegal bathroom.
If you read the prospectus thoroughly, I bet you will find the statement that even if any of the dwelling in the building adds illegal alteration, the complete condo building will be slapped with violation by DOB as per NYC law. (Just be prepared to save your a** or confront your rogue condo-mate if you hear some constructional disturbance vibrating through to your unit).
Things could go either way, but as jland puts it, red flags are flying galore and hopefully that illustrate the potential, but serious, pitfalls for prospective buyers. I can't believe that you actually went ahead with purchasing a unit at 660 despite getting a hint of the slimy reputation of the broker / developer when they suggested illegal alterations to you when you were being shown the duplex units. That's a red flag right there about the way they do business! I wouldn't be comfortable, but apparently you are!!

Posted by: JRT at August 10, 2009 4:51 PM in response to 660 Bergen: Shady!!

The biggest issue to me as far as the broker is that A & H aren't selling it for what it is. They're selling it as something else once you do what they suggest. They're selling the top units as potential two bedrooms when in fact they are not.

Posted by: jland at August 10, 2009 6:25 PM in response to 660 Bergen: Shady!!

Over the years, I have installed five IKEA kitchens. I even used their source for the countertops (several different surfaces) and they have always been delivered just perfectly measured and made. The kitchens have held up very well, and people love the way they look. My current kitchen is about five years old and still looks good and works well.

BTW, I mix IKEA cabinets with high-end appliances, lights, sinks, faucets, etc.

Posted by: dylanfan at August 31, 2009 12:54 PM in response to IKEA Kitchen

We've installed two Ikea kitchens, in an office space, and in a weekend house that sees heavy rental activity in summer. Both have held up well over the past seven years. The cabinets are all solid.

Good advice to opt for a quality countertop. We had a countertop of Ikea butcherblock in one of the kitchens, and it's starting to split near the sink. But that's after seven years of summer renters.

Posted by: buttermilk channel at August 31, 2009 1:48 PM in response to IKEA Kitchen

Big fan of ikea kitchen cabinets. Did one in the rental and wish we'd saved the time and aggravation of going fancy with our own and waiting through endless delays. Whomever you use, make sure they've done one before and know how to do it. Much better than anything double the price at HD or Lowe's. Talk to your contractor about how to deal with measuring.

Posted by: slopefarm at August 31, 2009 2:14 PM in response to IKEA Kitchen

also like our IKEA cabinets at weekend house. Just bought some more for a wet bar area we are making (we are pissed at them for order notication problem but that is other issue).
Big plus is that if you get tired of look you bought in few years ...just buy new doors in another style...they will fit onto existing cabinets. For the price can't go wrong.
And easy enough to assemble yourself.

Posted by: Petebklyn at August 31, 2009 2:25 PM in response to IKEA Kitchen

I think Dylanfan is right on. We used high-end appliances and tile with Ikea, and it looks great. Our contractor installed, but next time I would do it myself (we assembled the cab bases).

The caveat about Ikea is that it doesn't look like anything BUT Ikea (this is either a good thing or a bad thing). Durability sort of depends how you use it (we have 2 kids who like to bang on things) but if the doors get chipped replacements are cheap.

You'll also have to do all the ordering/purchasing yourself (It took me four trips to Paramus for our kitchen).

Posted by: Bolder at August 31, 2009 4:19 PM in response to IKEA Kitchen