ptlnyc's Profile
Author's Posts
April 30, 2009
what does a house keeper cost?
I feel like I have been paying too much for house cleaner. 150.00 for 3 floors in a townhouse. she cleans @ 4 to 5 hours, and I pay her cash. Does anyone have any rec? thanks
December 22, 2007
Another Great Plumbing Job
Just wanted to recommend Rick Nowak. Installed two sinks in my townhouse and had to do carpentry work to finish it off. Great job, great price. You can e-mail him at rhnowak@nyc.rr.com or give him a call at 347 678 5547.
Author's Comments
Mohamed Ben Ali is fantastic he is here now fixing some electrical problems as we spaeak.
6462264575
good luck
Posted by: ptlnyc at June 15, 2009 9:49 AM in response to need a licensed dependable elect
I have been using Stafford Elliot for years. I think he is fantastic, well priced, and very good at his job. His number is 917 414 3516. good luck!
Posted by: ptlnyc at May 30, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Hardwood flooring
I have used Mohamed Ben Ali for several jobs now.I think his company name is M&N high tec. He and his partners are really professional, on time, clean, they go over the job and are always to do the job correctly. Fair prices and he is licensed.
Give him a call.
6462264575
Posted by: ptlnyc at May 26, 2009 7:12 AM in response to Seeking electrician recs
I would get another quote. I have a furniture guy who can truly make anything, honest a bit old school-no email, just a cell phone but does beautiful work. let me know if you want his name and number. he is from upstate new york but coming to do some work for me this week.
Posted by: ptlnyc at May 19, 2009 8:13 PM in response to Layout Q regarding built-ins
sounds great. any photos? when did he start and how long did it take?
Posted by: ptlnyc at May 18, 2009 2:19 PM in response to My Plasterer Recommendation
I just bought a Liehberr-which I love. I have been going to Krups Kitchen and Batha in NYC on 18th for years. They always have the best prices. Go there in person, you may have to wait. Ask for Mitchel or Wayne. oh, they sell all the fridges you mentioned too.
Posted by: ptlnyc at May 14, 2009 5:06 PM in response to Built In Refrigerator
hey, thanks so much for all the advice and referrals! i thought $20 an hour was a decent hourly wage.:)
Posted by: ptlnyc at May 1, 2009 9:57 AM in response to what does a house keeper cost?
i used she referring to the house cleaner.
Posted by: ptlnyc at April 30, 2009 11:53 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?
hmmmm, thanks. did you hire your person from a company or was she an independent contractor?
Posted by: ptlnyc at April 30, 2009 11:10 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?
My tenant Stephen Pino has done beautiful work in my home. A wood door with glass and just recently a custom set of bookshelves that matches the molding of my 1870s home and looks as if its been there forever.
His number is 718 858 1712.
Posted by: ptlnyc at July 9, 2008 6:32 PM in response to Bookshelves
My tenant Stephen Pino has done beautiful work in my home. A wood door with glass and just recently a custom set of bookshelves that matches the molding of my 1870s home and looks as if its been there forever.
His number is 718 858 1712.
Posted by: ptlnyc at July 9, 2008 6:31 PM in response to Cabinet maker reccomendation?
My tenant Stephen Pino has done beautiful work in my home. A wood door with glass and just recently a custom set of bookshelves that matches the molding of my 1870s home and looks as if its been there forever.
His number is 718 858 1712.
Posted by: ptlnyc at July 9, 2008 6:29 PM in response to Built-Ins
I just used Mohammed Benali in by brownstone in Boreum Hill.
He moved 2 outlets, 1 wall switch and rewired some fans and created 2 new spots for pendant lights in the ceiling. He did a great job.
He is licensed, on time, and professional. 646 226 4575.
Posted by: ptlnyc at July 9, 2008 6:24 PM in response to Need a Electrician
I just used Mohammed Benali in by brownstone in Boreum Hill.
He moved 2 outlets, 1 wall switch and rewired some fans and created 2 new spots for pendant lights in the ceiling. He did a great job.
He is licensed, on time, and professional. 646 226 4575.
Posted by: ptlnyc at July 9, 2008 6:23 PM in response to Electrician referral needed to have a bathroom outlet moved
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
i'm going to say that whether you're getting a fair deal or not depends on whether your house is clean when the job is done. i've paid more using services (because that includes tax, etc.) and paid less for one-time help here and there. i wouldn't pay less than $20, for the reasons others suggest. but for $30 an hour you definitely can get someone who cleans very well, is easy to communicate with, etc. if your current cleaner doesn't fit that profile, look for someone else.
Posted by: i disagree at May 1, 2009 1:01 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?
I think $30/hour is quite high. If that person were to work a 40 hour week they'd make over $60K per year.
I wouldn't mind having someone come in once per month to help me clean. Someone who could oil the woodwork and help with the high places. Any recommendations out there?
Posted by: bessie2 at May 1, 2009 2:59 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?
If you're worried about fairness to cleaners (which I would say is definitely a major issue), then I might recommend this company: http://www.zenhomecleaning.com/index.htm
A friend of mine used to work in their office, and from what I've seen the workers are paid very fairly and get pretty good benefits. A bit more expensive than most ($25-35/hr), and I've never used them, but they're ethical and I'd say it's worth looking into.
Posted by: collin85 at May 1, 2009 3:36 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?
I pay $130 to have two floors cleaned every two weeks--she spends around 6 hours here and is extremely thorough. I think this is a fair price.
Bessie, I guess you've never attempted a consulting gig. See if you can fill your dance card for 40 hours a week, every week. And house cleaning is hard work.
Posted by: tinarina at May 1, 2009 6:13 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?
bessie2- why should it bother you if a hard-working cleaning woman (or man) earns 60k a year? If they do good work, and they're honest and reliable, that's all you need to worry about.
Posted by: bxgrl at May 1, 2009 8:31 PM in response to what does a house keeper cost?
I have installed many Sub Zero refrigerators and many Viking ranges. Both perform well but are not that reliable. I would say you have a 1 in 4 chance of needing service in the first year. Price them at Drimmers, PC Richards and MCKB http://www.mckb.com/ MCKB provides good service which you will probably need. I'm not sure about the others.
Posted by: edifice rex at May 14, 2009 6:06 PM in response to Built In Refrigerator
I have a liebherr too, which is working fine so far (1 year). I also bought it at Krups Kitchen and Bath, which had pretty good prices.
I'm puzzled as to why a fridge wouldn't work and require servicing - I thought they were like televisions and only broke down after 20 years.
Posted by: Frudo at May 15, 2009 9:47 AM in response to Built In Refrigerator
Another thumbs up for the Liebherr. We bought ours at Karl's Appliance in Orange, NJ. www.karlsappliance.com. Like Krups, they sell all the brands you're considering. But they are 10x the size of Krups with a ginormous showroom and an equally big parking lot. Besides good pricing, they also have especially good customer service. Ask for Dino.
If you want to know about performance/reliability issues with any appliance, check out the Appliance Forum at the Garden Web: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/appl/
HTH
Posted by: Brooklynista at May 15, 2009 11:10 AM in response to Built In Refrigerator
Hey Appliancenut. Of course you will disregard my last suggestion. I just saw that you're already there! Good move that.
Posted by: Brooklynista at May 15, 2009 11:19 AM in response to Built In Refrigerator
Anyone looked at the new Miele fridges? They look pretty nice, but perhaps are too new?
They seem to be around the same range price-wise as the vikings and sub-zeros.
Posted by: sunspot19 at May 16, 2009 12:26 AM in response to Built In Refrigerator

I have been using a man named Roberto for the last 3 weeks. He is amazing, professional, clean, on time and very good at plastering, painting and general repairs to trim, doors, locks etc.
I pay him 250.00 cash per day.
Roberto
347 425 3494
good luck
Posted by: ptlnyc at June 19, 2009 8:01 PM in response to drywall /plaster work