I have soapstone countertops in my kitchen. We had them fabricated at Texeira's (SP), which I believe is in Hackensack - so maybe that's the place you've found. They were great to deal with.

We've been quite happy with our countertops, though soapstone isn't for everyone. Depending on the finish you want, you have to oil it to keep it dark and unmottled (the natural look is pretty pale and mottled). At first you have to oil it a couple times a month to keep it dark, then it starts to keep the dark look. But, anywhere that water hits tends to return to the paler/mottled look. So, the area around the sink would need continual maintenance to really look solidly dark all the time. Also, it is soft. Scraping a pot across the surface or dropping something heavy on it will definitely leave a mark. Often the marks are slight and disappear when you oil the surface, but you can end up with some dings that you can feel, if not see.

So, not for you if you want no-maintenance or if you want it to look perfect all the time.

That being said, it doesn't stain at all and also doesn't burn. You can put pots right onto from the burners with no harm at all. If you like a matte look, it's worth considering. Honed granite might give you a similar look with less fuss, though.

At Texeira's, you can go and pick out your slab - pretty fun. We also got a sink made out of the same soapstone as the countertops, which looks great. I'd recommend considering it.

Posted by: twocats at September 14, 2009 3:35 PM in response to Sopstne Kitchen Countertops

I think it sounds reasonable. We paid about 13,000 for a two-family rewire in 2006, and our neighbors just had a similar job done with the some company and said prices were up somewhat because of the price of materials, etc.

Posted by: twocats at June 26, 2009 11:27 AM in response to $14,500 For 3-Family Rewire?

You could try Joan McDonald at http://www.gardensbyjoan.com/. She is one of my favorite teachers at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I haven't used her as a designer, but I think she has a great sense of landscaping style, and a wonderful sense of how to combine plants. She offers an hourly consulting service, so that could be a good way to work with her.

Posted by: twocats at June 15, 2009 4:43 PM in response to Backyard designer

You can also offer an extra pet deposit - basically more security deposit, in case your pets cause damage. Also, as a landlord, I always feel better when people understand that certain things might be tricky issues, and present them as such, rather than assuming it will be ok. Which is just to say that you are approaching the dog issue with the right attitude...

Posted by: twocats at May 13, 2009 1:40 PM in response to landlord preferences

We generally call in our readings - and we ask our tenants if they want us to do it for them, too. All you have to have is their account number, as long as you have access to their meter. One of my neighbors take a digital picture of the meter, prints it up, and tapes it to the front door on the day they're scheduled to come. It seems to work for her.

Posted by: twocats at May 13, 2009 1:23 PM in response to ConEd meter access

Hi, and welcome to the neighborhood. I take my cats to Pet Haven, which is at the intersection of McDonald, Caton and Fort Hamilton. Dr. Jill Caruso is great.

My friends also take their car to the Shell on Beverly and Coney Island Ave. While you're over there, you can get some good Bangladeshi food at Madina, right across the street (a hole in the wall, but delicious food) and you can go just a couple blocks down Coney Island Ave to NYC ICY for dessert.

People swear by Yolanda, who is a haircutter on E. 4th near Caton.

Posted by: twocats at May 13, 2009 12:37 PM in response to Newbie

I highly recommend Hub Moore. hub@hubmoore.com He's done a ton of work in my house and I'm happy with all of it. He installed my kitchen, which involved difficult materials, he built multiple built-in bookshelves and cabinets, he built a deck floor on a porch, as well as a fence and bin for garbage cans. He also rebuilt a doorframe and installed a tile floor. He's great to work with. You can tell him Lorca referred you. He has a website that I can't quite bring to mind, but if you email him he can give it to you.

Posted by: twocats at May 1, 2009 5:59 PM in response to Carpenter / Handyman

Hub Moore is a terrific carpenter, and he has a great design sense. He did a ton of work in my house and I'm very happy with all of it. He's also a great guy and wonderful to work with. hub@hubmoore.com

Posted by: twocats at April 13, 2009 6:02 PM in response to Carpenter recommendation

I highly recommend Shalom Flooring. It's run by the sweetest guy, Daniel. We had a lot of floors done in our house and we got bids from Verrazano and from Shalom - I don't remember if one was much lower or higher, but I don't remember a huge difference. I definitely came away feeling like Shalom would give much more personalized service. Daniel is like a flooring artisan - he really takes time to figure out the best solution - as well as the most economical. 516-942-4478. You got probably just get him to look online at the picture you have posted and he could give you his thoughts.

Posted by: twocats at December 30, 2008 7:04 PM in response to Speed bump in our livingroom!

Shalom flooring is wonderful - 516-942-4478. Daniel, the owner, is like a flooring artisan and would be very into saving old floors.

Posted by: twocats at November 12, 2008 6:00 PM in response to refinishing old floors and wide plan sub floors

Hi Green Roof Guy -

Will the class you're going to be teaching be open to the public? I'm very eager to take a green roof class and would love to get information about yours. Thanks!

Posted by: twocats at November 3, 2008 3:00 PM in response to Finally Planted!

Thanks twocats, fqp and benson once again.

Posted by: Biff Champion at May 4, 2009 7:58 AM in response to Carpenter / Handyman

Thanks, twocats, for your reassuring remark.

What would be a reasonable extra pet deposit amount? Let's say, for example, we found an apt. for $2500, and were paying first, last, plus security.

Also, how would you (or anyone here) recommend dealing with brokers on this issue? I sort of see brokers as barriers to entry, screening out every possible negative factor. I have friends who just rented an apartment in Bay Ridge and the broker asked for all kinds of financial documents -- understandable -- plus current landlord recommendation letter plus other rec. letters.

Deal with brokers the same way we would if we were talking directly with owner?

Posted by: cpchkp at May 14, 2009 11:58 AM in response to landlord preferences

Thanks for the kind words, Denton.

I am Diana at Fun City Design. Just to clarify, I base my pricing on an hourly rate and do my proposals based on what the individual job requires. The <$500 that Denton quoted is a little bit misleading only because he uses the word 'plans'. These were not fully articulated CAD plans with accurate measurements and dimensions indicated or full planting plans. What we worked on together was really just the very initial phase of a full project, just the rough, hand done concept sketches with verbal suggestions for materials, etc. to explore ideas because he is not ready to start his project in full. And pricing will always depend on what each client needs for their particular project so it's really hard to ballpark without knowing the details. I am always happy to discuss anyone's needs and answer any questions to that effect.

funcitydesign.com

Posted by: kensington gal at June 16, 2009 2:39 PM in response to Backyard designer

Joan McDonald is very talented and good to work with.

She really helped us to create a low-maintenance garden. I installed a timed, drip irrigation system and now I (basically) don't have to do any yardwork or watering.

Posted by: sososlo at June 16, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Backyard designer

Joan McDonald is very talented and good to work with.

She really helped us to create a low-maintenance garden. I installed a timed, drip irrigation system and now I (basically) don't have to do any yardwork or watering.

Posted by: sososlo at June 16, 2009 2:46 PM in response to Backyard designer

It is a lot cheaper than having to rebuild after an electrical fire. Do it!

Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 12:08 PM in response to $14,500 For 3-Family Rewire?

That sounds awesome. I received a bid of $25,000 from an unlicensed and somewhat inexperienced electrician on a two-family (three stories) that needs a new box and new wiring on every floor.

Who's the electrician? Are they licensed? I want to use them.

Posted by: mopar at June 26, 2009 6:09 PM in response to $14,500 For 3-Family Rewire?

That's a relatively low bid for a good electrician. How many points?

Posted by: raphael9 at June 26, 2009 7:01 PM in response to $14,500 For 3-Family Rewire?

WWW.BULLFROGNY.COM They are General Contractors with a large electrical dept. Contaqct them and mention my name if you would like another estimate.

Posted by: Phil at June 29, 2009 10:17 AM in response to $14,500 For 3-Family Rewire?

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 10:43 PM in response to $14,500 For 3-Family Rewire?