Recs from Renovation
Hi all, just finished up an extensive reno project that I basically contracted myself. In the interest of giving back to this community from which I pulled a number of good referrals – here are some picks for tradespeople i was pleased with: green light expediting – chris and manny were amazing with getting my…
Hi all, just finished up an extensive reno project that I basically contracted myself. In the interest of giving back to this community from which I pulled a number of good referrals – here are some picks for tradespeople i was pleased with:
green light expediting – chris and manny were amazing with getting my lpc/plumbing/work permits together. around 4 weeks…in a landmark district. www.greenlightexpediting.com
kevin boyle – excellent and trustworthy carpenter, who hung all my doors, did trim work, kitchen cabinet install, bathroom cabinet fabrication. also does custom furniture – he custom built our dining room table out of american walnut and it looks amazing. he was basically running the show when i was at work and helped with key design considerations. kevinmboyle at yahoo dot com
john hlad plumbing – moved the kitchen from the garden to parlor level, added a parlor bath, replaced old gas lines to rental units, ran vent to roof, got boiler in order for heating season. joe/andy know what they are doing and show up on time, solid work.
rb wyatt – (pick based on brownstoner forum) joe did a great job on my custom shower door, 84 inches high, 1/2 in glass, looks great and feels solid, pro install.
ricardo iron works – (pick based on brownstoner forum) built a steel deck and stair from parlor to garden level. very reasonable pricing and work came out just as expected.
windows we are – (pick based on brownstoner forum) created screens and replaced some clouded glass in existing windows.
a&a chimney – (pick based on brownstoner forum) andre’s team opened up a bricked over fireplace on parlor and converted to wood burning. built a firebox/smoke chamber, ran steel liner up to roof. all seems to work well…messy work and glad i did it when the place was a work zone.
Hey guys, it’s my pleasure. Fireplace project was $5k and the shower door was $1800.
Thanks, Pickles, for this post. It is generous of you to take the time to give this information to us. This is why I love Brownstoner.
To 12345: I was a GC for 28 years, and it will probably be more cost effective if you hire a general contractor because there are so many trades involved. Are you working with an architect? That would be helpful because the most important part of getting the best price is getting every single detail of the job decided before you start pricing. Are you working with an architect? PLAN PLAN PLAN!
A good GC will get a better price than you would because each trade: 1.probably relies on him (or her in this case) for a good percentage of their yearly income 2. know that the job will be properly coordinated 3. the GC has spent years putting together a remuda of the best mechanics and suppliers because they have to bid most of their jobs 4. will know which trades he can do in-house 5. Will already have the knowledge about all problems before they are problems.
I’m starting to meet with g.c. for a small bathroom & kitchen reno, but $$ is tight and my husband and I have discussed acting as our own general contractors. Can I email you to ask more specific questions? We’d really like the advice of someone who’s been through the process.
^— How much did he charge for the glass frameless shower doors installation? Ballpark figure would be nice.
i def second rbwyatt for shower doors…our glass frameless shower doors are gorgeous!
thanks for the post – what did the fireplace entail and cost?
we are constantly debating getting our fireplaces working, some actual numbers might help the decision…
I second John Hlad Plumbing. They did a great job replacing my boiler and hot water heater, and at a good price, as well as countless smaller jobs around the house.
Great post. Thank you for giving back!