renovations + deck + security system + insanity?

i never thought i would be This Person, but we are in the process— the long, slow, frustrating, exciting, nail-biting process — of buying an old Brooklyn limestone. It needs a fair amount of work, though it’s pretty mechanically and structurally sound. Our main issues are: 1\. window replacement 2\. building a deck and stairs on top of the garden (rental apt) extension, so we can access the yard from the duplex 3\. fixing a patch of subflooring in the rental then putting down plain oak floor boards in two small rooms. 4\. getting some sort of security system installed, doesnt need to be fancy or hardwired 5\. converting from oil to gas (my understanding from obsessively poring over brownstoner forums is that it’s better to use an outside person rather than national grid’s direct services, though i’m hoping there’s an opportunity for rebate) eventually, we will update the 2 duplex baths and a kitchen, but we want to focus on the above, esp 1 -3, first. we plan to refinish the floors and paint ourselves, as well as doing some of our own demolitions. can anyone recommend a great general contractor who can do all of this (except 4, which I assume we will do through a security company)? the deck has to have an engineer’s plans filed through DOB, and we want to roll all the work, including future kitchen/bath, into one permit, **IF** that is the logical inexpensive move. thoughts? recommendations? WARNINGS?! i am bracing myself for the cost… (we already have one estimate and it’s not as bad as i’d feared)

clairebear246

in Construction 11 years and 11 months ago

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handyrenny | 11 years and 10 months ago

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Hi, we will more pleased to help you with all the issues and concerns. Call Us 646-221-9147 Free Estimate. Thank You! Renny

jbbeta | 11 years and 10 months ago

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Second the reco for Alarms R Us – super responsive, friendly, helpful, etc. Gabriel Iron Works was the sub for our deck – I was quite happy with their work. We did a steel deck with an Ipe overlayer – passed inspection without an issue.

tjbk | 11 years and 10 months ago

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I propose using Froinpoint Security for your alarm system. I joined Angie’s List (what a waste) and found a promo for $300 for a cellular security system with 2 indoor video monitors, 7 door and window sensors, 1 motion sensor, and a couple glass break sensors. I installed most of the devices with a 3m adhesive strip. I like the fact that the systme is cellular based and does not require a landline or wifi (the camera needs wifi to live stream via the alarm.com app).

agdipierro

in Construction 11 years and 10 months ago

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Protect yourself and your house. Hire an architect.

Guest User | 11 years and 11 months ago

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When it’s time to put the security system in, I can recommend Alarms R Us (corny name, but great company): http://www.alarmsrus.com/. They are a local, family owned business that friends of mine used and recommended and we used them as well and were very satisfied.

jockdeboeraia | 11 years and 11 months ago

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Give Curated a call at (917) 509-8751\. You will need an architect as a contractor cannot file plans with DOB.