Local Contractor Recommendations
Hi — I have a few challenges and looking for some local contractors that are familiar with working with brownstones and details.
Challenge(s):
1 – I have a shed under the stairs that rodents are getting into. Need repair or better options to seal.
2 – Help fix finishes around the home to make sure they are high quality and fit brownstone aesthetic.
Thank you.
Thanks
smileyface
in Renovation 1 day ago
3
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cate | 18 hrs ago
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Potentially you could use a carpenter who works in old townhouses in Brooklyn or a cabinetmaker, depending on what it is. Sometimes Dyke’s or Adriatic will have the parts you need or can replicate them or you can go to (or the carpenter may have or work with) a wood shop that can custom replicate the elements needed. For historic staircases specifically, there are people who specialize in repairing and restoring them, and typically they also have a wood shop or work with one. For example, when we needed to replace one missing baluster in our staircase, a carpenter arranged with a wood shop in Queens to make it and installed it. When we needed to replace an entire flight of stairs, we went to a carpenter who specializes in stairs, and our regular floor guy finished the treads. Other carpenters have installed molding and bead board and repaired dish cupboards and drawers for us. We had a knife made for the bead board and it was produced by a wood shop. Existing wood drawer runners can be repaired but missing ones have to be replicated in a wood shop because the profile has to fit the drawer. Etc.
smileyface | 20 hrs ago
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@cate — Thanks for responding
Re: Finishes — This is about areas and nooks where molding, banisters, and cabinets were installed. This is less about the repair of specific historic pieces that I’d need a specialist for but someone that can help to fix some of the ‘builder grade’ work that was done.
cate | 1 day ago
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A handyman or contractor who specializes in sealing holes to keep out vermin can probably fix the shed — assuming the door closes fully. There is such as outfit that has been recommended here but not recently and I cannot recommend people because I work for Brownstoner.
Re the finishes, could you be more specific? Wood refinishing and plaster repair, for example, need specialists not general contractors.