We just recieved a tip from Rusty about his contractor, Ming, who he says is very good. The only drawback is the language barrier. Ming can be reached at nycsming@yahoo.com:
I just wanted to let you know of the contractor we've been using for our new place. Four other of our friends have also used him and all have been quite happy with both the price and the results...
We had new bamboo floors installed (after levelling the subfloor), new window frames, pocket door, all new recessed lighting, all new bathroom, and a bunch of other stuff. The only downside is that they're Chinese so the communication isn't always superb. But other than that we've been very pleased.
(Thanks, Rusty!)

Comments (6)
i hired Ming of Public Contractors to do some work on an apartment on the upper east side in manhattan - custom built in closets, kitchen pantry, removal of a wall and custom sliding doors. i am extremely happy with the results! ming's workers are efficient and kept the apartment clean every day. i've worked with other contractors before and this is by far the best i've experienced. there were no communication problems, especially through email and he doesn't bother you for payments. i'll definitely hire them again for future renovations. i'd be happy to give someone more info - you can email me at peachorama at gmail.
This is (Ming), Shuming Li. It was nice that my client Rusty put my information on the Apartment therapy website. I would like to introduce myself as follows: There are 60 workers in our company. We do the high end renovation work, and our working area is in Downtown and Midtown Manhattan only. If you are interested in requiring, please email me the floor plan and your scope of work at nycsming@yahoo.com. I will reply all the email that you sent to me. Please don't call me. I am very busy. Thank you.
Ming and his crew are currently working on my apt renovation and it's been great. They show up on time every day and work throughout the day. They re-did my entire kitchen/bathroom, removed the popcorn from my ceilings, put up walls/pocket doors, and put down new flooring. I've been very happy with the results thus far and am excited to see the place when it's completed. In addition, Ming always answers his email in a timely manner.
Colton/Peach - Can you give me Ming's number, contact info?
Thanks
Sorry - just saw the contact info above.
DON'T USE DON PERRONE based in Brooklyn. His company did a bathroom renovation mid-January which he said would take 6-8 days to finish. It's even listed as completed on his website which it clearly is not. 2 months later and I'm still waiting for his plumber Doug to come replace the shower body that he broke. I call and text and email and they either don't return my calls or they don't show up when they say they're coming or they keep saying tomorrow, tomorrow. Not to mention, Doug put in my new tub not knowing how to install the trip lever (which stops the drainage), and I wound up with a really cheap push drainer because the trip lever will not function unless he removes the tub. STAY AWAY from these guys.