Hello AT,
Help! I am paralyzed by my home repair needs. I would love to find one person who could do a number of little jobs, from unclogging a drain to installing a new bathroom sink/cabinet and lights. Is this an impossible dream -- should I just suck it up and call separate people for plumbing, etc., or is there a one-stop shopping solution?
How can I find someone?
Thanks, katie
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have you spoken with your super? ours is always looking to make a few extra bucks and he's my go-to guy for a lot of things. if he can't do it, he knows someone who can.
neighbors are naturally a good source of info as well.
also try your local hardware store. (don't know if you're in nyc or not, but tribeca hardware on chambers street has a guy they send out on jobs like the ones you describe. even if your h'ware store doesn't offer this service, i'm sure they have a dozen business cards from guys who do.)
Two handyman sources that I've used in NYC are
1. Service Magic (www.servicemagic.com)- for refininshing my hardwood floors, but they will hook you up with local contractors + handymen for all kinds of work. The nice thing is you can read reviews, and view their certifications, insurance information etc..
2. Boyfriend for Hire (www.boyfriendforhire.com)- who i used to install a new vanity, medicine cabinet and light fixture in my bathroom. This company will feret out a handyman to do just about anything- and they smartly market to urban women. FYI-they don't work Saturdays...
good luck!
One thing about the NY economy is that plenty of people with jobs are looking for extra work - my small job electrician has a fulltime museum gig, but changes light switches and installs fans evenings and weekends.
Making friends at the hardware store is a GREAT way to go. If they like you, they'll steer you to the good people.
And ask your neighbors!
I've also chatted up contractors at local construction sites, and get their recommends, or hire one of their guys for extra work since they are in the neighborhood....
Maybe it's because I'm often walking my dog, and live in a neighborhood where restaurants and renovations are constant being worked on by indie contractors. Anyway, it's a great way to get someone to move a fridge or do some small job plumbing.
Thank you guys sooo much. I have literally had my cabinetry picked out for six months but have just been paralyzed with the whole "who to do it?" issue. I am inspired to get it done now.
katie
Hi Katie,
I've had good luck with these two guys. They came highly recommended and I've used them for changing light fixtures and door knobs, fixing a leak in the kitchen, and hanging curtains and window shades. I know they do much more than that. Check out their respective websites to see if that's what you are looking for. Good luck!
Christine
1.Mike Trupiano
212-561-0058
917-841-8032 (cell)
HANDY IN THE CITY
WWW.HANDYINTHECITY.COM
2.Mark Gabor
212-475-1757
917.748.8348(cell)
GOlden Hands
richbuyer.com/goldenhands
If you are in New York City, I have one outstanding suggestion- Thomas Doane.
He has been a contractor in the West Village for some 25 years. His clients are all his friends. He does not advertise, strictly a word of mouth guy. A carpenter by trade, he is remarkably helpful and has done everything from townhome restoration to putting in medicine cabinets. His prices are considerably less than most tradesman, and a bit higher than handymen, but, his work is nonpareil.
He is someone who will help you even if he is not going to do the work. He was nice enough to offer me some of his custom triple-blend white paint, which gave my walls that light grey I was shooting for. He also suggested a more prominent baseboard for my place since I am going more contemporary and I love it.
Lastly, when I had my hardwood floors redone, which he does not do, he insisted I use a "sand sealer," before applying the stain, since he described oak as "finicky," and worried that the stain would be uneven. Home Depot did know what this was, even the head of the dept., and Janovic was confused until someone finally knew what I was talking about. The guy who did my and a neighbor's floors said it was unnecessary, but I spent the extra $50 and the difference is astounding. My neighbor is still arguing with the floor sanders about their work, since the stain come out unevenly. They blame the old, dry floors. Unfortunately, they did hers first.
Perhaps that is common knowledge, but, no one seemed to know much about it.
I can't say enough about the guy, and yes, I am biased for sure.
His number is 212.929.2248. Tom lives on Bank Street in the West Village and is great about working with budgets. He is remarkably low key by the way, a sleepy disposition, and a dry sense of humor.
Dino