Q: Having spent 2 years renovating and restoring an apartment in the West Village, I'm now residing on the UWS in new digs and am faced with a job that requires skills I don't have (or at least skills that I shouldn't attempt to gain as not to upset my Board). I'm looking to transform a closet into a sleep alcove. It will require knocking out a non-load bearing wall and moving some wiring.
Can anyone suggest a creative, reasonably priced contractor to help me with this? Any guidance would be appreciated, as I've always done the work myself and have no experience with hiring or sourcing for a project of this scale.
Sent by Susan
Editor: If you have any recommendations for contractors in NYC or places to research or get more info, please share them with Susan in the comments below - thanks!
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My friend recently started a referral website for this very thing! I don't know how many contractors are up yet, but maybe this can help: http://www.skillslate.com/
FYI - it's for the NYC area only right now.
Try the people at ServiceMagic. They have amassed a huge collection of handymen and contractors for all types of work, all pre-certified by them. www.servicemagic.com
Or call Robert Soto, who I found through them. He's a smart, honest, reasonably priced guy. 646-377-7924.
Check Angie's List (www.angieslist.com). I think it's ~$70'/year (at least for me, I live in Pittsburgh), but it's well worth it. My husband and I have used it to find a plumber, roofer, plasterer, painter, remodeler, pet sitter, pediatric dentist, tailor, vet, carpet store, vacuum repair, blown insulation, dumpster, tire service, mover, dry cleaner, cleaning service, and more. Knowing that a company has been highly rated by lots of other people gives us peace of mind when hiring a contractor.
Try James at West Village Contracting (http://www.westvillagegc.com/). Great service and very good work.
Have you tried www.angieslist.com ? If not--do it! Also, definitely get references and CALL THEM! Ask if you can come see their handywork. Even if the recommendation is from a close friend of family member--I would definitely try to see at least one example of their work! Good luck!
Whoops! cmarriott beat me to the punch! At least that's 2 votes in the right direction!
Hi Susan - I'm a very affordable interior designer specializing in NYC renovations, and my General Contractor & subs are great - all licensed, insured, experienced & reasonable.
You can see some of our projects at http://www.lifestylespacedesign.com & AT has featured my own Manhattan studio - "Kittie's Tiny Tudor City Triumph" & "Kittie's Precision Micro Kitchen"
I'd love to discuss your project with you!
Thanks,
Kittie
Hi love it - thanks for the info about skillslate!
I can't even explain how I've had the WORST luck with contractors in NYC. I'd like to know a good one too.
Call Scott Colon at Bullfrog Builders (718)228-0199. They are working on a large reno for me currently.
It goes without saying to check references thoroughly. And it's best not to ever pay the contractor directly. Use a title company to disburse funds, and make sure lien waivers are submitted. Have a contract outlining the pay schedule and when the work is to be completed. A professional, experienced contractor will agree to this. They are as worried about not getting paid by you, as you are about paying someone who disappears.
Hello All~
Thank you so much for your suggestions.
This process is so overwhelming! Every weekend I'm tempted to buy a sledgehammer and just go for it - :)
Recently, I talked w/ a designer that I loved but who didn't have contractors available to do the work. Then I talked w/ a contractor 2 times who suddenly went MIA. My gut told me not to pursue him any further. He's still MIA.
I look forward to posting updates and (fingers crossed) a finished project.
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Susan
Also, familiarize yourself with building codes in your area. You may need architectural and/or engineering plans if you are moving a load bearing wall. If you move electrical, you may be required to upgrade other electric to code.
I have the best contractor in NYC. He is currently renovating my loft in the village which you can follow on my blog noholoft.blogspot.com. He can build all the things you need and do all the work of installing.
You can contact me at anash@yahoo.com for details
Adam
Word of caution: Verify what your building/board requires before doing any renovations (check to see if they have an alterations agreement).
For small jobs I would recommend Toby at Betterbuilt: www.betterbuiltnyc.com or Bill at Old City Construction: billtancredi at gmail dot com. They are not the absolute cheapest, but I have found that it is much better to pay a little more for good craftsmanship and communication. It ultimately saves on time, money and headaches.
Ask the neighbors whether any of the building's staff do jobs like this. If the job is straightforward and the staff have a track record and the licenses required, that might be an option.
Filip Wolfart at Modern Construction. Fantastic, really! Tell him that Yetta sent you. I did all of the research and these guys come out on top.
I would definitely check out Angie's List first. It may sound a little unorthodox but the site is actually super helpful. Good luck! http://www.wilsonbrothersroofingco.com
I usually try servicemagic first; they give me a list of people in the area..