Supers & Resident Managers Technical Association of New York

Question #828: I was wondering how much a landlord can usually charge a billboard company to put a billboard on a building. Is it a monthly flat fee, revenue sharing, or both? Is it a different fee for a traditional vinyl billboard and for a digital billboard? How long is the lease generally? Can a landlord usually break the lease? Post your answer

Answer: There are various arrangements but it's usually a percentage of the revenue. The rates are negotiable. Some of the more desirable locations can obtain a fixed fee per month whether or not the sign is rented. 10 years is typical - 5 years happens but usually not less. The companies that do this have iron-clad leases and teams of lawyers, so very rarely can you get out of the lease. This may encumber your property if you intend to sell. Derek Bupp

Question #823: I own and live in a one bedroom condo of a 350 unit complex in Manhattan. I would like some guidance in holiday tipping for the super, doormen and maintenance personnel. Post your answer

Answer: If you go to our website's search page and put in tips OR tipping or a similar search string, you will get links to lots of pages on this site with information and opinions about tipping. Also see this super's blog for more links to information about this subject.

Question #815: I am wondering what the average salary is for an experienced superintendent? Post your answer

Answer: Without knowing all the facts like size of building, staff size, location and duties, to answer this question is difficult. But a very rough rule of thumb is for buildings with less than 100 apartments, and normal duties the salary range is approximately $45K to $60K. Of course there are always exceptions to this. There are too many variables. I can tell you of a super with 27 apartments, full staff and he earns $70K. Then another super with 500 apartments short staff who earns $72K. Peter Grech, GBOC

Answer: Read the Frequently Asked Questions section for the answer to a similar previous question.

Question #797:What is the maximum occupancy allowed in a one bedroom apartment? I have a child on the way and may have to break the lease agreement due to limited space. Will I be penalized for breaking the terms of the lease? Post your answer

Answer: To the best of my knowledge, there is no occupancy maximum in New York City. Check your lease, however, because the least may indeed limit the maximum occupants in an apartment. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #795: What is meant by a wet over dry area as pertaining to washing machine hook ups in a residential apartment buildings? Are there any laws or codes regarding this? Post your answer

Answer: Wet over dry: this is a term to describe when a bathroom is installed in one apartment and the apartment directly underneath that area has no bathroom. In most cases, bathrooms are built one over the other. In this case the bathroom (or laundry room) is not over another bathroom below. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #794: I believe my husband is superintendent material. We don't live in the city yet, still in Iowa. I wanted to know where or who he could talk to about specifically the technical aspects, he is welder, pipe fitter, etc. plus has a business degree, so would appreciate to know where we could go. Post your answer

Answer: He could start by becoming a member of a technical association in New York City for supers and other building support workers. I have an idea: why not join STA? Upon membership, he can post his resume online (several members report getting jobs in this way) and he can also post a Situation Wanted ad at any time. He is also welcome to call any of us on the Board and discuss specifics - just pick a friendly face and call. Many of our membership are happy to support other members in whatever way presents itself. Beyond that, he should be perusing the help-wanted ads in the local papers to see what's out there, and possibly calling some of them to see what are their specific requirements.

Question #790: My fiancé and are looking for an apartment. We found one through a realtor that we liked, and set the process in motion. Because the building is all or part co-op, we have to be approved by the co-op board before we can sign a lease. There is a $50 application fee - which we are fine with paying. However, when the real estate agent went to pick up the application papers from the superintendent, he demanded a $500 referral fee. Apparently, he is the one who let the agent know that the apartment was up for rent. We are getting together with the real estate agent tonight to discuss this, but I have really big reservations about paying this $500 for the apartment, especially if it doesn't even guarantee we will get it. Is this fee even legal? Post your answer

Answer: This sounds a bit odd. It sounds to me, since you need to have board approval, that you are renting a unit that has been previously sold to an individual shareholder. If that is the case, then you would not be leasing, but sub-leasing. If you were renting from the sponsor of the co-op, then you usually do not need board approval. While there are certainly variations, oftentimes shareholders in a co-op can only sublease their apartment for two years. Read the lease / sub-lease carefully before signing it.

Answer: Referral fees are really not legal in this case. The super represents the landlord, and NO landlord representative is permitted to collect a fee. To collect a fee, the super would have to have a real-estate broker's or sales associate's license. If the super told the agent, then the agent would need to work it out with the super - NOT YOU, since the agent is making the commission. The agent should pay it by check, then make formal complaints about it. (In the old days it was called "key money"). Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #787: I'm the owner of a 3 family house in Richmond Hill, Queens. The building is neither rent controlled nor stabilized. I occupy the second and third floors and rent out the first. The first floor tenants have been renting their apartment for 5 years, without any kind of lease. When they moved in I provided them with a stove, which they will leave when they finally vacate. My questions: Am I responsible for the repairs of this stove? What if the repairs become too costly, or the stove breaks down completely? Am I required to replace the stove? Post your answer

Answer:Whoever owns the existing stove is probably responsible for repair or replacement of that stove; check your lease for the details. If it isn't specified you may want to try to come to an oral agreement with your tenant.

Question #779: Is there any information I can get on the aptitude test for elevators union so I can study? Post your answer

Answer: Start your search here. And learn to GOOGLE, my friend.

Question #774: The super has instructed doormen in my co-op building to permit process servers to go to residents' apartments unannounced. A Deputy Sheriff serving legal papers was permitted to come to my door unannounced. I believe this violates my co-op tenancy rights. Everyone should be announced. What do you think, and what are the rules in most co-ops? Post your answer

Answer: This issue/question is best asked and answered by your co-op / condo board. In my building as in all my previous buildings, we permit any officer of the court to go up unannounced if so requested by the court officer. Buildings have different rules, ergo my suggestion in asking the board of your building. Peter Grech, GBOC

Answer: Your co-op may have a rule against this - most do - but if the (State or City) law states that you cannot impede an officer of the court in his execution of the law (it does), then of course that supersedes your house rules. Don't fight it, and don't insist that your doorman or super break the law for your selfish aims. Of course, as with all questions of the law on this website, this is just opinion, not even an interpretation of the law. Ask a lawyer for the real scoop. Glen Stoltz

Question #772: I'm a co-op apartment owner, 1 of 8 apartments, in a 4-floor brown stone in Brooklyn. Where can I look up for the subjects regarding to: (1) conflict of interest rules/laws, and (2), any work for building that may or may not require competitive biddings. Post your answer

Answer: These are very good questions, and could be brought up at our Small Building Support Group which will meet on August 8th (if enough people sign up). Conflicts of interest are complex issues; we devote whole seminars to this. When serving on the board, every individual must put private interests aside and act in the best interest of the cooperative. Board members should disclose to their colleagues any relationship they may have with any vendors, etc. that the building uses and should recluse themselves from discussions where they might have (or appear to have) a personal interest.

As for decisions regarding competitive bidding, each cooperative can set its own policy regarding the level at which to require competitive bids, using common sense as a guide.

Mary Ann Rothman
CNYC Executive Director
212 496-7400
250 West 57 Street, Suite 730
New York, NY 10107-0700

Question #771: We've been quoted a contract price of $2.73 per gal for No. 2 fuel oil. Does anyone know if there is a better price in the market? This price includes maintenance of burners and cleaning of the boilers. Post your answer

Answer:

Question #768: I have a tenant that was trying to connect the gas stove without contacting the gas company. The tenant's boyfriend was trying to start the stove with another three persons around, all of them got burned seriously. Do I need to worry about a law suit? Should I contact my lawyer? Post your answer

Answer: Yes, and contact your insurance company as well. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #760: Building inspectors declared my apartment illegal, how much time do I have to find a place to stay? Also should I be still paying rent to landlord who now states he is selling the house. Post your answer

Answer: I can not answer these questions since they mainly pertain to the law and not codes. My advice is to ask a lawyer. It would seem reasonable that you have at least 30 days to vacate. Moreover, since the apartment was illegal, why pay the rent. Again, a lawyer would answer these questions and perhaps you may have claims to refund of your prior rent to the owner since he was running an illegal operation. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #757: Are there any software packages that can be used to track NYC violations? Post your answer

Answer: HPD does this already. You don't need to. But if you want to, any good database program can do it. When I say that HPD does this already, I mean you can go online and find out what violations your building has, or for any other building. Go to HPD website. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #756: I thought I remember reading somewhere that window air conditioner installations now require a support bracket along the top of the unit so that the window is still operable. I have searched the NYC websites, but could not find verification. Can anyone confirm this? Post your answer

Answer: Yes, there is a law which is tacked on to Local Law 11. It is under Appurtenances only. You will not find it under Air Conditioning. Basically it states that an appurtenance, such as an Air Conditioning unit, that extends 10 inches or more past the window glass, must be supported by a bracket that is secured to the ac unit on one end and rests against the side of the building at the other end. If the unit is less the 10 inches past the glass, it may be installed by using a metal bar across the width of the window and secured to the window frame, but not the window itself. As always, check with your buildings architect about this. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #755: How can I apply to become a super? Post your answer

Answer: The best way to look for superintendent jobs in New York City is in the Sunday New York Times/job market. Also check the listings in this website in the job section and post your resume online*. The other way is to ask around and send resumes to property managers / companies etc. James Zammit

* WEBMASTERS NOTE: In order to post your resume on this site, you must be a current member of STA

Answer: The best way to find a new job is through word of mouth. Ask around, talk it up and keep going back to those who are in a position to know of jobs coming to light (such as other supers). Networking is a part of that. Let other supers and building support workers know that you're in the market, and stay in touch with them as much as possible. Come to STA meetings and let everyone know that you're looking and pass out resumes. Many of us will be happy to be on the lookout for fellow members.

Question #754: Is there a website that gives information about new building openings in Manhattan? Such as management company chosen, building systems installed etc. Post your answer

Answer: As far as I know, there are no websites that collectively keep such data. If you know the builder's website or the owner's website, some details may be contained therein. But your question brings up an interesting idea for our website as an addition. I will look into it. If you are interested in helping on this, let me know, as it would be a lot of work. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #752: How many female supers are there in Manhattan? in NYC? I am in first grade and doing a research project on community workers-I chose supers. I need the information by June 12, 2006. Thank you. Post your answer

Answer: I have tried to find out the answer to your question and didn't have much luck. Yes, there are Female superintendents. How many and where they are is the question. I believe that there are about 10-20 female superintendents full-time in NYC. There probably are a higher number part-time. Part-time would be where their husbands work all day long at a job other then at the building, and the wife takes care of the building in his absence. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #748: What are the training requirements and the duties for a person hired as a fire watch? Post your answer

Answer: Fire guards are required in order to reduce the threat of fires in a variety of locations. For example, they are required in places of public assembly, hotels, film studios, construction sites, office buildings and marinas. Fire guards are used when a sprinkler system is not installed, e.g., at construction sites. Fire guards are also used when an automatic fire protection system is shut down while being repaired. The fire guards are responsible for making sure that fire safety regulations are obeyed. Fire guards must have a good working knowledge of basic fire fighting and fire protection techniques. They must know the location of all fire protection devices in their areas of responsibility. They must make sure that these devices are in good working conditions at all times. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #746: I was wondering if you could help me with any information or advice on the following issue. My father has been a live-in 2nd super for 13 buildings, 260 units for over 10 years. No Union, very low-wage. The company wants to fire him for no specific reason, claiming “they are thinking of the future”. He is 66 years old. The buildings are rent stabilized and he has older leases with the previous landlord (buildings were sold to his current employer two years ago) which states that rent is waived as long as he is an employee. The new company hasn’t renewed this lease in spite of my father's numerous requests over the past year. I know that landlords are required to provide lease renewal for rent controlled buildings so it probably doesn’t matter that he doesn’t have a current one (?) I suspect the landlord is highly determined to have him vacate the apartment. The question is, given his old lease, will my father be able to legally remain in his apartment and start paying the rent amount stated in the older contract (probably a little higher by now) after he is terminated from the job? Post your answer

Answer: If your father has a proper rent stabilized lease, for his apartment, then the new owner must honor the lease. The law states that the owner must offer a new lease renewal 150 days or so before the lease expires. If you contact the Rent Stabilization Association they can help with what the new rent would be and also help your father settle this, by giving him better advice that I can. The other agency that can help would be HPD. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #744: What are some things I can do as a super to my building to get it ready for weather change? I need a spring/summer maintenance checklist. Post your answer

Answer: This Month, on May 22, 24, 25 check the calendar for dates, times and location, there will be a workshop on auditing a building and Identifying the top 10 items in your building. This would go hand in hand in what you asked for. Click here for more information. Peter Grech, GBOC

Answer: Our Association, STA has published a Free, three page pamphlet on Seasonal Maintenance. Email me your email address and I will email it to you. Anyone else interested in it, can also email me. Please put in the subject box Seasonal Maintenance. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #741: What is the generally accepted useful life of the following components of a buildings (in this case 16 stories 110 apartments) heating plant:

Fuel Tank
Burner
Boiler
Vacuum Pump
Heat Timer

Post your answer

Answer: The state Division of Housing and Community Renewal, DHCR has a schedule of useful life that they use when owners of buildings apply for a major capital improvements (MCI). For fuel tanks: in vaults - 25 yrs underground - 20 yrs. For Burners - 20 years. For boilers; Cast Iron - 35 yrs Steel Boilers - 25 Yrs. As stated below, any numbers are just estimates and greatly depend on the maintenance program being applied. Peter Grech, GBOC

Answer: A fuel tank (20-40 years) has a wide spread in useful life span, depending on type of fuel, below or above ground, and proper maintenance. It is essential that a tank be properly cleaned every 5-7 years, to remove corrosive sludge and moisture, that tends to build up on the bottom of the tank. A burner (20-30 years) varies, depending on type of oil and size. Larger burners, more often, tend to be rebuilt or upgraded, rather then total replacement. For instance, blower motors, relay controls, metering pumps, electric heaters, etc. are replaceable parts, that do get replaced on an ongoing basis. Boilers (5-60 years) Your building probably has a steel "Fire Tube" boiler. These, with proper ongoing tube cleaning and replacement, a proper and comprehensive water treatment regime, have been known to last over 60 years. I have seen some cast iron "sectional" boilers last as little as 5 years due to poor water management and return leaks. (return leaks allow for constant water make up, the fresh water is full of oxygen. The released excess oxygen literally rusts out the cast iron sections) Vacuum pumps, (5-15 years) vacuum pumps have motors, sometimes the motor fails, sometimes the pump fails, and the entire unit is replaced. Proper maintenance of steam traps and strainers are crucial in the long life of a vacuum pump. Heat Timer (10-30 years) The old electromechanical type were work horses, and relatively simple. Other then a motor or contact burning out, they lasted a very long time. The newer electronic type, while offering enhanced versatility and power, have not been around long enough, but if I were a betting man I would put my money on the older type as far as longevity. As an energy saving measure, Heat-Timer units should be re-calibrated by a factory rep every 5 years or so. It must also be noted, any of the above, often last longer then I indicated, under the management of a devoted and knowledgeable superintendent. Bill Aristovulos

Question #734: I have been working for Related Management for the past year as a concierge in one of their high rise luxury buildings in NY for the past year, I have been told that this company is one of the best in NY, does anyone have anyone have any feedback on them and their policies on in-company promotion? Post your answer

Answer: I have worked with Related Management on weatherization projects for the past four years. I have had good experiences with them. They own most of their buildings, so unlike most management companies, they have a real interest in making them work. You should first talk to the district manager for your building, if there is one. If not, then you might try to contact Hector Pinero, the Director of Housing, and ask him for suggestions. He can be reached at 212-981-3525. Jeff Eichenwald

Answer: The word "best" is a relative word. I would say though, Related Management is a very good company. I do not know about now, but in the past Related had always tried to promote from within the company. I would suggest that you make your intensions known to the Director of Maintenance or whatever title they have now (as things have changed in the past 10 years or so). Best way is to try to set up an appointment to meet with him / her. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #731: I heard the best way to get an apartment in NYC is to contact the supers. Is this true? How does one go about doing so? What steps do I follow afterwards? Post your answer

Answer: No, it's not the best way now, although it used to be. Brokers are the way to go most of the time.

Question #730: What does CFM mean? I can't get an honest answer. Please help me. Post your answer

Answer: CFM can stand for many things. The two CFM that apply to what we do, that I know of are: CFM when used in moving air. It is Cubic Feet per Minute. Which means the volume of air a fan moves in a minute. The other CFM is Certified Facilities Manager. Peter Grech, GBOC

Answer: From the technical background I come from, CFM means cubic feet per minute and it is a measure of gas or air flow. Joe Lambert, http://www.leonardpowers.com

Question #728: I would like to sell my 3 family home. How can I go about legally asking the tenants to move? One apartment has a lease which is almost up and the other has a month-to-month tenant? Post your answer

Answer: If you intend to sell your house, pick your broker. The broker has the answer to your questions. Dick Koral

Question #725: Will there be a strike of 32BJ in April. What are your thoughts? Post your answer

Answer: It seems that there will be a strike. The sides are far apart at this point and the unions and RAB do not seem to be budging in the negotiations. If I were a betting person I would not bet against it and begin to prepare for a strike. Alice Rossini

Answer: See this blog for yet another view.

Answer: To know the answer to this question would mean to know the future. We will know if there will be a strike one hour after the deadline/contract end. This is how it has always been for over 40 years. No one knows, and if they say they do, most probably they are guessing. The facts as of last week are that both sides very far apart. Peter Grech, GBOC

Answer: In my own humble opinion, both sides of the table have something to prove. Spurred on by the transit situation, the owners / co-ops feel they can leverage some "givebacks" while the union feels even more galvanized to push harder and further. Again, all this is my own opinion, however my advice to you, if you are a union worker that might go on strike, put some spare cash aside NOW. A long strike unfortunately will be felt in the workers pockets a bit more profoundly, whereas the owners/co-ops regrettably tend to have deeper pockets. Bill Aristovulos

Question #724: How can I get information on a building managing company? I am interviewing for a position with Hoffman Management and would like to know a little more about the company and some of their buildings and cannot find any information by searching the web. Does anyone have any info? Post your answer

Answer: Hoffman is a small to midsize management company. They have been around for over 25 years. I have heard NO bad news about them, therefore I think they are a good company. I met Mr. Hoffman about 18 yrs ago, and from what I remember he was a good manager. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #717: It is my opinion as an active board member for 6 years that management companies are not as professional or competent as they claim to be. Would you agree with that assessment? In my opinion, they are hired to manage all aspects of a property including the physical (building maintenance / operation), the financial (maintenance collection, arrearages, financial reporting), the personal (resident issue resolution, transfers, moves, renovations, and administrative functions. This is what they are paid for. However, it is my experience that the management companies of our property have NEVER done all these things well. In fact sometimes they did not do these things at all. What is the issue in this industry? Post your answer

Answer: Not ALL management companies are as incompetent as yours. Ask other buildings about their experiences with specific companies. Eventually, you will find a good one. Dick Koral

Answer: It has been my observation for a co-op to function successfully, a trilogy must be formed. This said trilogy should be comprised of three separate and equally important segments or divisions. The first should be the Co-Op board, and with this I mean the ENTIRE Co-Op board, not just the president or some strong arming single member. The second should be the Management company. And last, but not least, the Superintendent. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE, THAT ALL THREE SEGMENTS HAVE SHOULD HAVE EQUAL INVOLVEMENT. All too often, this three-way balance is not maintained, and Co-Ops fall apart. In short, think of a Co-Op as a ship. The board indicates the port they wish to go to, the management lays out the itinerary, and the super steers the ship to the port of call. All to often the "board" involves itself as to what should be on the menu in the dinning hall (Management's job) or will loom over the "Superintendent" and ask "are you SURE you are steering this "ship" in the right way". Yes, the managing company or the superintendent have their flaws also. But it must be said, that of the three, clearly the management company and the superintendent have the most experience in running buildings. This is fair, since most voluntary Co-Op board members may have great experience in other fields, but tend to have little experience in the running of a building. Yet many Co-Op boards micro-manage or even meddle in the day to day building operations, clearly a Management company and Superintendent areas of the trilogy.

My question to you is, honestly, did your Co-Op board give your various management companies the ability to function, or did your Co-Op board micro-mange or downright meddle in the day to day running of the building, thereby crippling the management company's ability to function properly. Bill Aristovulos

Answer: The above answers are from experience. I have worked with good and bad management companies, as I have with good and bad boards. Whenever I hear a critique from a resident, I always recommend that they become a board member and make changes. Barry

Question #711: What is BUR? Post your answer

Answer: BUR, in the roofing industry, stands for Built Up Roofing, which is a basically a technique of using different layers of overlapping and overlaid materials to create a waterproof roofing system. The materials and techniques used vary. Bill Aristovulos

Question #708: Sprinkler systems can have a water motor gong, an electric bell, a horn or siren utilized as an alerting device. Legally, which of these devices are for use in an approved installation? Post your answer

Answer: ALL three that you mentioned are fine. If you have an existing device, you can change to a different one, e.g., mechanical gong to a electric horn, but you must have the licensed plumber file the job and wait for approval. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #705: Is there anyone that can help out with the dos and don'ts of writing a resume. My understanding is that the standard is a one-page resume. I'm sure I speak for many superintendents when I say that it is almost impossible to submit all of my qualifications and experience on one page. Any referrals would be greatly appreciated. Post your answer

Answer: Too bad you missed our January meeting, it was 3 hours on resumes and interviewing. Get a good book; try Resumes For Dummies by Joyce Kennedy. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #702: Can you recommend a source of tenant-friendly, property line, trash and recyclables bins suitable for a Manhattan multiple dwelling? Post your answer

Answer: Several of our distinguished vendor members should carry a complete line of suitable containers. Borut Supply and Kew Forrest Maintenance Supply, can both be found in our wildly popular monthly newsletter, SUPER! Also your building's janitorial supply vendor should carry a line of products. Ask your superintendent for the vendors name. Lastly "Google it!" Recycling Containers, and you should find lots of vendors. Bill Aristovulos

Answer: Try Every Supply Company, Inc. When you call ask for Nick or Dino. Glen

Question #699: Who is the Senator that represents Manhattan and who are the persons representing the New York's House of Representatives, New York's Assembly and New York City's Council. Post your answer

Answer: There are many websites that will help you find your elected representatives anywhere you are. Here is one of them: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/ Glen Stoltz

Question #697: I live in a Bronx five-floor apartment building. I want to place a 75-gallon fish tank adjacent to what I believe is a load-bearing wall. Every apartment above me has the same floor plan. Is it safe to assume that all the interior walls are load-bearing? Post your answer

Answer: No. You can not assume that a wall is bearing or non-bearing from one floor to the next. The bearing wall or non-bearing wall has nothing to do with where you place the fish tank, as long as you don't plan to put it "in the wall". Check your lease first though, some leases do not allow fish tanks. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #694: I live in upstate NY, in a building with 4 apartments, and I have no lease. The tenants that live above me play their stereo loud, stomp, bang, slam, and whatever else they do, all hours of the day and night. When we have knocked on their door to ask for them to lower things they disrespect us with foul, abusive language; we have called the police, and now they have retaliated by destroying our personal property. And we have called the police in regards to that. If forced to move because of these conditions and the owner / landlord is aware of the situation, can the landlord be responsible for the cost of our move? Post your answer

Answer: The applicable laws may be slightly different in upstate New York than in New York City, which is our primary knowledge and reader base. Consult a real estate lawyer AND read the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law for more info, but if you have no lease you may have far fewer rights than a renter with a lease.

Question #693: Will we use less oil to operate our boiler if residents close off radiators that are not needed? Post your answer

Answer: Anytime you use less heat in a building you will use less fuel. Be careful, however - IF you have a one pipe steam system you sometimes get water hammer (banging) if you shut a radiator off. Joe Lambert, http://www.leonardpowers.com

Question #690: In an 8 floor concrete slab construction building with plaster and lathe walls and 10 apartments on each floor, what is the best way to combat a recent MOUSE infestation? Post your answer

Answer: The best defense is: Plugging all the holes you can find! Pay particular attention to heat risers in the apartments. Also check, in kitchens and baths, around utility lines (Water, Gas and Electric ) where they emerge from the wall. Mice posses what seems to be an articulated skeletal design, that allows them squeeze through openings of only 1/2 inch high! Poisons are also a way to deal with mice, however I strongly suggest using a professional company. (One of our vendor members in STA, are professional exterminators. You can scan for their ad in our newsletter, SUPER!) Bill Aristovulos

Question #686: I'm interested in taking the HVAC training and am considering either taking it at New York City Tech or at the Mechanics Institute. Would I get just as much training and information from a free course like the one at Mechanics Institute or would I get more out of a paid one like at New York City Tech? Post your answer

Answer: While both schools you mentioned are excellent schools, Mechanics Institute, although free, has a more intense program. Free here does not mean cheap or low quality. The difference "MAY" be that at City Tech you will earn a degree and have transferable credits, while at the Mechanics Institute you will not earn a degree. Peter Grech, GBOC

Question #685: A friend of mine hired an electrician to do some kitchen work in her Bay Ridge condo. He charged her $1000 for the job. A week later, when the electricity was still not working correctly, he told her to fix the job would cost her another $1400. Obviously, she wants nothing more to do with him. My question is: do you know of an electrician who is reliable and reasonable who does work in Bay Ridge? Whatever leads you can provide will be much appreciated. Post your answer

Answer: We are not in the habit of recommending contractors to our readers. Obviously, we hope that those contractors who advertise with us (see our monthly newsletter) are of the kind that you can trust to treat their customers well and do a good job, but we do not endorse them further than that unless we have extensive experience with them personally. Glen Stoltz