This is a place where residents can share their recommendations on local services to help their neighbors optimize the Bouldin Creek living experience. Got a favorite electrician or plumber, an honest auto mechanic, skilled carpenter, or green-thumbed lawn & landscape company? Tell your neighbors about your experience, and help out an increasingly rare breed of competent, considerate service providers. Most of the recommendations below have been extracted from the BCNA email list.

ACCOUNTANTS
Brian Streig 1011 Brodie St. #21 445-9123 Brian_streig@yahoo.com
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AIR CONDITIONING
DIS-recommendation for a service company: AAArmadillo A/C Systems charged $384.18, to replace a compressor fan motor, including $189.95 for the motor, $39.95 for a capacitor, and $125 for labor, plus tax. I made some inquiries and found out that these motors cost $40 - $50, capacitors less than $10, and that the labor is typically less than 1 hour. Another AC guy told me that this job shouldn't cost ANY more than $200.00. When I asked the owner about it, he told me that he has more business than he can handle, didn't care if I continued to hire him, and made implied threats if I didn't pay immediately.

Positive recommendations : T&B Electric - 322-7498 ,Tommy Piggot , I have used Tommy on many occasions and was very satisfied. Also, Franco's AC & Heating - 762-3339 Franco (Lic #TACLA016528C) is a personal friend who recently went into business for himself.

Excerpted from BCNA e-mail list in May, 2005:
Air-conditioner repair? MR COOL, BRIAN WEISS 445-0412 Thanks to all of you who suggested people to call about my A/C. I got three separate recommendations for Mr. Cool, so I went with him. I can now be the 4th to recommend him, as he got right over here, fixed the a/c quickly, didn't charge an arm and a leg, and was a nice guy.

I second the recommendation for Mr. Cool. Brian is great. I installed a mini-split ductless system which I bought through him. Brian provided tons of support (he answered all my questions and I had a lot) for installing it myself (which saved me a lot of money) and then came out to flare the ends and charge it up. It all worked great. I don't think a lot of contractors are interested in empowering their customers like this.To me, it's a sign of an honest and open-minded individual running a business with customer satisfaction in mind.

APPLIANCE REPAIR
Tom Davidson, Appliance Exchange, office: 219-0770 pager: 860-5473.* I recently asked for recommendations for someone to repair our 1949 O'Keefe & Merritt stove, got a number of kind referrals and the one we went with is a definite keeper! Tom REALLY knows these old stoves--O'Keefes, as well as Chambers. Those of you who have one of those fabulous old appliances will really want to know about him--it's tough to find folks who really know how to work on them and how to find parts. -/Carol Kalendorf, 06/06/

Cliffton 255-8568 (michael galvan recommendation)

A1 Service -Van- (from Steven Frantz)

AUTO REPAIR
Twomey Auto Works 1009 S. Congress 444-0606
Don Twomey of Twomey Auto Works ( S. Congress, just south of Riverside Dr.) did a great job fixing the damage on my car, found ways to save me money, and even did a little extra work for free! He is also experienced in dealing with insurance companies and is one heck of a nice guy.

Don's Automotive Repair, 1635 S.1st Street, 447-9032
Don will give you an honest price for the service you need to get your car or truck working again. He'll also tell you about the repairs you don't need that someone else might con you into paying for. Then he might launch into some esoterica like how many angels can dance in the gap between your spark plugs. Trust him. He knows what he's talking about. I don't.

I've done well w/ Murphy's Garage on Krebs Lane in the Congress/Ben White area, they've always been honest, competent, and reasonably priced.

I HIGHLY recommend Jimmy's Top Tech Auto at Fletcher and S. 1st. I already listed all of the reasons before, so I won't bore you again. Their number is 804-2100. You will not be disappointed! - - and someone else wrote I just wanted to say that I cannot recommend Jimmy's enough! I've been going there for years and have had nothing but wonderful experiences. Jimmy and his crew (including his dad) are honest, fast, and reasonable. I've gone in there many a time thinking I needed some work done and he always tells me when I can wait and for how long. I've tried to get my brakes done about 500 times, but he keeps sending me home!I've never felt so strongly about a car shop and their staff. Unfortunately, they all know me by name.

CARPENTRY
see also Construction, Remodeling, & Tilework
Austin Carpenters' Co-op, Austin Carpenters' Co-op Tom Sullivan, 512-415-9467; Kai Mueller, 512-736-7493; Fax: 512-927-9775

I would recommend Paul Wintle. He has not done work for us, but I've seen his work and its very high quality. Full disclosure - he is also a personal friend. His # is 799-1070.

I contacted Roger Wintle of Texas Trim, 512-894-4031. He did a professional job. The door itself was a bit more than his initial guess, but the labor charges were exactly as estimated. He and his helper did a good job of cleaning up afterwards.

Carlo Dringenburg home: 447-5912. 811 W. Gibson

Andy Grigsby Bouldin

Paul Hudspeth, RX Home Solutions 442-9717, pwhudspeth@hotmail.com

Bruce McHenry Home 441-2874. cell 7858414

CHILDCARE

My 2 year old goes to Faith Presbyterian Child Development Center on Oltorf across from Travis High and I'm very happy with it (they take kids starting at 18 mos.). Open Door Central on W. 10th St. near West Lynn is also very good and takes much younger babies (maybe starting at 6 mos.)? I'd be interested to hear if anyone recommends any other centers for infants, for instance in Travis Hts where I see there are a few others.

Austinmama.com is a great place to gather info in regards to all things child and parent related. THey have a great discussion group and it's a great place to post questions such as these.

CLEANING
Connie, 512-442-0242, http://www.conniescleanin.com e-mail: conniescleanin@cs.com Connie lives on Annie and rides on her bike with cleaning tools in her baby carriage. She is a real nice lady, and will work out any schedule that fits you or will just one-time you. I couldn't believe all she was able to do in those 2 hours.

Francisca Alejo, House Cleaning (512) 601-1300 Francisca is very good, she's being used by another friend of mine, and she would like to get another house in the 'hood.  If you call her she will come by and talk to you about your needs and quote you a price.

Romi Lorenzo, H: 892-3484, C: 636-2123 lives in the 'hood, pulls up to your house on her bicycle with Catalan conversation already at full tilt before she even steps through the door. Then, stand back! She's a whirling dervish weilding a dust mop like a lethal weapon. She can transform your house in a few hours, complete with recommendations for what products to use on windows, hardwood floors, blinds, bathroom porcelain, and fine furniture. She's reasonable, reliable, honest, and a great neighborhood asset.

If you've eaten at Nopalito, you already know Griselda Mascorro. She's nice, honest, and hard working. A wonderful person I hold in high esteem. She works afternoons, her phone number is 416-8303, or you can call Ara Vega at 707-1414. In the morning, you can find both of them at Nopalito (326-2026).

Marta is our housekeeper and we like her a lot. Marta: 294-6174

CONSTRUCTION
see also Tilework, Remodeling, & Carpentry
Austin Southwestern Builders - Andy Scharf 699-8775 Andy and his partner built a porch on the front of my house from a design that I gave them. His estimate was very close to the final cost, the work was done in a timely, professional manner, and the project turned out beautifully. See their website www.austinsouthwesternbuilders.com

Try Bruce McHenry, 785-8414 He's been around for 30 years, very talented, has references, and can get a team together to build or fix anything. He lives in Travis Heights, and has some jobs going right now in the 'hood. - also - Bruce McHenry built my carport for a great price and did a very good job. It is located on the West side of my house with a metal roof. (912B West Annie) Well made. He is a very nice guy also.

We just got the exterior of our house painted and we want to HIGHLY recommend the folks who did it. Justin Herbert and the guys of Housing Redevelopment Company (619-3494 jherbert@austin.rr.com) did an outstanding job: great attention to detail and workmanship, tremendous customer service, and very fair pricing. Justin tiled our kitchen floor last year for us and we've been totally delighted with it. He's a great problem-solver and fun to work with. I know he's done work for others in the 'hood, as well. Justin and his company take on everything from projects like ours to full-scale remodelings and additions. We can't say enough good about them!

Trey Kelley. (bruce) 276-1187 or 6634183 www.homeconstructors.net.

Tom Bobb: 797-4445 rec.laurie pevey

DECKS
Jimmy Johnson, 258-2871 Years of experience, capable and honest.

ELECTRICIAN
Hector 636-9515

FOUNDATION REPAIR
You should call Jerry Abernethy, 512-352-3165. He replaced 15 piers and several termite-damaged beams for me when I bought my house on Bouldin and came back when I sold it 2 years later. The buyer's inspector thought one of the beams had termite damage, so Jerry pulled the beam and replaced it for free (including removing and replacing the stucco skirt) even though it didn't show any damage after all. He's a crotchety old guy from out near Elgin who comes when he says he will (though he doesn't always factor in enough time for Austin traffic) and stands by his word.

If you'd like an equally honest, not crotchety old guy to come do your foundation work, my brother J.J. owns All-In-One Foundation Repair and Installation. They are in the phone book but his direct phone line is 789-6911. He doesn't live in the hood but I do, plus he's done work on other houses in this hood. He has done a lot of research on various methods of drilling piers and can share the pros and cons of each system. Plus, you'll never meet a nicer guy and he follows through on his word.(I'm a little biased but really he's impressive).

HANDYMAN
Libro 589-1247 (swilder@scottdoug.com)

HARDWARE
I have had very positive experiences at Harrel's Hardware (442-5966)on the south side of Oltorf, between the railroad tracks and Lamar. Recently, the proprietor took the time to grind down a broken part and make it usable for me ... wouldn't accept any money, saying "we do that sort of thing all the time." All he got in return was eighty cents for a hose clamp, but he saved me thirteen bucks for a new bike-pump hose ...I haven't gotten that kind of service at Home Depot or Lowe's. So next time you need some screws or a hand tool or need to fix something around the house ... consider stopping in at the long, low red building adjacent to Office Depot ... in my experience, they're nice folks and very helpful.

I've shopped at Harrel's for years. It's like going back to 1952, when you could buy a single bolt in a hardware store, or in the grocery store, a single cookie. I don't know how they make money, but I go there any time I can. I like their customer service style, not a "Hey, I'm Bill and I'm here to serve you [insert smile]." It's a quiet kind of, "Just tell me what you need and I'll get it for you."

I can't help myself, I have to get in on the Harrell's discussion. This place is great. I've been shopping there some 15 years. When I foolishly took on the job of replacing my bathroom sink faucets myself, I called them no less than 13 times - the guy walked me through the whole process. They are excellent for advice. Their motto: "Together we can do it yourself" or something along those lines.

In addition, they have stuff you just can't find anywhere else in town. They are the only people I've found who have jalousie window cranks, for instance. Great store. They also have a store up on Burnet just south of Koenig.

INSURANCE

I've used Rich Binder at State Farm for over 30 years. He used to be on the west side of SoCo right at Academy, but moved over to Riverside near Joe's Crab Shack - his number is 441-1082.

I recommend the William Gammon Agency. I've been with them at one level or another for 30 years.

Troiano Ins. has been good for me in resi/auto and business.

LANDSCAPING/YARD/TREES
Severiano Rocha Tree Trimming & Removals, 442-7942, 443-6422.
Severiano is one of the UT campus' principal tree trimming and maintenance resources. He'll give you a fair price, he's insured, he sterilizes his instruments before and after cutting, and he covers all tree wounds with a protective spray coating to keep oak wilt-bearing bugs out. To watch him harnessed to a stout rope and pulley rig, swinging among the tallest oak limbs like some urban ape man is a show in itself.

For reasonably priced tree trimming try Ralph White @ 441-2621. I believe Ralph does everything relating to tree trimming and removal except trunks. He also mentioned having a load of hardwood to burn once in awhile and gives a discount to the 'hood.

We had a TERRIFIC experience with our tree guys. Nick Arden, Trees Are Us, 836-7417. Nick is a great guy and a hard worker with a nice family and he's well-informed, caring, smart, responsible and reliable. And not too expensive.

Also recommended is They Might Be Monkeys, 445-2614, one of whose staff is named Nebbick (sp?). He lives near S. 3rd and Johanna and is a good guy. They don't do any tree killing.

We recently had some landscape installation work done by a father-son team of Jaime Escobedo and Abel Escobedo Rivera. They are top-notch workers and know their landscaping. They work hard, are very fair in their pricing and pleasant to be around. We recommend them highly for any landscaping or yardwork you might have. Jaime (the son) speaks English; Abel does not. You can contact Jaime at 619-2786 or 440-7173.

MASSAGE THERAPY
The best massage therapist in Austin has moved into the 'hood...my fiancee, Lari Rowell, Massage Therapist, 658-5691. Lari is a registered massage therapist, offering deep tissue, relaxation, and pregnancy massage with aroma therapy. Her rates are competitive and all body treatments include an aroma therapy foot bath and a cup of herbal tea to begin the healing experience.

NOTARY PUBLIC

We discovered Mary Alarcon a while back. She's on W. Mary Street (north side) before you get to the old post office, who used to recommend her before they closed up. She has a homemade sign that is usually hanging in her front yard. But you can call her (447-9185) and she'll give you her exact address. She charges $8 for first signature, then $1 for each after (at least she did a year ago, when we last used her). Nice lady and quite efficient.

OPHTHALMOLOGY
I highly recommend Dr Richard Niemann. He’ll even give you the equivalent drug store strength for your glasses, if that will do the job. He’s located at 40th St (or so) & IH35S in an office suite with the Wongs. I understand they are also good.

My oldest son has gone to Dr. Jackman (3710 N. Lamar) for years and thinks he is great. More recently my wife and I have both seen him and agree.

Dr. Peter Broberg is very good." "I second that."

PAINTING - check Remodeling/Repair below also
Rey Cisneros, 447-3167, RayRaybann@aol.com elevates house-painting to art form. And he lives in the neighborhood. Preparation is 90% of a quality paint job and Rey knows it. He and his partner stripped the old lead-based paint from my house, down to the bare wood, carefully catching the paint dust in drop clothes for transfer to buckets and safe disposal. He uses top-quality products, his prices are competitive, and he has a vested interest in neighborhood houses looking good.

House Painter (and more): Mike will paint the outside, inside, and also can do fixups and will manage even tiling or floors as well. Very good prices, and he lives in the neighborhood off S.1st just south of Oltorf. Mike Ruiz: 912-0370

Paul Cruz cell:848-4667. Home 989-9298

Jay Fiorenza 4790902

M&J painters Joel and Moises Perez @784-4902 or 247-5134 home: 4473167

Ted home: 442-5801

PET-SITTING
N'hood-owned Furry Godmothers @ 707-PETS, www.thefurrygodmothers.com offers a special discount for folks in the 'hood. There are no duration limits for the service. They also offer mid-day dog walks, lawn sitting, errands, and overnights. All general pricing is on the website. "I can say with great confidence that Furry Godmothers is simply the best pet sitting service I have ever used. They are very well organized, as fun -loving as they are professional, and my beloved pets were completely at ease with them from the first meeting. Jody and Kris take superb care of my animals and leave detailed information about their behavior and activities while I'm away."

PLUMBING
Bruce David Johnson, Licensed Master Plumber, 1904 Eva St, 443-2691
He was prompt (got here when he said he would), got the job done in good time, and cleaned up afterwards, and his bill was shocking - WAY below another estimate I'd had. Anyway, I'm real happy to utilize local talent, and thanks to the network for helping. - also - I highly recommend Bruce David Johnson for any plumbing work. He lives on Eva and has always gotten to my problem either that day or the next.

Ric Brown - 441-3154
Good plumber. Very nice. Lives in 'hood. Cheap. Lots of work on older houses.

Pat LaBorde - Zeppelin Drain Cleaning - 418-8583 cell 627-9207
A very reliable, very reasonable, one-man operation that does all kinds of repairs and new construction work. I've used this guy consistently for about 8 years and he's always been great.

I've been pleased with Wilson Plumbing, 452.8223. I've used them for years as have many friends. They're small, professional, timely and reasonably priced.

If anyone needs a positive plumber recommendation, I highly recommend Dave Henderson (512-452-5963). He recently did some work for me and was accommodating and very professional for my smallish job.

Joe Cooper (Viviane/mjarchitects) 315-0377 or 750-2260

NO to Clark Kent plumbing - Having seen Clark Kent plumbing's trucks around town, my husband and I thought we would try them out for our bath redo. We needed to have the tub replaced and plumbing updated. The job went half finished. A lack of professionalism, care, and work ethic [marked] our dealings with this company. (Another neighbor said) I can second that motion. Clark Kent Plumbing is the worst. Ten years ago they were good, but not now - we think they changed ownership in the last few years. Steer clear!

REMODELING, REPAIR
see also Construction, Tilework, & Carpentry
Bill Malone, owner of KGB Remodeling & Repair, 619-3434, FX 477-7674, kgbrepair@sbcglobal.net is a home remodeler in the 78704 area. He stays on the job 'til it's done. Does what he says he's going to do, and is currently working on Melissa Gonzalez' Morning Star Natural Health store on Johanna St., where I'm sure he'll get high references.

i recently sold some furniture to a nice guy who happens to be a remodeling contractor. he just bought a home in Tarrytown that he's re-doing, and he prefers to work on older homes. so i thought i'd pass on his name & info as a possible resource for anyone who might be needing bids for such work. his info: Jeff Derebery (478-6132) jeffderebery@sbcglobal.net Next Generation Restorations

If anyone is looking for a good and knowledgeable carpenter's helper or someone to give you a helping hand with a big project I can recommend "Mr. South Austin " Harry Webster. He is a semi-retired carpenter who worked for the State of Texas fixing up many of the State's historical homes.He's real good at helping those do-it-yourselfers who maybe need a short term helping hand with a home restoration project. He's not a designer or a fast, big muscle contractor who can just come in and take over - but if you are pretty much in command of your remodeling project and do not want to hit the day labor camps you might want to give this Bouldin Creek resident a call - 444-6562. His hourly rates are very reasonable.

Libro is our handyman and he is great. Doesn't speak much english tho. 589-1247

TryMike Eckmann, 750-9100. He’s done quite a few things for us and came recommended from some friends who also like him a lot.

Charles (White) does most everything--interior and exterior painting and all repairs--just about everything but full remodels. His company is Odd Jobs and the number is 512-833-8003. When he found us and let us know he was back, I can't tell you how thrilled we were--he's THAT good. We had actually put out a veritable APB on him a few years back, but he was gone at that time.

ROOFING
Both Laura Lee Franks and I used Rainbow Roofing, 258-1292 to put on our metal roofs. Excellent experience. Free quotes, low prices. Glen also does composite roofs. The metal was about 40% more expensive than the composite, but we saw a distinct drop in energy costs. Lowered insurance rates, too. 25-year guarantee. About a week after we got it up, we got that big hailstorm last year. Not nearly as loud as I'd been told to expect. I'm a true believer in the things.

I have had problems with roofing companies. One company I had a real good experience with and who solved some problems for me that were created by others is Drury Roofing druryroofing@austin.rr.com 836-0634.

...if you want roofing advice, ask Mr. Johnson! He's the old guy with the moustache that collects cans every evening by walking from his house (that he's lived in for 40 years) on Monroe E. of 3rd, to David's and back. He was a roofer for 40 years and knows exactly what you need on your house. He can tell by looking at it from the street exactly what's up. And he knows the best people who do good work. He also makes wonderful folk-arty birdhouses and his wife decorates the house to the NINES for every (president's day for sure) holiday. A very modest, quiet but great guy. He'll be happy to be of assistance. Tell him Oliver sent you and give him my best.

I can highly recommend Roofing by Stacy Pearson, 512.259.9486. I've had a bit of work done by them. They're very responsible, clean up when they're done, and come back promptly if you have trouble. I have no complaints.

Try Key Signature Roofing; ask for Wayne Key. They are a bit pricey but do a good work and will take care to help you understand what goes into the job beforehand.

SEAMSTRESS
Leslie Bonnell is a neighborhood resident who sews and teaches sewing lessons. Her website is Glitzkrieg.biz and she can be reached through that. Even if she can't do it, she'll know someone who can.

Also, don't forget our new hood resident "Moxie and the Compound" at 909 Mary. Kayci is the owner and she has TONS of contacts with great seamstresses.

STEREO/ELECTRONICS REPAIR
We have had good luck in the past with Anthony's Electronics Repair, 5359 Burnet Rd., 459-0252. but really on Clay St, next to Halina Skin Care.  It's easy to miss, it's so tiny.  But Anthony is really sweet and is honest and does a good repair job on just about anything from electric typewriters (yes, we've been using him for that long) to stereos to boomboxes to slide projectors. We haven't needed him for at least two years, so I hope he's still there.

We have had good luck with Riverside Electronics (2007 C East Riverside in Rivertowne Mall, 442-1130) They work on older and newer models, TVs, VCRs, stereos. Reasonably priced and friendly.

Mike up at Austin Stereo Service (unfortunate acronym) on Burnet between Ginny's Little Longhorn (Houston St) and Koenig Lane (2222). There's a little shopping center on the west side of Burnet and they are in the middle of that strip. I bought a VCR from him and had it cleaned there and can testify that he's a total gearhead, nice, and honest.

TILEWORK
see also Construction, Remodeling, & Carpentry
I recommend Housing Redevelopment Company. I have recommended them to several people who were very satisfied. The owner is a local fireman- needless to say an honest, standup guy. Call Dan Self(796-1573) or Justin Herbert (619-3494).

Custom Tile, the owner is wonderful. He saved my 'you know what'. phone number 440-1970. He prices fair, his crew is skilled, and he did what he said and on time.

This is a good place to mention that I made the HUGE mistake of contracting with a woman by the name of Mary Salisbury. ...Watch out for her.

Tom Longoria is a nice older man in the hood who will give you a good deal and do solid work. He's kind and has lived in the hood on Johanna St. for 30 years now. (512) 444-5244

My neighbor John Davenport does tile, he has a website at: http://www.davenportcustomtile.com/pics/

TILE GUYS on W. Anderson. 50% TO 75% lower prices

TRASH HAULING

Can't wait 'til bulk trash day? Don't want to haul it all to the curb? Don't pay those big commercial dudes, contact Enrique, he's VERY CHEAP, and super nice, comes with a big walled trailer. I saved $300 by finding him. 225-4709 pealvarez007@yahoo.com