Vendors I have Known and Appreciated:

They came to my rescue & saved my house

(and my marriage!)
www.crazyvivhomes.com

These vendors I have used in my own house or at my previous business are people I respect highly or I would not recommend them. There are many categories for which I have no vendor--if you need someone I haven't yet used, I will research for the best. All phone numbers are the 919 area code.

Please understand my bias. I prefer using local vendors when possible. They often know each other, are used to working together and I think you'll have a better result.

Contractor--Frank Cole Builders 942-3392

There aren’t enough great adjectives to adequately describe the work of Frank Cole and Art Kaplan who are the owners of the company. Frank handles marketing and costing the project, Art oversees all the construction/renovation. They are honest, fair, very smart, creative, problem solvers (problems always come up with renovations) and they get the job done!!! I would trust Art to do anything in my house. Bottom line, the work is top quality and you will have no complaints, and I mean none.

Painter—Malcolm (last name???) 548-1243 cell 929-9125 hm

One of Art’s subs, Malcolm is the best painter I’ve come across in any state. He works with a crew of 4-6 men and paints alongside them. He knows paint and what is best for various walls and uses. They ain’t cheap but quality ain’t cheap.

Sparrow Plumbing 942-5171

If Art Kaplan says they are the best in town, then I take his work for it. Family business with mother, aged 80+, still at the helm. Jerry is the person to talk to about your plumbing needs.

Plumbing Fixtures—Wilkinson Supply 919-8260

Coming from an upscale area of California, I wasn’t sure that I could find everything I wanted in NC, and certainly not in the little towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Boy, was I wrong. Wilkinson’s is tops. I special ordered my kitchen sink and pre-rinse unit and they had them in the store, pronto. The staff is easy to work with, willing to try something new, will let you take home a shower head to try it out though they have several samples hooked up to water so you can test the nozzle.

Byrd Tile 544-5080

They have an excellent selection of all styles and prices, from contemporary to traditional, mediteranean to artistic. You need to call and set up an appointment to work with someone. They are also very nice and are extremely helpful even when your style is not at all like that of the salesperson helping you.

Rice's Glass 967-9214

In addition to auto glass, they do all sorts of commercial and residential glass, mirrors, shower doors and acrylic.

Spas, Spa and Pool Care--Summerwind 929-1199

Francine, the owner, understands everything to do with spas and pools--heaters, covers, water, chemicals, etc.

Cabinets, Kitchen & Bathroom 2 places to recommend:

Fahrbach & Cassedy 542-2578

CKS Design Studio 477-6318

Both are top of the line. Fahrbach & Cassedy do more unusual custom work.

Lights & Supplies--University Lights 489-8583

Not only do they have an excellent selection plus many catalogues from which to order, their prices are good. Sometimes I look online, pick out something I like, and then order from them. I know that I won't have to send it back and it will include everything I need to install the lights. If they can't get it for as good a price as you can get it online, they will tell you. The owner, Jay does all the repair work himself whereas many other places send repair work out. They love lighting and will share that passion with you.

Insurance--Homeowners & Auto

NC has its own laws, some of which are different than those of other states. If you have been with an insurance company for quite a while and you are happy with them, definitely find an office that seems centrally located since you will need to go to the office for various reasons.

If you don't have allegiance to any particular insurance company, I have been very happy with Alan Gray from State Farm 968-0470. He has given us excellent advice, especially concerning teenagers who have speeding tickets and accidents. Perhaps you'll be lucky and not have to face that or your kids are already grown.

Locksmith--Alert Security, Pete Gambel 942-2399

In all the places I have lived, I have never met anyone as skilled as Pete Gamble. He has a BA in Criminology and is the only locksmith in NC who carries a brand that cannot be copied. Once he has done the master key and the deadbolts, call and tell him you need more keys, he makes delivers them.

If you want your liquor cabinet locked as your kids approach middle or school, he will devise a creative system that is safe. Or for your jewelery or important papers. Better safe than filled with regrets.

Bruce’s Carpets & Flooring 967-0208

Bruce has all kinds of floor coverings though not hardwood. Family business, very nice people, wonderful products, excellent installation.