It’s not exactly local, but the Design Within Reach outlet in Industry City in Brooklyn always has a ton of desk chairs, including HM significantly discounted (and they’re usually one of the only things in the store that’s in great condition vs. smashed to shit)

Congrats on the new baby! Was this for a typical delivery? Surprised to see the costs so much higher than the average childbirth cost in NJ

I went to their ER, received a bill shortly after which I paid and then randomly 6-8 months later received a new bill from some doctor who apparently glaced at me while he walked past while I was there.

There's a Cort Furniture in Hasbrook Heights. They carry used and refurbished HM. They had Aerons for $350 and Sayl's for $150 at the beginning of covid. Stock varies quite a bit so if you have something particular in mind (i.e. HM Aeron Tall and Wide) then give them a call ahead

https://www.cortfurnitureoutlet.com/

There is a New Jersey home inspectors association. They can guide you.

The Shoprite in Hoboken.

99 Ranch

Personally, Food Bazaar on 14th and Kennedy

I'd add the Lidl in Bayonne, as well. Some solid deals there on quality food. They are hit and miss on the produce, and have their own brand for a lot of things with mixed results. I like to augment the trip to costco, as they are right next to each other.

Costco in Bayonne, Shoprite in Hoboken, Super H mart in Ridgefield, Food Bazaar in North Bergen.

Highly recommend checking out Maco in union city. It’s an office supply store that I think mostly does bigger accounts but I went in on a whim and got great service as a walk in pre-Covid. It seems like a small mom and pop shop but they have a lot of inventory and the sales person was really helpful and more than happy to pull parts from other chairs to assemble the perfect ergonomic Frankenstein office chair for me. It’s not cheap but I wanted a good quality chair and left happy.

Appreciate all of this!

New renders were released and it seems the developer (Veris formerly Mack-Cali) is serious about finishing the phases. May break ground this year or 2024.

Both good brands and make some good chairs.

IMHO go to a store for each and try some and see what feels good. You don’t have to buy there, but figure out what you like (and don’t). It’s definitely a personal thing, not just height/weight.

A lot of those stores sell Frankenstein chairs. They cobble together parts from various broken chairs and sell them for way too much. Do a search on Reddit for Madison Seating (think their in Brooklyn) for some stories. Those stores also tend to not be that cheap for used/“refurbished”chairs. If you’re spending that kind of money, I’d just save a little more and buy new.

Your best bet is keep an eye on Craigslist etc for chairs. If you have a car expand to the metro area and you’ll find some deals pop up. If you’re stuck within transit boundaries, expect a premium price. I found a Herman Miller a few years ago in nearly new condition for around $200. Was a little drive to get it, but totally worth it, at the time crappier condition chairs we’re selling for well over $300 locally.

You could be right, I’m not a lawyer. Could it also depends where the person you are talking to is located? No guarantee they are also in NJ.

I have some friends of friends who have a crazy story about getting this wrong years ago… and I want no part of that. It gets really bad really fast. Recording anyone without notifying them ahead of time gets dicey even if it might be technically legal, no harm at all in being safe. #NotLegalAdvice

After so many hours of initial not-recorded calls that I wished I had recorded, I also didn’t hate them knowing I’m going to hold them to what they said. It also gave me more credibility when I said “a person named <this> told me <this> on <this> date.”

My thought would be you may not exactly know where you're calling. The "billing department" could be an outside vendor in another state, so it would seem safe to just let them know.

Also its probably a good way to keep them honest and possibly even work harder to get you the answers you're looking for.

Just curious, why do you feel it's so important to announce that you're recording the call? NJ is a one party consent state, so you are able to record the call without announcing.

Thanks. It was such a disaster. They kept saying "well you rode in the ambulance" which I did...but what was I going to do, run behind it? The ambulance driver told me to hop in, and I was grateful. I could have called an Uber but that would have been a long delay. So just NEVER give your real/full name there. It taught me a great lesson, very few people or companies are getting all my info from now on.

I think we found a winner… ha. That’s nuts, I honestly don’t understand how that isn’t illegal. If I messed up billing one of my clients at work that bad even once I’d be fired by the end of the day. I cannot comprehend how this doesn’t result in severe and immediate consequences once discovered.

So sorry that happed to you for just trying to be a good friend.

Don't forget to get a mold inspection as well. Climate change and flooding is changing alot of basements throughout JC.

Something to keep in mind: If you're doing a gut reno, your inspection needs are a bit different than someone buying a place with minor issues or or in need of cosmetic upgrades. you might want to go with an engineer or even an architect. Most inspectors have a checklist of the basics, but you may need a deeper dive into structural issues.

Fourthing. Excellent advice. Roofing should be looked at by a specialist.

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 not holding my breath though

Serious question: is Urby II ever happening? The last I heard is that it was "on hold" indefinitely. Really curious as to what is the official (or, unofficial) status, though.

I took a friend into the JCMC ER last year, and they took my name and number and info just as an emergency contact. Six weeks later I got a bill (no itemization) for 11K for ER treatment for ME. MIND YOU all I did was sit in the chair next to the hospital bed and try to keep my friend cheerful. I hired a lawyer and the bill went away, but NEVER EVER give your info in that ER. The attorney charged me $2,200 to clear it up. I'm still infuriated.