Sooner or later, all of us need a handyman to repair a piece of furniture, adhere loose tiles, clean windows, replace a light switch, or assemble an IKEA chair.

One of our readers suggested that we create a monthly section inviting readers to offer their “favorite handyman,” which may include carpenters, plumbers, electricians, computer technicians, etc. I am now inviting you to submit a summary (150 words maximum) of your favorite handyman’s talents, contact information, and rates, by the hour or by the job. (Note: Please confirm that the handyman you name actually wants to appear in WestView News.)

Below is the first offering, which I am sure will prompt you to send in your own FAVORITE HANDYMAN segment.

—George Capsis

Basil Weathers

A ONE-OF-A-KIND HANDYMAN: Basil Weathers is pictured above waiting for a client in front of his shop, Absolute Water. The shop is located at the corner of Bank and 4th Streets. Photo by Alison Morley.

Basil is a cheery man who hails from Jamaica. He moved to the Village in 1979 and found a home through his sister Jane who introduced him to Daniel Lazar, his landlord for the last 38 years. Basil’s company is named Absolute Water and is located at 52 Bank Street, at the corner of West 4th Street.

“I get calls [at] 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock in the morning to fix sudden flooding, frozen pipes, boilers for restaurants—all sorts. I am a 24/7 plumber.”

Basil is one of the last long-standing principled handymen who still take pride in their work. When my new faucet came with a hole for a non-existent soap dispenser, I called Basil. He said, “Give me a minute,” and went down to his truck and found one that someone else didn’t want. Perfect! No need to cover the hole and it works great at no extra charge! Basil’s vast knowledge of Village pipes and ingenuity make him one-of-a-kind. Most people see this neighborhood and jack up prices—not Basil.


Contact Information:

Absolute Water

52 Bank Street

(845) 866-2329

Rates: Supplied upon request.

—Alison Morley

 

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