Ask Curbed: Contractor Queries

We're venturing into Brownstoner territory on this one, but the plea is so earnest and forthright that we cannot resist. To the mailbag:

Dear Curbed:

My increasingly pregnant wife and I are planning some renovations in our newly purchased apartment in Brooklyn Heights, and we've had no luck finding a contractor that we're comfortable with (or, in fact, that actually shows up for meetings with us). Our renovations are pretty minor (build-in shelf, install a washer/dryer). Can anyone recommend a contractor they've had a (relatively) good experience with, and that's familiar apartment renovations in NYC?

Signed,
Desperately Seeking Contractor Who Won't Stand Us Up

Good Brooklyn intel is to be found in 'Stoner's Forums. Additional intel, especially on the Manhattan side of things, welcome in the comments here.