Renovating in NYC
1. When you think about renovating, what problem are you trying to solve, or vision are you trying to achieve? Put it in a sentence.
2. Which of these scenarios best captures what you answered above?
- My kitchen or bathroom could really use an update. (6 points)
- My kitchen and/or bathroom need a complete rehaul, and I have grand plans for it. (10 points)
- I want a new kitchen and bathroom plus some other changes, like: New space for kids or an office; custom shelving or new or refinished floors; or an additional bathroom or central air. (15 points)
- That’s all a good start, but what I picture requires work like moving walls or plumbing, shifting entryways, adding windows, and other structural changes. It’s a true gut renovation. (20 points).
3. How much are you comfortable spending?
- As little as possible. (1 point)
- Not an infinite amount, but I know renovations aren’t cheap. (2 points)
- First let’s talk about what I want, then we’ll talk budget. (3 points)
More on Renovating in NYC
4. So, how handy are you?
- There are two tape measures and a hammer in my bag right now. (1 point)
- I’ve hung pictures, and they weren’t too crooked. (2 points)
- Handy — that’s an app, right? (3 points)
5. How involved do you want to be in designing and doing the actual work?
- As much as I can to save time and money. (1 point)
- Some, but I can’t do all of what I want. (2 points)
- I believe in letting the pros handle things. (3 points)
6. What’s your personal style?
- Anything new will be better than what I’ve got. (1 point)
- I value good design but need to save wherever I can. (2 points)
- I value good design and will pay what it costs. (3 points)
- I’m more worried about finding the absolute best stuff than I am about paying for it. (5 points)
Now, add up your score and use the key below to find out what kind of renovator you are.
___ + ___ + ___ + ___ + ___ = Your score: ___
Under 15 points: You’re a Refresher
This is great if you:
- Want to update the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom on a budget (or both on a very tight budget).
- Don’t need high-end custom cabinets or structural, functional changes.
15 to 20 Points: You’re a Renovator
This is great if you:
- Want to substantially redesign a kitchen or redo a bathroom with custom details, or do a more thorough update of both on a budget.
- Won’t be moving walls or plumbing.
20 to 25 Points: You’re a Heavy Renovator
This is great if you:
- Want a custom kitchen, a bathroom update or two, and some floor refinishing or custom shelving in another room.
- Want the above plus moving plumbing, adding central air, or exterior work.
- Plan to leave some elements of the home untouched.
25 or More Points: You’re a Rebuilder
This is great if you:
- Need to make structural changes to a home and/or plan to renovate the entire thing: new custom kitchen, updated bathrooms, relocated plumbing, central air, new entry points, rehabbed exterior.
- Are rehabilitating a home that has been neglected or damaged.
So what’s your budget, timeline, and professional need?
Go here to learn more about each level of NYC home renovation.
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