Hello, I'm looking to buy my first apartment in NYC. I've owned homes in the past, but never in NYC. I've been renting for 4 years...all over the city (so I've gotten a taste of a variety of neighborhoods, etc). The place I'm specifically interested in needs renovation. The bathroom just needs refreshing but the kitchen needs to be totally redone. There is currently no dishwasher. I have no idea... [more]
Hello, I'm looking to buy my first apartment in NYC. I've owned homes in the past, but never in NYC. I've been renting for 4 years...all over the city (so I've gotten a taste of a variety of neighborhoods, etc). The place I'm specifically interested in needs renovation. The bathroom just needs refreshing but the kitchen needs to be totally redone. There is currently no dishwasher.
I have no idea what this would cost. I've read a lot of threads and it depends on finishes, etc. I get it. But what I'm most concerned about is electrical and plumbing. I'll figure out finishes, etc later...not a big deal for me.
These might be stupid questions - but because it's pre-war, I have no idea:
1. Can electrical outlets be added throughout the apartment (including the kitchen)? What can I ask now that would help me understand the work/cost involved after I buy it? I think there is currently one electrical outlet in the living room. I need more than that!
2. Can I add a dishwasher without massive costs? (I realize "massive" is all relative)
3. Can I add electricity into the ceiling for light fixtures? How do I know if I can do this?
4. Can I add through the wall AC instead of the window units?
5. While I just said the bathroom just needs a refresh - the shower head is in the middle of the tub lengthwise instead of at the head of the bathtub (if that makes sense). I haven't used this kind of shower before - is it annoying?
Who do I ask these questions to (not the last one of course)? I'm so confused :/
Do I need an architect, a designer, a GC, plumber and electrician to do all of this? Some of this? None of this?
I don't want to buy a place only to find out I can't do these things without spending $200k.
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