nyc renovation coach?

Funny, this came up in conversation today so I googled and of course SE has a thread. War stories about renovations over coffee to wait out the rain.

I've lived through more renovations than I care to think about. Always went late, over-budget, and I seemed to forget things. Tried working with an architect and that was a disaster. He had no concern for cost at all. And didn't care how I actually live just what looks good to him. Big difference between the two. Never again.

My friend seemed pretty happy with NYC Ren but it was a fairly large renovation. I didn't ask what the service cost but she seemed to believe she saved money overall.

I hate contractors. They always disappear for last 10% and I can never tell WTF is going on. So, I'd consider a service like this if I did another renovation but I'd have to trust the person. Introducing another dickweed into the hell that is construction is not my idea of a good thing.

But someone sitting between me and the contractor and taking that hassle off my hands is worth some money. Not sure how much but certainly something.

If they can make sure construction is done on time and on-budget, I'd kiss their feet. Construction bitterness? I've got a ton.

As always, meet, evaluate, ask for references, etc and do your homework.

I think it's a silly idea, although of course A LOT of "experts" will make a lot of money. It's just another middleman inserting him/herself into a pretty hectic situation with no provable benefit to you.
How would such a person force a contractor to be on time? On budget? Be there at all?
I work with contractors all the time and believe me, nobody and nothing can improve this breed.
And I am inserted between a client and a contractor already, so take my word fro it.

I don't know but I know construction management exists on a huge scale. Bridges, plants, and buildings are often built with an independent construction manager. And yes, all those things can often be over-budget and late.

You are inserted between a client and contractor? What do you do? Architect? Designer?

I hate contractors but I've got to believe it's not about improving the breed but someone who knows their BS and can call them on it.

Maybe it is a waste of money. I have no idea. I know one person who claims it worked for them. Whatever that's worth it's worth. I guess I like the concept of not having to yell at contractors and having someone else to do it for me.

Believe me, it's tiring chasing them and keeping up with job progress. But then again, I've sworn off ever doing another major apartment reno again.

That's my method. Swear off the madness.

Designer, and have seen my own places renovated. I just came to accept the aggravation. Besides, I have to tell you that I happen to know a self-proclaimed "renovation guru", and it's mostly a scam geared toward overly busy, or short-fused, or just snobbish people.

Thanks for your thoughts. I suspect there are good and bad coaches. I am not looking forward to any renovation, but it seems like a necessary evil.

khd—exactly. Just spend some time making a very, very, very detailed list of what you want, and stick with it. Good luck.

Choose your architect well and include a construction oversight phase of the architect's job. Do not interject another party to muck it up. In my recent reno, The architect's contract specified a fixed fee for design development and full detailed construction/bid drawings, bid review and permit filing, and construction oversight. Expectations and obligations were clearly outlined in the contract.

I was extremely involved and visited the job sight daily, communicated (and got responses) by email with architect daily, and I had a very clear vision of what I wanted.

Job finished only 10 working days later than expected (largely because of kitchen cabinet issues that had nothing to do with contractor or architect) and within 3% of budget. After 4.5 months of reno, it ended with us feeling great about our architect, hugging the contractor for an incredible job, and thrilled with the end product.

By carefully selecting the right people to work for you, spending what you need to for outstanding drawings that incorporate the smallest detail, and not leaving things to be resolved during the job and sticking to the contract drawings, you can have a successful reno with only moderate aggravation. It will be exhausting, but the nightmare stories need not be your reality. Good luck!

I thought the years of someone else tying your shoes and wiping your ass was over. Have we all become such helpless beings that we now need someone to coach us common sense? Take some responsibility good man/woman. The further removed you are from the process the less you can impact the results. Oh, you'll have plenty of people to blame though when the whole thing explodes in your face. Put A LOT of weight into what Kylewest has to say. A great, positive result is only achievable through YOUR diligence and hard work. If you're not prepared to put in the effort, rethink the plan.

I'm going to disagree on this one. It totally depends on the extent of the renovation. If you're talking about a serious renovation and you are not an expert, having someone on your side, who knows what things should cost, how the schedule should run, and can keep things on track could save you a lot of money. That said, I have no idea if this is what they mean by "coaching".

Wishhouse, that is precisely what your architect is supposed to be doing. If not, you've hired the wrong architect and are now paying two people instead of one.

Thanks for your comments, but I don't have the ability/desire to visit a site every day like Kylewest. Also, the work I'm looking to have done would not require an architect or anything major. It might turn out that I don't need a middle man but it would be nice to have someone who will take care of the bidding process, maybe even have favorite contractors, and coordinate everything to be done in a timely manner on budget (or even less!). At least that is what the testimonials are claiming. Also nycrenovation coach charges a flat fee...I was just curious how much. If it is going to cost many thousands, then probably not worth it.

kylewest: mazol tov on an easy renovation. The exhausting part is something I don't have time or patience for. I've gone the architect route before. Wasn't happy. People do make all the difference. How do you know AT THE BEGINNING that you picked the right people?

I disagree with spinnaker1 completely. My diligence and hard work should be able to be outsourced to a trusted third party. My input is necessary. How else does someone know my wife needs room for shoes from here to Ohio. But I work hard at my profession and prefer to put my diligence and hard work there. Let someone else yell at the GC for putting in the 1/2 sheetrock versus 5/8.

Construction management exists in major projects. Bringing it to the smaller, residential renovation is an interesting concept. Can't say it matters to me though...

I've sworn off major renovations. I've done enough of them. I've built a house. Re-modeled apartments, small and large. Life is too short for such pain.

But if I had to, if forced, if there was no other way but to do construction, I'd seriously consider construction management. But I have little time and patience for such things. Someone willing and knowledgeable enough to stay on top of their GC doesn't need it.

OldWest - The architect beats up the contractor and is responsible to ensure the plan is implemented correctly. Find an architect, check references and ask specific questions about construction oversight. If he/she is not prepared to give the level of oversight you expect, find one who will. An apartment reno is not a bridge, although with enough people involved it could turn into one

there is no certification or licensing for a renovation coach.