I am currently in a contract to buy a coop apartment. The apartment is in very good condition, however, I would want some work done before moving in. Here is some info: 1) The apt. is approx. 1200 sq.ft. 2) Jobs will include (sorry for the laundry list of things since I have no idea how to do this): a. Mount TV to wall b. Resurface floors c. Painting d. Reglaze bathtub e. Install murphy bed f. New... [more]
I am currently in a contract to buy a coop apartment. The apartment is in very good condition, however, I would want some work done before moving in.
Here is some info:
1) The apt. is approx. 1200 sq.ft.
2) Jobs will include (sorry for the laundry list of things since I have no idea how to do this):
a. Mount TV to wall
b. Resurface floors
c. Painting
d. Reglaze bathtub
e. Install murphy bed
f. New steam heater cover (in fact I need opinions on how to turn a dining alcove into a 3rd bedroom when the space has no heater)
g. Take down the wall between 2 bedrooms and turn the space into closets and then reconfigure electric outlets. In addition, reconfigure 2-4 existing closets
h. Customize closet spaces (thinking of using Elfa)
g. Install range hood (do not know if this is possible since the coop building has it's own vent inside a wall.)
i. Install electric heaters in 2 bathrooms (do not know if this is possible)
j. Set up pocket door at kitchen's entrance
k. Set up a door in hallway
l. Change faucets, showers, etc. in kitchen and 2 bathrooms
m. Change all door knobs and closet knobs
n. Change window blinds
o. Install electric fireplace in living room
p. Install dimmers in all rooms
q. Install medicine cabinet in one bathroom
r. Replace two sinks + cabinets in two bathrooms
m. Replace two toilets
n. Replace current breakfast nook in kitchen
o. Install lighting fixtures
The above is just a list of things I want to do, and I am open to suggestions and ideas from professionals. Plus, I am not good in picking furnishings. I hope a professional can help me to choose furnishings, and other interior decoration items as well.
I also need people to do all the necessary drawings, get requisite approvals, help with material/fixture selection, manage the contractor selection process and oversee some of the contractor work. I do have the time running back and forth if needed.
I am totally lost and I have no idea on how to approach this type of renovation project. Going with an architect? Interior designer only? Or a good GC will be enough? In addition, I have no idea how long it will take and how much it will cost too.
Thank you for any help!
[less]
Response by realtime
about 15 years ago
Posts: 108
Member since: Feb 2011
just be careful with contractors contacting you as a result of this posting.
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Response by Primer05
about 15 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Hello Sara
Congratulations on your soon to be first renovation. The most important thing is for you to get as much information as you can.
It is very difficult for me to give you prices based on your list. I have some questions that will help me to give you a budget, nobody can give you a price until there is more specifics
I am a generall contractor who have worked with many first time renovators and know how overwhelming it can be
Looking at your list I would say that you do not need an architect for your project. A designer would help.
Questions:
1. What kind of walls do you have? Are they Sheetrock? Who is buying the hdmi cables and how many?
2. Do you mean refinish the floors? Do you want them stained?
3.How many rooms to paint? How many colors? Is there any crown molding? How many doors?
4. Reglaze tub $300-$400
5. How big is the Murphy bed?
6. Some of the rooms I have I leave the heat off as it is not needed. You might not need any in the other room, if you do I need to see it to price
7.need to go over some design for reconfiguring closets
8. If using elf a I happen to like the installers they have. There are other options as well
9.they have some nice self venting units. Look at Miele self venting hoods
10. As far as the rest of items too hard to tell
I think your best bet is to have a couple of contractors come in and do a walkthrough to give you estimates
If you would like me to take a look you can email me at primerenovations@mac.com
Some of this work is just handyman( dimmers,medicine cabinet, faucets, mount T.V...). The other work needs to be done by pros with insurance.
If you post your email, I will contact you and help you with choosing furnishings and interoior decoration. I receive invites to designer sample sales for those things.
P.S. : Just ignore any comments that may be posted against me.
And, Primer05 is a good guy. You can hire him for the pro work.
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Response by columbiacounty
about 15 years ago
Posts: 12708
Member since: Jan 2009
Be nice to truth and you will get a creepy invite.
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Response by alanhart
about 15 years ago
Posts: 12397
Member since: Feb 2007
Hi, Truth!
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Response by Primer05
about 15 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Thank you Truth,
As far as picking out fixture, tiles and anything else we do have professional in house designers who can help as well
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Response by 5thGenNYer
about 15 years ago
Posts: 321
Member since: Apr 2009
sara_se- you could get a good interior/architectural designer who works with a GC (and subcontractors) and an architect or the other way around.
be very careful about suggestion for construction/ renovations on line.
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Response by CY913
about 15 years ago
Posts: 2
Member since: Feb 2011
Hi Sara_se, Congratulations on finding an apartment.
My name is Charles and I am a project manager at Anzalone Architecture in New York City.
The answer that you need is simple. Yes, you will need a design professional to help you through the process. It's quite a process and having experienced help will at the end save time and most importantly money. And yes, you might need an architect. This is why I say "might". In New York City, to do any minor interior alteration, you'd need a set of plans that has been signed and sealed by an architect. There're no ifs or buts. Without it, you won't get a construction permit to do any renovations (for example, removal/relocation of walls, electric fire place, electric heater, etc.). Here's the "might", it depends on where you live and your local law. If your local law says that you don't need an architect for minor work then you don't need one, having a designer and contractors to do your construction is fine. To find out, I suggest calling the City Department of Building at where you live to find out.
Next, find great professionals. I find that finding the right professionals are like finding a good mechanic. The truth is, there are a lot of very sketchy ones. Over priced, slow, poor workmanship, in mid construction, they want more money. So... find great ones. You'll know they are great when you shop around. Shopping around-I highly suggest it.
And don't worry, there's a reason nobody will give you a proper pricing because it's very difficult to price any construction(hence, shop around and don't be afraid to ask questions). There are, if not always, some kind of complication during construction(This is were finding great professionals will help minimize these problems). Just ask them for a proposal of work that you want done. I'm pretty sure I'll give you a price.
I hope this is a good small intro to the world of renovations. For now, write down and commit to everything that your want to do and figure out if you need an architect by asking the Department of building. If you do, find an architect and he/she'll lead you through the process, if not, find a designer and he/she will lead you through the process. One last word, remember to breath~ if things get crazy~breath. Just remember, at the end, you'll be living at a place where you always wanted to live.
on "e" we went to the Murphy Bed Center in Chelsea. They installed for us.
on "m" do not replace toilets unless you absolutely have to. There are two types of toilets that are made to meet today's water-saving standards, and neither of them work as well as older toilets.
ali
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Response by Reno09
about 15 years ago
Posts: 45
Member since: Jan 2009
Just some advice from someone who just finished a reno - Expect it to cost a lot more than you think it will! And expect to put in a lot more time and effort than you think! If you want to save money, you could do a lot of the research and design selections yourself. There are many online resources (e.g. www.CSN.com) where you can buy home improvement items for much cheaper than in the city (e.g. Gracious Home). You need to be super on top of it though if you take this route because you could end up with more headaches and lots of returning items. If you're more of a delegating type, expect to pay more but hopefully have a smoother, faster, more enjoyable reno. Ideally, you would find a trustworthy general contractor type who will do everything.
Just fyi -
a, b, c, d, e, possibly f, h, l, m, n, o, p, q, and second o - are pretty straight forward, but that does't mean it's cheap. Closets (even Elfa), plumbing fixtures, painting, electrical work and even stupid things like doorknobs all add up.
g - can be tricky and expensive. also potentially requires permission from the building.
j- pocket doors are often expensive bc you have rebuild the entire wall that the door slides into... unless you're doing more a closet style sliding door that runs on the outside of the wall
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Response by Primer05
about 15 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Realtime,
What do you mean exactly?
Front porch, I agree but brand new bathrooms with old toilets, just not that great looking
Reno, I guess it could cost a lot more if you are making a lot of changes but I find that most of my clients projects are usually about 5-10% higher.
As far as online shopping, I think it is ok for lighting and knobs and stuff but I dont know if I would do it for bigger items.
I would tell anyone that is doing a renovation to ask their contractor for their discount.Not all but some will do it.
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Response by rvargas
about 15 years ago
Posts: 152
Member since: Nov 2005
i: hope you mean underfloor electric.
m: new toilets are not scary and there is nothing wrong with saving water.
we could all take stabs at time/cost, but the range is huge. do yourself a favor and get an architect.
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Response by Primer05
about 15 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Rvargas,
What item or items on the op's list calls for hiring an architect? Almost every aspect of the list pertains to aesthetics. A designer maybe but for the most part this really could be done with a good general contractor, I am not saying just me, there are others that can do it too.
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Response by front_porch
about 15 years ago
Posts: 5321
Member since: Mar 2008
vargas, low-flow toilets do not tend to work well, so the user flushes more than once, which ends up not saving any water. A low-flow showerhead makes far more sense.
In addition, the air-compressor low-flows are tough to fix -- you can't just stick your hand in the tank and jiggle the flapper -- and they sound like a freight train.
ali
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Response by Wbottom
about 15 years ago
Posts: 2142
Member since: May 2010
i think what realtime means is that OP should educate herself best can incl using this board, but then shop for a designer and/or contactor base on rec's from people she knows personally who have personal experience with those they recommend--she should meet with several designers and/or contractors, have them each produce completely detailed proposals/contracts, and bid competitively for her business
to pick a contrator based on posts on a board like this with endorsements by "other" anonymous posters is not recommended
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Response by walterh7
about 15 years ago
Posts: 383
Member since: Dec 2006
OK, help me out here Sara... you just entered into a contract to purchase an apartment and you have no idea what all the renovations will cost or how to go about doing it?
Who is writing the checks?
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Response by realtime
about 15 years ago
Posts: 108
Member since: Feb 2011
Primer05- you are selling yourself on this board. Everyone should be very careful in selecting a contractor. Who are you? are you a reliable person? are your prices high/ low? you are obviousely trying to solicit buisness and you are the only contractor that is respomding to the questions. it looks suspicious. You have a lot of time on your hand...
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Response by sara_se
about 15 years ago
Posts: 18
Member since: Oct 2010
Thanks a lot everyone! I guess my best bet will be shopping for a designer (as opposed to an architect since nothing structural involved) or contractor and then take it from there.
To be honest, the apartment is in move-in condition. Fresh paint will suffice. However, I just want to do everything before moving in since I am planning to stick with the apartment for the next 10 years.
Regarding-
toilets: I am planning to use Toto
heater in bathroom: I saw people having a wall unit one
wall: I have no idea about wall types. Probably sheetrock?!
floors: Yes, refinishing including staining
painting: Just white paint, with crown moldings and 5-6 doors
murphy bed: full size bed
I originally thought my list was pretty straight forward and should not cost an arm and a leg. However, it seems like I might need to cut down my list if it will end up costing a lot.
P.S. As people can tell from my list, the alphabetical order is all over the place, i.e. I really have no clue on how to proceed. Thanks for everyone's help here!
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Response by Primer05
about 15 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Sara,
Just because we can't price it out doesn't mean it will cost an arm and a leg.
You already have your scope of work
Next step:
Hire a designer on an hourly wage, your project really is not difficult.
You can either use the contractors they know or hire your own.
The floors sanded, stained and poly should cost around $4,000.00 Painting: 6,0000-$7,000.00
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Response by Primer05
about 15 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Wbottom,
I don't think anyone would pick a contractor based on the posts here but they might look at that contractors website, referrals, or maybe that contractor even has an A plus rating with the BBB. Maybe they would want to meet that contractor for a free estimate. Maybe they can go look at that contractors projects that they are doing right now at Trump place, the Sheffield just to name a few.
I wonder what contractor you hired for your project that makes you hate contractors so much.
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Response by realtime
about 15 years ago
Posts: 108
Member since: Feb 2011
Wbottom is right. Primer05, why the personal attacks? he does not hate anyone why are you so defensive? did he hit a nerve?
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Response by Gabolly
about 15 years ago
Posts: 35
Member since: Feb 2011
"I wonder what contractor you hired for your project that makes you hate contractors so much." Hilarious.
just be careful with contractors contacting you as a result of this posting.
Hello Sara
Congratulations on your soon to be first renovation. The most important thing is for you to get as much information as you can.
It is very difficult for me to give you prices based on your list. I have some questions that will help me to give you a budget, nobody can give you a price until there is more specifics
I am a generall contractor who have worked with many first time renovators and know how overwhelming it can be
Looking at your list I would say that you do not need an architect for your project. A designer would help.
Questions:
1. What kind of walls do you have? Are they Sheetrock? Who is buying the hdmi cables and how many?
2. Do you mean refinish the floors? Do you want them stained?
3.How many rooms to paint? How many colors? Is there any crown molding? How many doors?
4. Reglaze tub $300-$400
5. How big is the Murphy bed?
6. Some of the rooms I have I leave the heat off as it is not needed. You might not need any in the other room, if you do I need to see it to price
7.need to go over some design for reconfiguring closets
8. If using elf a I happen to like the installers they have. There are other options as well
9.they have some nice self venting units. Look at Miele self venting hoods
10. As far as the rest of items too hard to tell
I think your best bet is to have a couple of contractors come in and do a walkthrough to give you estimates
If you would like me to take a look you can email me at primerenovations@mac.com
My website is www.primerenovationsnyc.com if you want to view my work
Some of this work is just handyman( dimmers,medicine cabinet, faucets, mount T.V...). The other work needs to be done by pros with insurance.
If you post your email, I will contact you and help you with choosing furnishings and interoior decoration. I receive invites to designer sample sales for those things.
P.S. : Just ignore any comments that may be posted against me.
And, Primer05 is a good guy. You can hire him for the pro work.
Be nice to truth and you will get a creepy invite.
Hi, Truth!
Thank you Truth,
As far as picking out fixture, tiles and anything else we do have professional in house designers who can help as well
sara_se- you could get a good interior/architectural designer who works with a GC (and subcontractors) and an architect or the other way around.
I can reccomend Design by Francois, LLC - www.francoistenenbaum.com
be very careful about suggestion for construction/ renovations on line.
Hi Sara_se, Congratulations on finding an apartment.
My name is Charles and I am a project manager at Anzalone Architecture in New York City.
The answer that you need is simple. Yes, you will need a design professional to help you through the process. It's quite a process and having experienced help will at the end save time and most importantly money. And yes, you might need an architect. This is why I say "might". In New York City, to do any minor interior alteration, you'd need a set of plans that has been signed and sealed by an architect. There're no ifs or buts. Without it, you won't get a construction permit to do any renovations (for example, removal/relocation of walls, electric fire place, electric heater, etc.). Here's the "might", it depends on where you live and your local law. If your local law says that you don't need an architect for minor work then you don't need one, having a designer and contractors to do your construction is fine. To find out, I suggest calling the City Department of Building at where you live to find out.
Next, find great professionals. I find that finding the right professionals are like finding a good mechanic. The truth is, there are a lot of very sketchy ones. Over priced, slow, poor workmanship, in mid construction, they want more money. So... find great ones. You'll know they are great when you shop around. Shopping around-I highly suggest it.
And don't worry, there's a reason nobody will give you a proper pricing because it's very difficult to price any construction(hence, shop around and don't be afraid to ask questions). There are, if not always, some kind of complication during construction(This is were finding great professionals will help minimize these problems). Just ask them for a proposal of work that you want done. I'm pretty sure I'll give you a price.
I hope this is a good small intro to the world of renovations. For now, write down and commit to everything that your want to do and figure out if you need an architect by asking the Department of building. If you do, find an architect and he/she'll lead you through the process, if not, find a designer and he/she will lead you through the process. One last word, remember to breath~ if things get crazy~breath. Just remember, at the end, you'll be living at a place where you always wanted to live.
Good Luck,
Charles
http://www.jamesanzalone.com/
Two weirdly specific points:
on "e" we went to the Murphy Bed Center in Chelsea. They installed for us.
on "m" do not replace toilets unless you absolutely have to. There are two types of toilets that are made to meet today's water-saving standards, and neither of them work as well as older toilets.
ali
Just some advice from someone who just finished a reno - Expect it to cost a lot more than you think it will! And expect to put in a lot more time and effort than you think! If you want to save money, you could do a lot of the research and design selections yourself. There are many online resources (e.g. www.CSN.com) where you can buy home improvement items for much cheaper than in the city (e.g. Gracious Home). You need to be super on top of it though if you take this route because you could end up with more headaches and lots of returning items. If you're more of a delegating type, expect to pay more but hopefully have a smoother, faster, more enjoyable reno. Ideally, you would find a trustworthy general contractor type who will do everything.
Just fyi -
a, b, c, d, e, possibly f, h, l, m, n, o, p, q, and second o - are pretty straight forward, but that does't mean it's cheap. Closets (even Elfa), plumbing fixtures, painting, electrical work and even stupid things like doorknobs all add up.
g - can be tricky and expensive. also potentially requires permission from the building.
j- pocket doors are often expensive bc you have rebuild the entire wall that the door slides into... unless you're doing more a closet style sliding door that runs on the outside of the wall
Realtime,
What do you mean exactly?
Front porch, I agree but brand new bathrooms with old toilets, just not that great looking
Reno, I guess it could cost a lot more if you are making a lot of changes but I find that most of my clients projects are usually about 5-10% higher.
As far as online shopping, I think it is ok for lighting and knobs and stuff but I dont know if I would do it for bigger items.
I would tell anyone that is doing a renovation to ask their contractor for their discount.Not all but some will do it.
i: hope you mean underfloor electric.
m: new toilets are not scary and there is nothing wrong with saving water.
we could all take stabs at time/cost, but the range is huge. do yourself a favor and get an architect.
Rvargas,
What item or items on the op's list calls for hiring an architect? Almost every aspect of the list pertains to aesthetics. A designer maybe but for the most part this really could be done with a good general contractor, I am not saying just me, there are others that can do it too.
vargas, low-flow toilets do not tend to work well, so the user flushes more than once, which ends up not saving any water. A low-flow showerhead makes far more sense.
In addition, the air-compressor low-flows are tough to fix -- you can't just stick your hand in the tank and jiggle the flapper -- and they sound like a freight train.
ali
i think what realtime means is that OP should educate herself best can incl using this board, but then shop for a designer and/or contactor base on rec's from people she knows personally who have personal experience with those they recommend--she should meet with several designers and/or contractors, have them each produce completely detailed proposals/contracts, and bid competitively for her business
to pick a contrator based on posts on a board like this with endorsements by "other" anonymous posters is not recommended
OK, help me out here Sara... you just entered into a contract to purchase an apartment and you have no idea what all the renovations will cost or how to go about doing it?
Who is writing the checks?
Primer05- you are selling yourself on this board. Everyone should be very careful in selecting a contractor. Who are you? are you a reliable person? are your prices high/ low? you are obviousely trying to solicit buisness and you are the only contractor that is respomding to the questions. it looks suspicious. You have a lot of time on your hand...
Thanks a lot everyone! I guess my best bet will be shopping for a designer (as opposed to an architect since nothing structural involved) or contractor and then take it from there.
To be honest, the apartment is in move-in condition. Fresh paint will suffice. However, I just want to do everything before moving in since I am planning to stick with the apartment for the next 10 years.
Regarding-
toilets: I am planning to use Toto
heater in bathroom: I saw people having a wall unit one
wall: I have no idea about wall types. Probably sheetrock?!
floors: Yes, refinishing including staining
painting: Just white paint, with crown moldings and 5-6 doors
murphy bed: full size bed
I originally thought my list was pretty straight forward and should not cost an arm and a leg. However, it seems like I might need to cut down my list if it will end up costing a lot.
P.S. As people can tell from my list, the alphabetical order is all over the place, i.e. I really have no clue on how to proceed. Thanks for everyone's help here!
Sara,
Just because we can't price it out doesn't mean it will cost an arm and a leg.
You already have your scope of work
Next step:
Hire a designer on an hourly wage, your project really is not difficult.
You can either use the contractors they know or hire your own.
The floors sanded, stained and poly should cost around $4,000.00 Painting: 6,0000-$7,000.00
Wbottom,
I don't think anyone would pick a contractor based on the posts here but they might look at that contractors website, referrals, or maybe that contractor even has an A plus rating with the BBB. Maybe they would want to meet that contractor for a free estimate. Maybe they can go look at that contractors projects that they are doing right now at Trump place, the Sheffield just to name a few.
I wonder what contractor you hired for your project that makes you hate contractors so much.
Wbottom is right. Primer05, why the personal attacks? he does not hate anyone why are you so defensive? did he hit a nerve?
"I wonder what contractor you hired for your project that makes you hate contractors so much." Hilarious.