Cost of Reno (not full gut)

Anyone? Would really appreciate your input...

Maybe allow $60,000 to $75,000 for what you listed? The bathrooms can run up the tab a fair amount.

You didn't mention paint and/or skim-coating the rest of the place -- I assume that will be added to the agenda too.

How is the electrical -- good to go, or needs work?

You can have a couple of contractors come in (even pre-offer or pre-closing, via the brokers) to look at it, give you ideas and estimates, etc. Then add all the stuff you'd purchase direct, and round up a LOT.

For what you list, I'd say about 40-50K not including permits, electrical work like added outlets and burying cable and speaker wires in walls and etc, painting, expeditor if that ends up being required, new lighting fixtures, replacing any windows that have broken seals, upgrading electrical box, radiator/heating covers. I list these things because most people end up doing some or all of them because the reno seems half done without them. These items can add up very quickly.

Thank you both so much. I had a few more details to share:

The apartment was painted six months back. I had therefore assumed painting would not be needed, at most touch ups after the floor guys were done- is that not correct?

I didn't really think I needed electrical as all the sockets is pretty up to date and there seem to be enough of them but I will check.

One good thing - the tub in the second bathroom was actually replaced two years back and hasn't been used (the current owners live in White Plains and have barely used the place). So I may just get that cleaned and avoid replacing it - not sure if that's a significant cost difference?

One more thing - its a galley kitchen - 10'6'' by 7'7''. Cabinets (base and wall run all long one wall but on the opposite wall, they end halfway down. I'd ideally like to have cabinets running the full length of the wall to maximize storage. I assume it would be most cost effective to buy pre-fab cabinets of the dimensions I need and get them stained to match what I already have? Or would you suggest all new cabinets? I'd prefer not to spend more than I have to but I also don't crazy mis matched cabinets. What's the best solution?

Finally - the broker told me I can get a washer dryer installed with board approval. Is there any special plumbing I would need? It looks like it could be installed wither in the kitchen or in a closet that's on the other side of a bathroom.

Thank you! As you can probably tell, I'm a little new to this - I want to do a good reno, but also want to be smart money-wise. uptown_joe - thanks so much for the suggestion about the contractors. I will start working on some names. If anyone here has people they can recommend, PLEASE do so! I am a little concerned as mine is not a very big job by NYC standards, so just want someone who doesn't mid that its not a huge job.

Hate to say this but parquet floors in most postwar apartments look very dated and old.
Strip flooring is usually put in.

Is this in C0lumbia C0unty or in NYC?

Ph41 - I hear you. But I honestly may not have the $$$ to put in plank flooring for now. The condo I am renting right now has the new strip flooring, I just love it. But I may defer doing the floors on the new place for now aside from getting them cleaned and polished and stick to kitchen and bathrooms. Flooring may be next years project - that, and doing California closets.

Any suggestions for me on good contractors? I had talked to someone I know who bought a place in the same building last year and the super had recommended their contractor. But they said they would not recommend him as he was very expensive and went way over time and budget. The only person I know who was actually happy with their contractor was out in Stamford and he's not insured for NYC buildings. It's bizarre, but out of all my social circle, no one who lives in the city is recommending their contractor! Usually the issues are about time and money.

Midtowngurl,

I could not take on your project right now but I do work with a lot of first time home buyers. If you would like advice or have any questions I would be happy to help you.

You can call me or email me

Jeff
Primerenovations@mac.com
646-436-3942

Midtowngurl - I understand - the only thing is that the floors are the almost the messiest part of any renovation.

Jeff - thanks much! I've seen your name come up on the boards here a lot. I'll call or email you in early Dec. My project will probably start in Jan. I know you do have good people (plumbers, floor guys, etc) and would love to talk. I wouldn't want to take up too much of your time but any recommendations you can pass along would be great. And hey, if the job is not too small for you (but I suspect it is), we can talk about prices!

Midtowngurl,

Don't worry about taking up my time. I would be happy to help.

Call Tony RENOVATIONS UNLIMITED 917-919-4386
Did a lot of work on my apartment, is insured and licensed, and just renovated a client's loft in Tribeca about that size (and was half the price 2 other co.'s they consulted). Nice, honest, hardworking guy who gets in there with his workers. Did my coop board President's kitchen, too, and is at work weekly in my large Brooklyn Heights coop building (more than 1/2 the people use him for what they need).
Good luck.

azemaitis - thanks so much. Will def call Tony when I'm ready.

Primer05 - thanks for taking time to talk with me yesterday. I now have a much better idea of costs and will be more educated on line items as I start to talk to contractors. I'm relieved that the total reno budget we came up with (assuming of course no unpleasant surprises) was in line with the total number I already had in my head. I wish you could do my job but I know its too small. Will text you for the other recommendations you had.

MidtownGurl whatever happened with your roomates from the old apartment? That was you right?

Huh? Roommates? Nope, not me - could have been someone with a similar sounding moniker.

my bad.

MidtownGurl,

It was my pleasure. Nice speaking with you

Jeff