Combining 2 adjacent units

Hi, I am looking to combine my 1 bedroom with the studio next door on the Upper East Side, however I am not quite sure where to start. We have already received a verbal OK from the board and management that this can be done and I do find comfort in knowing that there is 1 combination in the exact same apartment lines being done at the moment as well as one having been done about 2 years ago. We do... [more]

Hi, I am looking to combine my 1 bedroom with the studio next door on the Upper East Side, however I am not quite sure where to start. We have already received a verbal OK from the board and management that this can be done and I do find comfort in knowing that there is 1 combination in the exact same apartment lines being done at the moment as well as one having been done about 2 years ago. We do like the layout of the apartment that was done 2 years ago and would like to do something similar. I’ve spoken to building management and from the 2 other tenants that have combined in the 2 apartment lines, it was a simple addition of their 2 maintenances, so I think I’m ok from that perspective. I understand that written approval is needed and that is something we will be seeking soon, but my question is.. how does one find a good reliable contractor? Do I need an architect or an engineer or both? Also, how much should I expect to pay for an architect/engineer? What is an expediter? Also my bank is telling me to get a bare minimum contractors quote to combine the 2 places and hold 1.5 times that in escrow until the renovation is completed. Is this normal? Also, I’m kind of curious as to what people might think this renovation costs: - Combining 1 bedroom (750 sq feet) with a studio that’s (550 sq ft). Turn the studio into the master bedroom and create master bath. - The kitchens are right next to each other so I would want to combine these to create a 13’ by 9’ ft kitchen. No new appliances as the ones I have now in my current apartment are very new, but obviously new cabinets, tiling, countertops. - I’d probably want to move a wall to extend my living room, and make the bedroom a little smaller. - Take the bathroom in the studio, make it bigger by knocking down a little dressing area. Re-tile the bathroom, new toilet, double sinks, tub - Given that the floors in the studio are in bad shape, I’d probably have to do all the floors through the apartment. (1200 sq ft) - Also would want to create pocket doors to use the bedroom in the 1 bedroom as a baby’s room/office/den. Also by having pocket doors, it could potentially extend the living area. Not sure if this is a cost effective solution as far as re-sale, so any input on this particular ask would be much appreciated. Can anyone recommend a good reliable contractor and architect? It is very important to me that I do this the right way b/c I don’t want to deal with any headaches later so any input from you guys would be much appreciated. [less]