Getting Advice for Renovation

Hi All - I recently purchased a 3 bdrm co-op and am looking to do some remodeling work. Here is what I am considering thus far: 1. Creating a two new entrances (without doors, just a pass-through) in two existing walls. The walls are not load-bearing. 2. Creating a new pass-through into a room we want to use as a dining room (no wall exists there - we just want an opening with trim). 3. The... [more]

Hi All - I recently purchased a 3 bdrm co-op and am looking to do some remodeling work. Here is what I am considering thus far: 1. Creating a two new entrances (without doors, just a pass-through) in two existing walls. The walls are not load-bearing. 2. Creating a new pass-through into a room we want to use as a dining room (no wall exists there - we just want an opening with trim). 3. The combination of (1) and (2) above would create a foyer area near the front of the apartment. 4. Remove a closet (that looks like it was added after the fact) in a room we would like to use a the living room which would block the new entrance into that room. 5. Replace a tub and fixtures in the bathroom. 6. Replace a vanity and re-tile in the bathroom. 7. Refinish floors in the front part of the apartment. 8. Paint. 9. Other cosmetic work (like adding crown molding, changing light fixtures and replacing baseboards). I'd like to know if in the experience of folks on this board, whether permits are needed for this type of work (assuming there is no requirement to replace pipes back to branch risers); do folks suggest an architect get involved? There are no additional rooms being created, no walls/pipes being moved, or any changes to the layout of the apartment, but I want to be reasonable and if plans need to be filed and architect needed throughout the process, I'd like to begin reaching out to those folks. The scope of work is pretty well defined. Opinions on cost are welcome as well. I've already begun to engage with contractors to get a sense of costs. Thanks. [less]