Cost to rip out built-ins?

There are several variables that could effect the price. If thats all they are doing I would recoomend that they ask the super if he can remove the millwork and hire a painter to repair and paint the wall. If not then see if there is a contractor already workng in the building.

Primer, assume that's not all that they are doing. I'm just trying to give them a rough line item price (for example, they are doing two baths, and in one of them replacing a tub with a stall shower, and for that work, I've estimated $55K).

I'm just trying to give them a line-item number here, but assume that there is already a GC on site, so that insurance, for instance, will already be paid for.

I would think to some extent it would depend on how they are attached . Could end up being cheaper to just replace the entire sheetrock wall (and an opportunity to install sound barrier).

Ali, If there is already is contractor working and there is no additional protection or clean up needed, ballpark reasonable price will be demo and removal $2000 (2 persons 1 day + garbage removal cost). Wall refinishing $2000 max assuming they are painting already and owner is not looking for skim coating or high gloss paint. High-end contractor may be double this price.

300 Mercer is about right, are these built ins to the ceiling?

Ali, curious why they want to get rid of the closets?

@ Primer, yes, to the ceiling.

@300M -- In the case of the second bedroom, the furniture that is attached -- desk, bed, etc. -- is for a kid that is not the age of my client's kid, so the current built-ins don't "fit" their lifestyle, though the cabinetry is perfectly nice. In the case of the MBR, it's just that there are a wall of built-ins that are older, so while the storage is serviceable, it's more of a style question.

I never understood why people do built-ins desks/beds rather than furniture. It leads to a lot of wastage like the one you describe.

Ugh yes I hate built ins. To me they lower the value of the apartment and I would put in any offer that the seller must remove and repair at their cost. They usually do not match the finishes of the rest of the apartment and/or are simply not going to be the same taste of potential buyers, AND they limit the furniture a potential buyer can put in the room. People who do built-ins should only do them if they plan to hold on to their apartment for a very long time.

How about built-in closets?

Built-in closets are great and enhance value in my view. More is generally better. That is why I mentioned built-in desks/beds. Floor to ceiling closets are much harder to replace by furniture.