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Hi Brownstoners,

Please help.

My husband and I are in contract on a 2 family, 3 story brownstone in Bed-Stuy and I have some questions about the updates we would like to make.

In respect to kitchens and baths, all are in bad shape. Is there a certain dollar amount we should not go over on each so we don’t end up losing money? Also, in terms of resale value, do buyers prefer these rooms to be contemporary in design? We are restoring all of the original woodwork as well as the original wood floors.

Secondly, in terms of updating the plumbing and electrical, is the only way to do this to totally remove all of the existing wiring and pipes? I thought that pulling everything out and starting over would help with out insurance but it doesn’t so is there a less expensive way to do this?

Please help guys, I’m lost.