Where to Start with Renovations

I am the owner of a floor-through condo in Carroll Gardens. It’s a top floor unit and I’ve owned it for 11 years. I’m finally in a financial position where I can start to consider upgrading the place (it was built in the mid-1980′s and has the original bathrooms, kitchen, floors, etc. All of these were nice in the 1980′s but look a little tired and dated today.

The way I see it, there are 5 possible projects I can invest in, knowing that I see myself owning the place for at least 6 – 10 more years. I’m looking for advice on which order to do things and/or which project will hold the most value at resale.

A. Replace Master Bath off of larger bedroom. Con: The smallest square footage and the one that is least likely to be seen by friends/visitors. Pro: I’ll get the most use out of it.

B. The main bathroom: Pro: Friends will be impressed and construction will be the least disruptive to my day-today life. Con: It’s used mainly by the cats and the occasional guest.

C. Redo the kitchen: Pro: The cabinets are awful (I hate them), the stove and fridge are at least 20 years old. The countertop is beige formica. Con: We have an open-plan kitchen-livingroom and it will be hell to live through the work. And I could probably spend as much on the kitchen as I paid for the condo 11 years ago.

D. Install central air and get rid of three wall units. Pro: I have roof rights, so I have a place to put the compressor and the apartment has high ceilings, so ductwork won’t be a problem. Con: I don’t know anyone who has done this yet so I don’t know what I’m getting myself in to.

E. Invest in a roof deck. Pro: The roof is mine, I might as well use it. Con: Why should I think I want to sit on the roof now after 11 years in the apartment.

I’d be really grateful for any comments you have on where I should start. I’d love to do it all at once, but that’s not practical.

By duckwalk |