Forum Archive: Posts by: bkny

I own a 3 story brownstone and currently am in the process of renovating it. I would like to hear some opinions on two possible renovation plans for the parlor level. We currently have a one family set up – legal three. The ground floor is our ‘family’ room, with TV, sofa, table, chairs and small ‘warming’ kitchen. Basically a fully functioning tiny kitchen that leads out to the back yard. There is a full bathroom on every floor. The top floor is two good sized bedrooms, a small side bedroom, full bathroom. The ‘middle’ room (no windows) was made into two walk-in closets for both bedrooms.

So here is the two possible plans for the parlor.
Plan 1 – ‘formal’ living room, dining room, huge eat in kitchen w/island, – taking up the entire back of the house with a deck leading out to the back yard.
Plan 2 – ‘formal’ living room, dining room, split the back area into small bedroom and ‘good’ size kitchen, with deck leading out to back yard.

I guess the main issue is, do i need to try and squeeze another bedroom in? how much value will this add?

I was thinking if we sold or rented in the future, if the new owners wanted to rent they could have a ground floor studio (with a fully finished basement) & an upper duplex.