slow and small renovations?

I recently renovated my kitchen in a small studio. It cost me less than 10k, however, i basically bought all things that were 'in stock' from ikea and home depot. i spent a little more on the applicances so the bigger portion of my budget went to stainless. But the cabnits and countertop were fairly cheap b/c they came right off the shelf. I think for you, it depends how big is the kitchen, how much do you want to change and how skilled are you to replace faucets, cabinets etc. you can do it cheaply but it takes a little creativity and as you say, a little elbow grease. good luck and don't forget to enjoy yourself, it's fun!

Posted by: guest at June 3, 2008 7:26 PM

Since you've done a kitchen already, you know that the contractors are giving you bad information, you know better. The key to your outrage over price is that you're asking contractors; they're working in their profit. You sound like you are the one who will be acting as the contractor, so you will be hiring the sub-contractors to do the work, whether all or just in part. For a kitchen you will need cabinet installers, counter top installers, a plumber and (maybe) an electrician. You may want to measure the space and go to one of the home improvement stores first to talk to someone (in cabinets) about your options with regard to the actual installation. Ask specifically what services they offer (i.e. cabinet installation, counter top installion, plumbing and electrical).

Posted by: guest at June 3, 2008 7:29 PM

Of course it's possible, but you have to ask yourself how much your time is worth. We have two kids and there are some jobs that while I know I could do it cheaper, the time it would take me isn't worth it. Also don't forget you'll have to source and buy a lot of things that contractors normally provide, plus there's cleanup and disposal.

In short, try not to let the house own you...

Posted by: guest at June 3, 2008 9:03 PM

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Posted by: guest at June 3, 2008 9:24 PM

I did my entire three-story rowhouse this way. I lived in a construction zone, sometimes had no water, spent every vacation on "work holiday." After three years I had a lovely house that was exactly the way I wanted it (or I understood every compromise and cut corner) and it cost 30% less in cash outlay. It's not for every one, but if you have the back and the patience for it, go for it!

Posted by: guest at June 4, 2008 1:06 PM

And Ysabelle claims to be a designer, I wonder if those are the recommendations she gives to her high end clients? .......and by high end I mean on crack.

Posted by: guest at June 7, 2008 2:07 AM

I am renovating my brownstone myself, over time, and expect to spend about 70K over all three floors, two apartments, including some pretty serious structural work and gutting the whole thing--new elec and new plumbing (that stuff done by professionals of course).

Honestly, much of the contractor fee goes to permits, which are a scam the city perpetrates on its citizens. And a lot of it is about the contractor taking responsibility for the job.

When you take responsibility for the job and bake cookies for your neighbors instead of get permits, the costs of renovation drop exponentially.

Posted by: guest at June 7, 2008 6:34 PM

Just to clarify my position on permits:

Permits are really important in a dense city like New York. Because of this, they should be cheap and easy for homeowners to get. I would be happy to work with the city if it wasn't such a hassle, and if permits weren't so expensive and excessive.

Because permits are not designed with the little guy in mind and because I trust my own huge stake in making sure my house is safe and well-built and to code, I take on the responsibility of this oversight myself.

I am not advocating widespread snubbing of permits by people who don't have a large personal stake in what they are building. And I am certainly not advocating renovating without any idea what the building codes are or what permits are for, or without the safety of yourself and your neighbors in mind.

Posted by: guest at June 7, 2008 6:41 PM