Will all depend on who you hire. I did a similar conversion a couple of years back and the cost was under a 100psf.

Posted by: LaurenWalsh at May 6, 2008 6:37 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

Conversion took a couple of months and I relied completely on my gut and a general contractor. The effort went quickly since all decisions were made up front (solid plan) and all materials were right off the shelf (lowes, home depot, etc).

If more detail is needed feel free to send me an email

laurenwalsh69@yahoo.com

Posted by: LaurenWalsh at May 6, 2008 8:28 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

I had a very positive experience with Nick from transcend masonry. Professional and reasonably priced.

Posted by: LaurenWalsh at May 9, 2008 3:46 PM in response to Mason?

Thank you denton and Lauren. We estimated 100-150 per sf. Glad to hear our estimate was within reason.

Lauren, how long did the conversion take? Did you work with an architect or did you rely on a structural engineer and a general contractor? Thank you in advance.

Posted by: mkop at May 6, 2008 7:35 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

Conversion took a couple of months and I relied completely on my gut and a general contractor. The effort went quickly since all decisions were made up front (solid plan) and all materials were right off the shelf (lowes, home depot, etc).

If more detail is needed feel free to send me an email

laurenwalsh69@yahoo.com

Posted by: LaurenWalsh at May 6, 2008 8:28 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

All the estimates for new apartment buildings I'm working on right now are running around $$55 -60 for interiors (partitions, doors, and all finishes) and $17 - $20 for specialties (cabinets, appliances, millwork, etc.). Add $8.00/SF for demolition and I see absolutely no reason why you can't do what you're proposing (and more, actually) for well under $100/SF. Bear in mind these $/SF are trade costs only, but they are based on union labor. I'm of the opinion that the difference between union and non-union is basically a wash because the lesser labor cost per hour for non-union is wiped out by the greater efficiency and better organization of a union outfit. General conditions (contractor supervision, insurance, etc) and profit shouldn't run more than 20% - 25%, so for the scope you're talking about I'd have thought $100 to $120/SF was more than adequate. There is absolutely no doubt that the first commenter, with the $300-$400/SF number (did you almost take a dump in your pants when you saw that?) is totally talking out of his/her arse.

Posted by: johnife at May 6, 2008 9:01 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

You can't do a respectable project for less than $150/sf. You're all on crack.

Posted by: guest at May 6, 2008 11:31 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

thanks mr contractor, 11:31.

Posted by: guest at May 7, 2008 10:43 AM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

hey, hey1: my very strong recommendation is to spring for a login on Consumer Reports: http://www.consumerreports.org

They have very reliable data.

Posted by: amanda at May 7, 2008 3:38 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

I don't know what Lauren Walsh's situation was, but based on the information given by the original poster, you need an architect.

Posted by: nyarchitect at May 7, 2008 3:57 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

It all depends on the extent of the renovation. If your changing the C of O for the building, you'll spend 12-15K just on city fee's and expeditiers. If you are talking about a gut reno of the three floors I believe $150/sq.ft. is a start.

Posted by: andrix at May 7, 2008 4:47 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

$150/sf sounds like a good budget number to me. Could be less if you can minimize the amount of work required. Could be higher if you're putting in custom work.

Posted by: nyarchitect at May 8, 2008 5:52 PM in response to Cost of Conversion: General Estimate

Thank you, Lauren - today we have water pouring in the back wall by the cellar door, so I think we are REALLY going to need a mason....

Posted by: mshook at May 9, 2008 7:16 PM in response to Mason?