Cost for a NON-gut renovation?
We are looking at a 4 story brownstone that needs a lot of work, but not a gut renovation. (What I mean by that is that hte electrical and plumbing have been redone in the past 10 years.) Any way, I was hoping to get a ball park figure on the following work: 1. Add…
We are looking at a 4 story brownstone that needs a lot of work, but not a gut renovation. (What I mean by that is that hte electrical and plumbing have been redone in the past 10 years.) Any way, I was hoping to get a ball park figure on the following work:
1. Add a two story extension in the back, both of which would be kitchens. (The lower kitchen would be for the rental and low-end, which the upper kitchen would be nicer.)
2. Repair a lot of floor boards, as some are original and have holes in them. (How is this done, by the way?)
3. Add a bathroom (there is plumbing present in that location).
4. Redo the staircase. It is original, and we’d like to keep it, but it needs to be refinished, stabilized etc….
5. Reconfigure a couple of rooms (ie add walls, closets…)
6. Redo two existing bathrooms.
So, if anyone could give me an estimate for the above work, that would be greatly appreciate. (Obviously, a range of costs — middle of the road to high end — would be great.)
Lasly, how long would all at this work take….
thanks….
I really don’t understand the attitude that some people have that seems to be “Unless you know everything about an old house don’t buy one.” Hire good people who know what they’re doing, and learn what you can from them along the way. It doesn’t sound like you’re trying to “make a killing” in NYC real estate, just get yourself a nice home with some history and details.
Not knowing much about old houses myself, I don’t have advice to give regarding your original questions. But we jumped in knowing very little about old houses and are having a great time renovating our brownstone. If we ever do this again we will surely be in a better position, since we have learned a lot. But you have to start somewhere and we’re so glad we did, clueless though we were (and probably still are).
Totally agree with 9:59 am, but I’m going to add one more thing….It’s all worth it in the end!!!
I’ll chime in and agree with the person above who said some buyers are clueless about what these old houses entail. I owned and renovated a 1920’s house outside NY before and thought I knew all about renos, but the current renos on our 100 year old limestone are vastly harder, more expensive and more complicated. The worst part is having to give up your life to the thing for a good long time. Not kidding, it will consume you. Weigh all things carefully before deciding to go through with this kind of RE purchase.
3D imaging? Who the hell needs that? I’ve done dozens of renovations as a real estate investor/building manager and all that matters is reliablity, timeliness, and job quality.
The difference between the work a good contractor does and the best contractor does is not worth paying double for, which is what folks commonly do who think they need everything museum quality — even though in the end it rarely is.
I’d go middle of the road and hire specialist of the things that matter most to you — such as kitchen cabinetry and tile work.
Their name pops up here frequently, but I am not sure whether it is ‘kudos’ or ‘avoid’
Their name pops up here frequently, but I am not sure whether it is ‘kudos’ or ‘avoid’
Do you need to paint and plaster everything -that is an expensive job. I am really amazed at the cluelessness of people who are buying these houses – it is not like a Levittown house where you can get everything at HD and do it yourself. These are old buildings and you have to know something about them before you plunge in and make your killing in Brooklyn real estate.
Do you need to paint and plaster everything -that is an expensive job. I am really amazed at the cluelessness of people who are buying these houses – it is not like a Levittown house where you can get everything at HD and do it yourself. These are old buildings and you have to know something about them before you plunge in and make your killing in Brooklyn real estate.
I’ve investigated doing a 2 story extension (one floor for a new kitchen and another for an additional bedroom. I think my project will cost about $175K. Since you’re doing 2-kitchens, I’d add another $50K. New bathroom = about $30K. Redo 2 existing bathrooms = $10K each. Can’t tell you about the staircase because I’ve never done that.