2 Floor Gut Reno - How Long?
My husband and I are considering purchasing a 4 floor, 4 unit brownstone. We would like to do a gut renovation on the garden and parlor floors to create a duplex for ourselves. We, of course, have never done anything like this before and are now trying to learn as much as we can before…
My husband and I are considering purchasing a 4 floor, 4 unit brownstone. We would like to do a gut renovation on the garden and parlor floors to create a duplex for ourselves. We, of course, have never done anything like this before and are now trying to learn as much as we can before moving forward. About how long do you think a renovation like this would take, considering hiring an architect, filing, etc?
Sorry i hope it’s not too late my expeditor’s name is Shingazi 347-254-2861
A big wild card is the DOB and LPC (if applicable to your property). Sometimes approvals just sail through, and other times you will be held up far longer than is usual or than you expected. How long the actual construction takes depends quite a bit on how extensive and ambitious your renovation is. If you can, it is always better for your own mental health to try not to be quick about these things.
ThinkC
http://www.think-construction.com
I did exactly this. Just finished renovating a 4 floor, one duplex for me and two rentals. Took about 13 months, and there’s still little things here and there to finish. Mind you I had to switch contractors because the first one was a con man who was ripping me off. All ended well, I am now the broke but proud owner of a bed stuy brownstone and it is gorgeous. If you are seriously concidering this please talk to as many people who have done this before as possible. If you need advice you can email me: elninio@hotmail.com.
Flawless, who is your expedior….I need one in a hurry. Thanks.
I’m doing the same thing now like what “Colonel” stated. I didnt close as yet but my architect file the job already. I’m now waitng to close and also waiting on dob to respond on if they approve the plans. Thats the best way to go if you are pretty sure that you will not change your mind on the purchase for what ever reasons. All the best.
We worked with our architect while we went through the purchase so that we could start soon after closing. We closed at the end of August but the filing process took 5 weeks longer than expected. That was mainly because we added a small extension on the garden floor. So we started mid October and were done June 1. It probably could have been done May 1 if we were more on top of it. So I would say the other posters here are right – about 10 months. That said, we had a good experience with our contractor, Clinton Hill Design Build. I have heard some pretty hard war stories from other neighbors. Good luck.
From the day you hire the architect, allow 10 months or so to completion. Ed Kopel ARchitects, PC
It depends on the scope. If you do decide to move forward, make sure you select architects/builders with strong project management skills. Ensure you are able to visualize your design and minimize changes. A well-planned project can move forward efficiently. If your architects and engineers are sloppy or you keep changing things, the blueprints will have to be resubmitted to the DOB (happens frequently).
It will still be time consuming and stressful. It is best to go into your project not emphasizing how quickly it can be done, but focusing on how it will enrich your home. Quality takes time.
Not to scare you, but I saw this renovation/divorce article in the NY Times last week:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/garden/05divorce.html
Ugh. I was hoping it wouldn’t take that long, but had guessed it might. Thanks everyone.