Need help with rough estimate of costs and timing on project

Hi – I’m looking at the possibility of purchasing a 4 story brownstone (21×40) that is in need of the following: complete electrical upgrade, complete plumbing upgrade, plastering of walls after electrical/plumbing work, 1 new kitchen, 3 1/2 new baths, new heating sytem/gas and a new roof. Can you give me some idea (rough estimate) of what were looking at in terms of cost and how long a project like this would take? We’re not looking at high end materials for the baths/kitchen and we’re wondering if it’s possible to live in the house while any of this work is being done. Also, the cellar (dirt floor) was  was quite damp – sounds like there might be issues  there. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

gprotos

in Brownstoner Renovation 13 years and 7 months ago

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allrenovation | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Hi LaJefa, My company has helped several clients through this initial pre-purchase renovation estimate of a brownstone.  It would be my pleasure to talk and assist you.  You can reach me via cell at 347-559-7962 or call my office at 718-351-4099. Robert Demetrio All Renovation Construction, LLC www.allrenovationllc.com

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Living though a renovation when you have multiple floors is easy, just phase the project properly.  You can dig out the cellar easy if you are lucky and the foundation walls extend past where you want the new floor to be.  If not, you are looking at underpining and $$$.  Get a shovel and dig on each wall to see how far down the foundation goes.

bullfrog | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Sounds like you should be prepared to spend 300k when all is said and done

gprotos | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Masterbuilder – thanks for the response. One other question I have is regarding the cellar. It has very low ceilings – six feet or so. We’d probably like to have it be usable cellar with a cement floor and storage space. What does digging out the cellar look like in terms of cost and timing? Thanks for your help.

masterbuilder | 13 years and 7 months ago

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I forgot to give you a timeline.  Around 6 months for construction, give or take, maybe longer overall depending on you and your architects ability to produce drawings for the DOB.  It could take a year.  Much of the time frame is actually client dependent, because the clients have to make a lot (hundreds) of esthetic and financial decisions.

masterbuilder | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Low six figures.  Living through a renovation can be done.  Also you will need to file with the DOB. (My clients buy these kinds of fixer-uppers frequently, and we bid on the renovations almost every week.)