First Renovations (Order & Timeline)

Hi everyone, and thanks for all the great info. Have been reading on the site for a long time, first post. I’m in contract on a 3-family house in Brooklyn that will be closing this month, and I have a few questions on getting as much of a jump as possible on the timeline and order of repairs/renovations. There isn’t too much we’d like to be doing straightaway, but we certainly need to do electric renovations asap, and would also like to knock down a couple walls (assuming they are not load-bearing). (The walls are in the main living space, and would not create or take away any bedrooms or anything of substance). I understand that getting permits for both will take time, so I’d like to get some advice on who to contact/hire first in order to get these things done as quickly as possible upon closing. Is there anything I can start doing before closing, aside from researching potential contractors? Thanks!

riinehart

in Electricians 12 years and 6 months ago

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fawn | 12 years and 6 months ago

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Before hiring out architect, I spoke on the phone with 4 and did a walk through with 3 (it was a much bigger project). You could call a few architects and engineers, and walk through the house with both. See what feels like a better fit.

jockdeboeraia | 12 years and 6 months ago

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It is up to you who to hire.  If all you are taking down is a wall and it is load bearing then either will work.  If you are doing design work, then me being an architect would say use an architect.  In general, once you decide, the area in question is measured, plans created and filed.  Depending upon what needs to be done, how quick you decide and that persons current workload figure at least a month to file, maybe less.  Depending upon how you file, a permit in a week or maybe a month.

jockdeboeraia | 12 years and 6 months ago

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You will need to hire an architect or engineer.  Do not go assuming what walls are non-load bearing.  It does not take forever to get a permit.

riinehart | 12 years and 6 months ago

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Further, do I need an expeditor for things like this? If so, do I find one first, or will the contractor assist with this?