No clue where to start when it comes to home renovations in new home

Probably could get away with induction cooktop?

JohnHancock

in General Discussion 4 years and 7 months ago

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Guest User | 4 years and 7 months ago

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We are under contract and awaiting closing on a home, we live in Brooklyn, NY

We want to add a small kitchen to the finished basement which will be an “in law suite” for my father in law there’s already a bathroom 2 full sized windows and 1 small window and a private entrance. The basement is on street level.

I’m completely clueless to this process so I don’t even know where to start or who or what I need.

I’ve seen expeditiors mentioned elsewhere, is that something that I would benefit from on this kind of project? How does that work? I know it’s generally recommended to get a licensed contractor but can an unlicensed contractor still help me get the permits and do the work? I know you legally should get permits but if I didn’t, in what kind of situation would they find out? And if they did would I be able to get permits after the fact?

I would like to start planning things out now even though there’s a chance we might not be in the house till the new year.

If someone can run down the step by step process of what we need, who we should hire and anything else to make this a smooth and as quick as possible process it would be greatly appreciated!

jimhillra | 4 years and 7 months ago

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There’s a lot to consider here. Rather than asking for a long list, which may or may not apply to your specific conditions, I’d suggest calling an architect to talk you through the process. Be willing to spend an hour or so on the phone, going into detail about your plans, budget, expectations, hopes, dreams… and I think you’ll find an architect can answer most of the above questions and help you prioritize work and expenses.

lkrshacmzcy | 4 years and 7 months ago

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Above. For professionals, Expeditors and Engineers are best because we speak nearly the same language. For a homeowner, an architect will best be able to get down to that same level of communication.

cate | 4 years and 7 months ago

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Yes. Agree. Start with chatting with a few architects, ideally ones who are local and have experience working on renovations for houses for homeowners in your general area. (As opposed to, say, projects with different conditions such as apartments in Manhattan or new construction on Long Island.) Fees vary, but you should be able to find several in your budget to interview. By “basement,” do you mean the ground/garden level, not the cellar? (You cannot legally live in a cellar.) You will get the best results with an architect, and they also have networks of highly qualified and licensed contractors to work with. Also it is always useful to get referrals (for architects, etc.) from neighbors and friends. Good luck.

Guest User | 4 years and 7 months ago

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I’m an architect that works on a lot of homes in Brooklyn. This project sounds a little smaller than the work we typically do, but you can give our office a call if you need some advice – (347) 762-6165. You will need a professional (architect/engineer) to help you file this project and generally get the process started. The one issue I will warn you about is the additional kitchen. Anything that looks like a kitchen will trigger the DOB into thinking you are adding a dwelling to the building. Adding a dwelling to your CO can be very tricky (expensive), particularly if you already have 2 or more in the building. You can avoid these problems by refraining from adding things like gas appliances that indicate this could be a separate dwelling.

JPDA | 4 years and 7 months ago

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Cheapest, easiest and least painful way to do this will be to file a project with just a new sink, hopefully adjacent to the existing bathroom. Add countertop, electric hotplate, fridge and microwave on your own and instant kitchen with no C of O issues.

mozeeatupu | 4 years and 7 months ago

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Is the property a 1 family? Creating an illegal occupancy will cause more issues than it’s worth.

helen40

in General Discussion 4 years and 7 months ago

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@JPDA Electric hotplate and microwave does not constitute a kitchen for anyone who plans to cook.

JPDA | 4 years and 7 months ago

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  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I am assuming that since OP mentioned this is literally for their father in law he will likely not be hosting lavish banquets in the basement.

There are two options to meet their needs: the first is quick, cheap and gets to about 90% of what most people would want in terms of kitchen functionality.

The second is costly, complicated and ultimately may require substantial updates to the existing building and a long and painful Alt 1 / C of O process that is likely overkill for the benefits it will provide.