Renovations

Hi, we Need. advice as it is our first time renovating. We are purchasing a 2 story plus basement home. We plan to gut renovate 2 floors while we live in our current apartment. How long on avaregae to renovate 1400 sq foot space? 6 months? A year? Thanks!

Bethzaira

in General Discussion 7 years and 2 months ago

21

Please log in, in order to post replies!

21 replies

Newest Oldest

randolph | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5136 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5124 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "26171"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bkj16FushDhH.ZkZpciKBwc2QcqOxt."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(29) "andrewdouglasgrieve@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http:///forums/users/randolph/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2009-02-26 15:39:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(26171)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

> @JPDA
> it can be done efficiently!

operative word there is CAN……just like is CAN take 18 months and cause one to get divorced and go bankrupt.

JPDA | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5134 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5137 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "56403"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(4) "JPDA"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BiWdScBcVKNUx17QIIU4sn7IP2iP7.1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "JPDA"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(15) "jordan@jpda.net"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(19) "http://www.jpda.net"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2010-06-16 19:38:18"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "m6JyCk05FZh9ArG2sf3X"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(4) "JPDA"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(56403)
  ["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)
}

8 months if not Landmarked. Don’t be scared by all the horror stories it can be done efficiently!

Bethzaira | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5135 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5138 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "130978"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "Bethzaira"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B7EaPNHZbK3QyFoxfB0bvQ/ReiGf9H."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "bethzaira-2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "Bethzairag@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2018-02-25 18:59:47"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "bethzaira"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(130978)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(0) {
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks all for your answers, we backed out it

randolph | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5136 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5139 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "26171"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bkj16FushDhH.ZkZpciKBwc2QcqOxt."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(29) "andrewdouglasgrieve@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "http:///forums/users/randolph/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2009-02-26 15:39:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "randolph"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(26171)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

In 2015 there was a serious logjam at the DOB and permits were taking forever to get approved, but my understanding is that is not the case anymore.

slopefarm | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5138 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5134 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(3) "655"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "slopefarm"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BK7dzbqXJe9TV6iU0glcNZiXdOt9CR1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "slopefarm"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "jrubin@law.nyc.gov"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/slopefarm/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:11:42"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "slopefarm"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(655)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

What Lurker said.

And yes, watch out for a GC who underbids. If the bids are far apart, it means the low bidder underbid and/or the scope of work isn’t clear.

Lurker | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5139 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5135 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "113126"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "Lurker"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Biam83uc193o8.v5qK1VChb9yjJ5vu."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "lurker"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "jcjedi_10003@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/lurker/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2011-01-19 18:44:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "Lurker"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(113126)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Scope matters a lot, but assuming a big project, the team you work with is the most important issue. Also your capacity to be organized and tenacious and not stressed by situations you can’t control is huge. Unfortunately Angie’s List is not a reliable resource for NY in my experience, and so you’re left to personal recommendations and being as thorough and paranoid before you hire someone as possible—both architect/engineer and contractor and any subs you may be involved with.

I though I had it all figured out, crossed the Ts and dotted the Is, was willing to do everything right, and the process just made hamburger of me. Our architect was over their head and interpersonally a combative nightmare. Our GC bid low which should have been a sign he didn’t understand the scope and also was desperate for work. He hired unlicensed subs who were being covered by pros who did things wrong or poorly and had to be redone. The 4-6 month job took more than 2 years and we still have open permits I can’t figure out how to close.
And we did everything by the book, in terms of permit s, and vetting people—or at least we thought we were, which is the rub. The system is broken, the DOB is a shambles, and it’s too easy for incompetent workers, or outright predators, to get in the system and either strand or bilk homeowners who can’t afford top-shelf talent.

The golden rule I’ve repeated here many times. You can only pick two of good, cheap, or fast. You never get all three so plan accordingly.

CarmenR | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5136 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5140 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "76710"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(7) "CarmenR"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BzHMZfQVzm/ERejsSfVg/POhnj4ZkX0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(7) "carmenr"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "dayglosoright@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:30:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "Suzzeeque"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(76710)
  ["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)
}

To add another data point- we did a gut, 2650 sqft, 3 stories + cellar, 2 kitchens, 3.5 baths, added an extension. 8 months to get permits, 16 months of construction (moved back in after 1 year.) Got our CoO like a year after we moved in, 2.5 years from when we bought the place. We started filing for permits 1 month after purchasing the house.

ottoparts | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5138 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5141 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "182153"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "ottoparts"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Be.8r69q6Bihq9czYtvmZJHpra3A.31"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "ottoparts"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "bk@truckstopmedia.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:09:38"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "ottoparts"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(182153)
  ["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)
}

Good. Luck. !!

hydrangeasaurus | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5139 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5142 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191806"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "hydrangeasaurus"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BQmlN37jV.QVGi/ad6dFX5sQpWP0Sf1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "hydrangeasaurus"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "janicepurvis@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-22 17:13:22"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(27) "Janice Purvis Janice Purvis"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191806)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It’s dangerous to read numbers from other people on this site and think it may work out for you in the same way. I think we tend to read the lowest or shortest such number and fall into the trap of thinking “I should be able to do that”. No two projects are alike, especially when it comes to old house renovations There are so many variables, one very critical variable being you, that it would be meaningless for me to to tell you how long mine took or how much it cost.

The single greatest piece of advice I can give, after having just gotten to the end of a very long tunnel of my first renovation, is this–check out the book “What Your Contractor Can’t Tell You” by Amy Johnston. I read it twice. Not all of it will apply to you, but one thing I think everyone can get from it is a much needed reality check. She has a funny but no nonsense tell you what you need to hear approach that I appreciated.

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198212"

minimum it would take 6 months but it depends entirely in the speed, how quick you work

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198212"

minimum it would take 6 months but it depends entirely in the speed, how quick you work

slopegirl | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4864 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4866 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "34682"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "slopegirl"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BmPjvLLXxuJIHCzkqN9h9/FLl7akcD."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "slopegirl"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "sarah_11215@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "/forums/users/slopegirl/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:49:17"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "slopegirl"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(34682)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

OMG we are contemplating a reno starting later this year and I’m being talked out of it as I read these posts…

hh50 | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4867 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5143 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "192959"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(4) "hh50"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bun9MnJcgwuNntaRuUwiR2oAooBj..1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "hh50"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "haganbrooklyn@aol.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-23 10:31:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(25) "hollyo hagan hollyo hagan"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(192959)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We just finish a gut renovation 3 storied brownstone from a 1 family to 2 family with a deck. It’s a brand new house. We moved out in Feb/2016 and will be moving back by the end of this month – 2 years. Yes it took that long, but the work was worth it. Be patience cause stuff will happen that wasn’t planned and what are you going to do? Maybe 18 months is a more realistic time table., but anticipate delays.

chemosphere | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5136 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5394 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "180501"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bym7xqSisQdtaWFx8p2q7DWXNAtg0D/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "jg@jacobgarchik.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:09:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(180501)
  ["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)
}

BTW I know someone who just finished an 11 month job. Alt 1 permits, 3000 sq ft 2 family house, gutted 2 kitchens and 2 baths and built one more bath from scratch, opened up the kitchen with a new steel beam, opened up the back with french doors and a steel header but not a big custom glass wall. Mini splits. They kept about half the original floors. Fixed a lot of joists but didn’t rip out all the old ones.
“Gut” can mean a lot of different things.

chemosphere | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5143 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4864 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "180501"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bym7xqSisQdtaWFx8p2q7DWXNAtg0D/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "jg@jacobgarchik.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:09:44"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "chemosphere"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(180501)
  ["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)
}

If you are keeping plumbing in place and not taking down load bearing walls you don’t need Alt 1 permits. You can have the electrician and plumber file.
We gutted 2 kitchens and 2 baths, all new electric and new plumbing but kept the waste stack and the sewer stacks, in 3 months. Structural was limited to sistering water-damaged joists underneath the bathroom.
Most people want to open up kitchens, blow out the back, relocate bathrooms, etc etc, which opens you up to the world of permits (and much more money and time).

jazzwalk | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4867 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5395 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "178155"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "jazzwalk"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BbUy/th/2WJ.Vw5McjccyCc/r8vVYZ/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "jazzwalk"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "jazzwalk@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(50) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/jazzwalk/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:40:16"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "jazzwalk"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(178155)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

We are finishing up and went in with way too little knowledge. keep people around you can trust; and have lots of money. Well beyond what you could even imagine you’d need. It’s not even that your contractor will try to scam you and I am sure you recognize there will be change work orders, but it goes beyond that. It felt like we could never catch up. Light bulbs and fixtures, and towel rods (you’d be amazed how much these can cost) and hot water heaters and tile and etc, etc. It really starts to add up. Since you are doing your basement, know that you will very likely have to replace the sewer line, make sure that is included in the bid. Also make sure that any changes you make are signed off by the contractor. Certainly, if you get a change work order from the contractor, your contractor will want you to sign off, but if you pull something, don’t just assume your contractor will reduce that from the original agreement. Get that in writing. Honestly, it is a terrible experience. Our house is beautiful and the reward is great, but I’m not sure I’d do it again.

namahs | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4864 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5136 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "26703"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "namahs"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BK9pauSjdxoBXgbbZtKEi5FJ5WCk660"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "namahs"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "eychan@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/namahs/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:40:17"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "namahs"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(26703)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

If you already know what you plan on doing and have contractor/architect that you can trust to guide you thru the process. I would say 12 months if everything is falling in place. The extra timing is if you make changes in plan/work, contractors not doing their job and of course the DOB inspection being the biggest variable. Good luck.

Guest User | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "3"
string(6) "198203"

I agree if you are planning for the complete renovation then it will take more than 12 months.

robertbullock | 7 years and 2 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5388 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5387 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "183080"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "robertbullock"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BONKUP/qGibK9baiRbpqcbUjA.fGJI1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "robertbullock"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "rbullock@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:26:53"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "robertbullock"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(183080)
  ["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)
}

Ditto to all the above. And note that in all likelihood it’ll take longer, possibly much longer, than you expect, and cost more. You should also consider having a few _well regarded_ contractors take a look and put together a bid, for which there’s no charge. Personal recommendations from friends and colleagues, where you are able to see the work close up and get the inside scoop, are the way to go. I can give some names of contractors who did work for friends who did outstanding work, and I can give names of people to steer clear of, like the firm we initially hired (and fired). Eg, check out Harry Sukhram and CI Alterations in the Bronx, who do top notch work (not cheap, but not as expensive as you’d think). I’m sure others here can do the same. Same deal with architects, if you want someone to take care of permits and approvals.