Help needed with understanding the renovation process, permits etc.
Hello dear brownstone owners. This might be an odd question, but we are first time house owners, and in dire need of some advice. I’m looking for someone who has done a renovation on their home (landmarked) and who would be like to talk us through the process and pitfalls of their undertaking over lunch in a restaurant of your choosing (it’s on us of course!) There are so many questions about contingencies, quotes, permits etc etc, we’re completely overwhelmed and looking for some help.

Guest User | 7 years and 9 months ago
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Guest User | 7 years and 9 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "197541"
Hi Samgo. We are just a few months ahead of you. We are doing a partial gut renovation on a non-landmarked 3 story on 11th Street. So far we have: hired our architect; had our plans drawn up; endured 3 rounds of contractor bids (spoiler alert: it’s more expensive than your worst fears); cut back our scope; hired an expediter and, finally, we are getting close to filing.
Our expertise and level of experience is not lunch-worthy, but I’d be happy to share what we have learned so far over a coffee.

Guest User | 7 years and 9 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "197536"
Thanks everybody! CarmenR, I will gladly take you up on your offer. I don’t see a option to directly get in contact with people on Brownstoner, but I made a extra gmail account for people to mail me (excuse the weird name). mtamazainguser@gmail.com
Please feel free to drop us a mail to get in contact.
If anyone else has experience with landmarked buildings, please also feel free to reach out!

slopefarm | 7 years and 9 months ago
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My knowledge of the details is out of date, having done this 12 years ago (oy!). If Carmen is willing to sit down with you, take her up on it. She pretty much knows the updated version of what i know. Meanwhile some big picture advice:
1. Only hire professionals that come well-recommended from trusty sources.
2. Budget 50% more than everyone tells you it will cost.
3. Budget 50% more time than everyone tells you it will take.
4. if you think anyone — a contractor, a vendor, etc — is bullshitting you. drop them like a hot potato. No one bullshits just once. Our worst mistakes always occurred when we stuck with a bullshitter too long out of convenience.
5. Be involved, ask questions, look at the work frequently, etc.
6. Do not let your payments get ahead of the work.
7. Quality, speed, cost. Decide on the order of importance to you — you can get two out of three if you really work at it, but never all three.

CarmenR | 7 years and 9 months ago
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I’m happy to help, although we’re not landmarked. Our home is in south slope and we did the whole Alt-1 shenanigans.

Guest User | 7 years and 9 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "197536"
Our house is in Crown Heights, but we still rent in Fort Greene

cate | 7 years and 9 months ago
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Hi Samgo if you don’t mind me asking what neighborhood are you in?