A HOW-TO GUIDE

How to Renovate in New York City

How much does it cost to renovate in NYC?

· Average NYC renovation cost per square foot »
· Cost of renovating a brownstone vs. a condo or co-op »
· Gut renovation costs »
· Kitchen and bathroom renovation costs »
· Cost of combining apartments »
· Unexpected renovation costs »
· The cost of temporary housing in NYC (and the price of staying put) »
How long does it take to renovate in NYC?

How long does it take to renovate in NYC?

· Average renovation times: Brownstones, co-ops & condos, kitchens and bathrooms, combinations »
· Renovation timeline »
· Common reasons for renovation delays »
· First-time renovation mistakes »
Hiring the right renovation team

Hiring the right renovation team

· Do you need an architect and/or an interior designer, as well as a contractor? What’s a design-build firm? »
· How (and how much) do NYC designers, architects, contractors and design-build firms charge for their services? »
· Other renovation specialists you may need—or want—to hire »
· How to find the best architect, designer, contractor and/or design/build firm for your NYC renovation  »
· How to check a contractor’s references »
· How to get and understand renovation bids »
· How to negotiate with a contractor »
· What should be in a renovation contract? »
· Should you have an attorney review your renovation contract? »
Getting your renovation approved by your co-op or condo board

Getting your renovation approved by your co-op or condo board

· The renovation approval process: what to expect »
· What’s an alteration agreement? »
· 15 things your coop or condo board might not let you do in your renovation »
· 6 extras your co-op or condo board may insist on (at your expense) when you renovate »

How to get your renovation approved by the city

· When do you need a building permit to renovate in NYC? »
· Extra dob requirements if you’re renovating in a NYC historic district »
· What’s an expeditor, when do you need one, and how much will it cost? »
Managing your renovation project through construction & beyond

Managing your renovation project through construction & beyond

· The stages and timeline of construction »
· Getting along with your neighbors, board and super during your renovation »
· How to work effectively with your contractor and architect »
· 6 common problems that can slow down or increase the cost of your renovation »
· What are change orders? (and how to handle them) »
· The punch list: what goes on it––and how to get your contractor to finish it »
· When do you need a new certificate of occupancy—and how do you get one? »
· How to get problems fixed after your renovation is done »