Renovation

Avert these first-time renovation blunders

By Lucy Cohen Blatter  | February 19, 2015 - 3:59PM
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In Case You Missed It: Every so often, BrickUnderground digs through the archives to find the best advice our experts have shared through the years.

Renovating a home is a big deal. Renovating a NYC apartment? That's often an even bigger deal, with lots of "only in New York" moments (Department of Buildings audits, co-op board approvals, and so on). We've rounded up some common mistakes that newbie renovators make, so you can sidestep these particular minefields:

Rushing through the plans: Work out your construction specifications in mind-numbing detail before you start; ambiguity is the enemy of staying on track and on budget. And do a walk-through with the electrician, plumber, general contractor, and other relevant professionals. 

Picking the lowball (or lone) offer: Always compare contractors and prices, and remember that if someone's quote seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Underestimating time and expense: The project will take longer and cost more than you expect. Prepare for it. 

Skipping the interior designer on a gut job: Don't even try it. You'll find yourself totally overwhelmed by the options out there.

Staying put through the renoYou’ll have enough stress when you're overseeing a renovation, but living in the midst of it all will compound that stress. Factor short-term housing into your budget.

For more, read "10 first-time renovation mistakes even New Yorkers make."

Related:

Renovating? 6 ways to find temporary digs

The hidden costs of a NYC renovation

How to get your punch list completed

NYC Renovation Questions 

NYC Renovation Chronicles

 

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