Kelly Kreth

Renovating a NYC apartment poses many challenges—such as complying with alteration agreements and navigating the DOB's rules. Here's what six New Yorkers wish they knew before starting work.

At first, Sam and Maxim, New York University doctoral candidates, enjoy living in StuyTown in the East Village where they have a great deal on rent, thanks to the university’s graduate student housing program. But eventually their building starts to feel like a dorm and they want a change. They land in Hell’s Kitchen, which they find quieter and with better options for dining out. Here’s Sam’s story.

During the pandemic, Justin Travis started to feel the smallness of his studio in the swanky West Village. He liked running and cycling at nearby Hudson River Park but living close to Central Park where he could do laps was even more appealing. He made a move, landing a larger apartment for $400 less than he was paying before. Here’s his story.

After her stint in the military was over, Gardette decided to make a big change and move to the Bronx, where her plans included buying a co-op—and becoming a dentist. She finds buying in New York City for the first time complicated, and New York more expensive than she's used to, but she's happy with her decision. Here’s her story.

We asked New Yorkers what they wished they had known about their buildings before they moved in and there's a lot you can learn from. Here’s what they have to say.

Wachira Leangtonom was living in a small walk-up in Chinatown with a roommate. She appreciated the area's convenient location and she loved the many nearby restaurants and grocery stores, but the apartment was small, dark, and it was difficult to get deliveries, problems that the shutdown magnified. With her lease running out, she decided to strike out on her own in Chelsea. Here’s her story.