NYC remodel question

[emeraldlover1]

I wasn''t sure where to post this...so please help if you can. Now that we are married and have returned home from our honeymoon we are looking to embark on our next project; remodel of the kitchen and then our bathroom. We think that we may need to break down a wall in the kitchen but we aren''t sure where to start. Do we need a contractor to help us with this or do we need an interior designer or some other sort of service that I haven''t thought of to help us think through our space issues? I''m truly at a loss here.

We want to make our co-op saleable within the next two years and the kitchen is in desperate need of improvement. I prefaced that statement because we aren''t looking to break the bank on the remodel given that we probably won''t be in the apartment that long. Right now the kitchen is severely outdated however we have some newer applicances that we purchased to fit the space. If anyone can help I will gladly post pictures. Our dilema right now is that there is a wall that separates the kitchen and the living room that we could break down to make room for a island/breakfast bar. I think the apartment needs something like this but if we do that we are unsure how to set up our living room.

If someone could help me find a place to start I would appreciate it. Are there any forums out ther where I could find suggestions for vendors? Also, if anyone has any experience with this in the NYC area I would love to know what you did, who you used, etc.

Thanks!

 

[neatfreak]

First thing is that you need to make sure it is NOT a load bearing wall and that there are no electrical lines running through it. You need to do both those things before you touch anything. A contractor would be a good place to start for the wall as would an electrical engineer for the electric issues.

You probably also want to make sure you don't need approval from your coop board to do construction.

Have you asked local friends or neighbors? I've found that's the best place to get good suggestions for contractors.

 

[tyty333]

You may also have to pull permits to have this done....got any drawings of the current layout of your kitchen
and your plans to update it? I think you are right on asking for input because I think the more advice/opinions
you get the better off you are in the end.

 

[emeraldlover1]

Date: 10/11/2009 11:39:35 AM
Author: neatfreak
First thing is that you need to make sure it is NOT a load bearing wall and that there are no electrical lines running through it. You need to do both those things before you touch anything. A contractor would be a good place to start for the wall as would an electrical engineer for the electric issues.

You probably also want to make sure you don''t need approval from your coop board to do construction.

Have you asked local friends or neighbors? I''ve found that''s the best place to get good suggestions for contractors.

All good thoughts. It is not a load bearing wall, that we checked with our super who outsources/does a lot of the construction for the building. It does have electricity through it and we would need an electrician. We are well aprised of the rules or our co-op board as far as construction is concerned so no worries there.

Anyway, most of the people in the building use the same contractor but they have been having problems and I''ve seen some of the latest work and well, I didn''t think it was good, at all. The biggest concern I have is how we would set up the limited space if we took down the wall. I know a contractor could do it but the space is very strange in set up since the living room has two walls of window/sliding glass doors that lead out to our terrace. Right now the kitchen wall has our entertainment center and flat screen backed up to it. If we take it down we may have some big space/living issues and I''m not sure what to do with that. Do you think a picture would help?

 

[emeraldlover1]

ty...prior to buying the apartment I know that our neighbor considered buying it and knocking down the full kitchen wall to adjoin his apartment. I''m almost positive that he brought in an arcitect to draw up new plans for it but unfortunatley he travels overseas and I haven''t seen him in months. The hard part is that I think our agent told us that but she lives in the building and I don''t want to go to her with the info that we are re-doing anything because well, I''d rather her not know. I''m thinking as I type but I''m wondering if the board has copies of that since I think they mentioned it during our board approval but that was two years ago now and I don''t really remember. I''ll have to ask though.

Another question...what kind of permits exactly do you think we would need? Right now the apartment below knocked out all the walls and basically gutted the apartment from what I understand they didn''t get any permits. They are however having problems with their contractor. I''m going to ask though.

As far as our plans...no current drawings but I could make one in about 5 minutes...its so small. As far as updating it, we are kind of open. Don''t want to break the bank but we do want to do what is going to make the most of our money when we try to sell it. I don''t know what that is though. We were thinking of calling an agent to come look at our place. Good idea?

 

[emeraldlover1]

bump for weekday people.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

First of all, I would bring in a contractor. Some won''t touch a place that you''ve done anything on...but if you''re on the ground level with this remod, now would be the time to start. They will help you better understand what you need and where to start...they will also oversee the project, obtain permits (if needed) and hire any/all subcontrators. Usually this is a great place to start because you can get a good idea how much the project is going to run you and also pictures of their previous work to make sure they are up to par. Many contractors tend to have "teams" they work with so you won''t need to privately oursource floors, install, tile and what not. A good place to look is Angie''s List...this site offers real people talking in real terms about contractors they have worked with--you''ll get the good and the bad and the ugly. http://www.angieslist.com/angieslist/ Some contractors can do the blue prints for you, help you with lay out and pulling your ideas together--this is a cost-effective solution to plans because you''re not outsourcing another person--like with many things, too many cooks in the kitchen ruin the soup.

Only hire a designer if you need help with the design or picking colors. Otherwise you''d be fine going out and doing the leg-work yourself if you''re comfortable with that. We hired a designer because I just didn''t have the time to commit to picking the ins and outs for our home. I will tell you, it made things easier on me...but I also missed "the hunt". She was wonderful though and really helped us create a timeless kitchen whereas I might have leaned more to trendy stuff.

 

[pennquaker09]

If you have no idea of what you're doing or where you want to go, I would talk to a designer first. A good designer is going to know a good contractor, cabinet maker, etc. so I think it's best to start that way.

 

[Clairitek]

I'm on the same page as you EM1. Wanting to update and maximize the space in an outdated kitchen and bathroom. I don't have anything too constructive to add to this thread except that I wish you and your husband the best of luck on your remodel with the least amount of red tape possible!

ETA: I can sort of see where Italia is coming from in strongly suggesting that you get a contractor to do the work and not do it yourself. Though, putting myself in the shoes of a potential buyer- I don't think that I would have any issues with a homeowner doing their own work (electrical, plumbing, whatever) so long as it all checked out with a reputable home inspector. The people who owned our house before us did TONS of DIY home improvement. The only problem we had was some of the electrical stuff not being up to code. All they had to do was get in a licensed electrician to fix it. So basically, I would encourage you to look in to what you can yourselves, if you feel up to the task and have the time. I think projects like this are great for bonding with your partner.

 

[emeraldlover1]

Date: 10/12/2009 4:33:04 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor
First of all, I would bring in a contractor. Some won''t touch a place that you''ve done anything on...but if you''re on the ground level with this remod, now would be the time to start. They will help you better understand what you need and where to start...they will also oversee the project, obtain permits (if needed) and hire any/all subcontrators. Usually this is a great place to start because you can get a good idea how much the project is going to run you and also pictures of their previous work to make sure they are up to par. Many contractors tend to have ''teams'' they work with so you won''t need to privately oursource floors, install, tile and what not. A good place to look is Angie''s List...this site offers real people talking in real terms about contractors they have worked with--you''ll get the good and the bad and the ugly. http://www.angieslist.com/angieslist/ Some contractors can do the blue prints for you, help you with lay out and pulling your ideas together--this is a cost-effective solution to plans because you''re not outsourcing another person--like with many things, too many cooks in the kitchen ruin the soup.

Only hire a designer if you need help with the design or picking colors. Otherwise you''d be fine going out and doing the leg-work yourself if you''re comfortable with that. We hired a designer because I just didn''t have the time to commit to picking the ins and outs for our home. I will tell you, it made things easier on me...but I also missed ''the hunt''. She was wonderful though and really helped us create a timeless kitchen whereas I might have leaned more to trendy stuff.

This is extreamly helpful! Thank you so much. I think your idea of a contractor is the best place to start.

 

[emeraldlover1]

Date: 10/12/2009 5:29:59 PM
Author: Clairitek
I''m on the same page as you EM1. Wanting to update and maximize the space in an outdated kitchen and bathroom. I don''t have anything too constructive to add to this thread except that I wish you and your husband the best of luck on your remodel with the least amount of red tape possible!

ETA: I can sort of see where Italia is coming from in strongly suggesting that you get a contractor to do the work and not do it yourself. Though, putting myself in the shoes of a potential buyer- I don''t think that I would have any issues with a homeowner doing their own work (electrical, plumbing, whatever) so long as it all checked out with a reputable home inspector. The people who owned our house before us did TONS of DIY home improvement. The only problem we had was some of the electrical stuff not being up to code. All they had to do was get in a licensed electrician to fix it. So basically, I would encourage you to look in to what you can yourselves, if you feel up to the task and have the time. I think projects like this are great for bonding with your partner.

Oh yeah! Good point! I should have added that we aren''t handy. We will not be doing any of the work. I guess the question is now, designer or contractor??

 

[Hera]

I would get a contractor because you''re only taking out one wall and you''ll be reselling the house. If you were staying for quite a while, taking out more walls and needed help picking finishes, I would get an Interior Designer or an architect.

As far as your space planning, why don''t you post pics? I''m a new Interior Designer but I''ll see if I (and others here)can help you. Floor plan would be nice but if you don''t have one, just post pics.

 

[emeraldlover1]

Date: 10/12/2009 7:44:41 PM
Author: heraanderson
I would get a contractor because you''re only taking out one wall and you''ll be reselling the house. If you were staying for quite a while, taking out more walls and needed help picking finishes, I would get an Interior Designer or an architect.

As far as your space planning, why don''t you post pics? I''m a new Interior Designer but I''ll see if I (and others here)can help you. Floor plan would be nice but if you don''t have one, just post pics.

Really? I''ll take some pics tomorrow and then post them. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 10/12/2009 5:42:33 PM
Author: emeraldlover1

Date: 10/12/2009 5:29:59 PM

Author: Clairitek

I''m on the same page as you EM1. Wanting to update and maximize the space in an outdated kitchen and bathroom. I don''t have anything too constructive to add to this thread except that I wish you and your husband the best of luck on your remodel with the least amount of red tape possible!

ETA: I can sort of see where Italia is coming from in strongly suggesting that you get a contractor to do the work and not do it yourself. Though, putting myself in the shoes of a potential buyer- I don''t think that I would have any issues with a homeowner doing their own work (electrical, plumbing, whatever) so long as it all checked out with a reputable home inspector. The people who owned our house before us did TONS of DIY home improvement. The only problem we had was some of the electrical stuff not being up to code. All they had to do was get in a licensed electrician to fix it. So basically, I would encourage you to look in to what you can yourselves, if you feel up to the task and have the time. I think projects like this are great for bonding with your partner.

Oh yeah! Good point! I should have added that we aren''t handy. We will not be doing any of the work. I guess the question is now, designer or contractor??

Contractor then! I''m sure they can give you some advice for layout as long as you can choose colors and cabinet finish on your own (as Italia suggested). Plus, you have all the folks here to help you with some space usage suggestions. I had a thread a while back when I was considering redoing my kitchen. I posted a diagram with the layout and got some pretty neat advice.

You could also possibly go to IKEA, Home Depot, or Lowes and take advantage of any help from their staff that are hired to figure out the best layouts for people''s kitchens. I think IKEA even has a software you can download. Even if you weren''t going to buy their stuff it might be a good place to start!

 

[meresal]

To be honest.. my first thought was that since NYC apts are very small and don''t seem to have many excess wall, from what I have seen... what is that wall doing currently that you will be losing? Are you sacrificing cabinets?

 

[emeraldlover1]

Date: 10/13/2009 11:39:08 AM
Author: meresal
To be honest.. my first thought was that since NYC apts are very small and don''t seem to have many excess wall, from what I have seen... what is that wall doing currently that you will be losing? Are you sacrificing cabinets?

The wall is the divider between our living space and the kitchen, that is it. There is nothing on it. The Kitchen is 9x5 with the applicances and cabinents on one side. If we knock down the wall we would proabably put an island with a breakfast bar and cabinets underneath (don''t really know though). The issue with the design element then becomes how to arrange the living space. I''ll draw a diagram later...that should help.

 

[meresal]

Getting rid of a wall that is only being used to hide electrical wires... sounds like a phenominal idea to me.

 

[emeraldlover1]

Date: 10/13/2009 12:30:26 PM
Author: meresal
Getting rid of a wall that is only being used to hide electrical wires... sounds like a phenominal idea to me.

lol...when I show you what the kitchen looks like you will also see why the wall is there! But yeah...electrial wire storage space is about right. Oh and it used to house the building''s intercom which no longer works....

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 10/13/2009 11:31:25 AM
Author: Clairitek

Date: 10/12/2009 5:42:33 PM
Author: emeraldlover1

Date: 10/12/2009 5:29:59 PM

Author: Clairitek

I''m on the same page as you EM1. Wanting to update and maximize the space in an outdated kitchen and bathroom. I don''t have anything too constructive to add to this thread except that I wish you and your husband the best of luck on your remodel with the least amount of red tape possible!

ETA: I can sort of see where Italia is coming from in strongly suggesting that you get a contractor to do the work and not do it yourself. Though, putting myself in the shoes of a potential buyer- I don''t think that I would have any issues with a homeowner doing their own work (electrical, plumbing, whatever) so long as it all checked out with a reputable home inspector. The people who owned our house before us did TONS of DIY home improvement. The only problem we had was some of the electrical stuff not being up to code. All they had to do was get in a licensed electrician to fix it. So basically, I would encourage you to look in to what you can yourselves, if you feel up to the task and have the time. I think projects like this are great for bonding with your partner.

Oh yeah! Good point! I should have added that we aren''t handy. We will not be doing any of the work. I guess the question is now, designer or contractor??

Contractor then! I''m sure they can give you some advice for layout as long as you can choose colors and cabinet finish on your own (as Italia suggested). Plus, you have all the folks here to help you with some space usage suggestions. I had a thread a while back when I was considering redoing my kitchen. I posted a diagram with the layout and got some pretty neat advice.

You could also possibly go to IKEA, Home Depot, or Lowes and take advantage of any help from their staff that are hired to figure out the best layouts for people''s kitchens. I think IKEA even has a software you can download. Even if you weren''t going to buy their stuff it might be a good place to start!

I used to work for HD, and unless it''s changed, they will not (or should not) give out names of contractors to people. It''s a liability thing. Lowe''s likely has the same policy, not sure about IKEA. I second angieslist.com.

 

[Clairitek]

Date: 10/13/2009 1:06:27 PM
Author: sunnyd

Date: 10/13/2009 11:31:25 AM

Author: Clairitek

Date: 10/12/2009 5:42:33 PM

Author: emeraldlover1

Date: 10/12/2009 5:29:59 PM
Author: Clairitek

I''m on the same page as you EM1. Wanting to update and maximize the space in an outdated kitchen and bathroom. I don''t have anything too constructive to add to this thread except that I wish you and your husband the best of luck on your remodel with the least amount of red tape possible!

ETA: I can sort of see where Italia is coming from in strongly suggesting that you get a contractor to do the work and not do it yourself. Though, putting myself in the shoes of a potential buyer- I don''t think that I would have any issues with a homeowner doing their own work (electrical, plumbing, whatever) so long as it all checked out with a reputable home inspector. The people who owned our house before us did TONS of DIY home improvement. The only problem we had was some of the electrical stuff not being up to code. All they had to do was get in a licensed electrician to fix it. So basically, I would encourage you to look in to what you can yourselves, if you feel up to the task and have the time. I think projects like this are great for bonding with your partner.

Oh yeah! Good point! I should have added that we aren''t handy. We will not be doing any of the work. I guess the question is now, designer or contractor??

Contractor then! I''m sure they can give you some advice for layout as long as you can choose colors and cabinet finish on your own (as Italia suggested). Plus, you have all the folks here to help you with some space usage suggestions. I had a thread a while back when I was considering redoing my kitchen. I posted a diagram with the layout and got some pretty neat advice.

You could also possibly go to IKEA, Home Depot, or Lowes and take advantage of any help from their staff that are hired to figure out the best layouts for people''s kitchens. I think IKEA even has a software you can download. Even if you weren''t going to buy their stuff it might be a good place to start!

I used to work for HD, and unless it''s changed, they will not (or should not) give out names of contractors to people. It''s a liability thing. Lowe''s likely has the same policy, not sure about IKEA. I second angieslist.com.

I didn''t mean for her to go ask HD/Lowes/IKEA for names of contractors but more just for some freebie design suggestions on how to maximize her space. I''ve been in those places before and been offered help like this. She can then take those ideas to a contractor (perhaps one she finds on angieslist.org?). I was really just suggesting it as a way to get started.

 

[emeraldlover1]

Thank you! We have done that before. We also talked to someone at home depot about having someone come in to do a consultation and they never called us to set up the appointment. I''ve got some work todo but I promise that I''ll take a picture and draw a diagram soon. To be honest I need to clear the boxes out of the way that are stacking up from the wedding. I''m slowly getting to putting everything away and taking stuff out to DH''s parents house. Anyway, I''ll try and do that tonight. Thank you all for helping.

 

[pennquaker09]

Sounds like you need help with space planning.