Today a potential client really let me have it when she received a proposal I had sent to her to complete the design and renovations of some faculty offices here in Manhattan. Without having actually designed anything to put numbers to, she had asked me to come up with a budget for her that would include all new furnishings and a total redesign.
Apparently the numbers I sent to her were not what she had in mind...
Which got me thinking...Although New York Apartment renovation costs are never an exact science there are a few guidelines we can use to determine what your project will end up ROUGHLY costing before even beginning the design.
Some general budgets for interior renovation work in New York City:
Co-Op, Condo Remodeling & Renovations, $150 - $350 per square foot and up
Town House, Brownstone Remodeling & Renovations, $150 - $350 per square foot and up
Basic Room Addition, Private House, $175 - $250 per square foot and up
Multi-Room Addition, Private House, $225 - $325 per square foot and up
Basic Kitchen Upgrade, Private House or Apartment, $25,000 and up - Based on a SMALL Kitchen, using existing layout and perhaps appliances.
Minor Kitchen Remodel, Private House or Apartment, $45,000 and up
Major Kitchen Remodel, Private House or Apartment, $75,000 and up
Simple Bathroom Upgrade, Private House or Apartment, $15,000 and up
Complete Bathroom Remodel, Private House or Apartment, $25,000 and up
Complete Bathroom Remodel (Higher-end), Private House or Apartment, $40,000 - $60,000 and up
Master Bathroom Remodel, Private House or Apartment, $60,000 - $80,000 and up
Finished Attics, Private House, $30,000 to $50,000 and up
Decks - $45 per SF and up for simple.
When you're planning your renovation project be sure to keep the following in mind:
- You get what you pay for! This is true for your architect, designer, your contractor, finishes and furnishings - everything.
- You'll forget how much you paid faster then you'll forget how badly the job went when you have to come home to it every day.
- Professionalism, quality and experience are what you should consider first and foremost! It's your money!
- Only hire LICENSED professionals. (including interior designers)
- Review and understand all the details of every contract you enter into. Make sure everything is included in the price. (we can help with this)
Above all, trust your gut when it comes to hiring your design professional. It's one of the most intimate and emotional agreements you can enter into, and you need to have complete confidence and trust in whomever you choose.
Read part 2 of Estimating a Renovation Budget
