Those with a good eye will splurge on important elements such as industrial quality kitchen appliances and stone countertops but also know that cabinetry styles can be purchased made with more affordable materials but still retain the looks of a classic kitchen. Marble in the bath can just be used on the floors to give an element of luxury but classic ceramic subway tiles on the walls are always a tasteful and inexpensive design choice. Having higher end faucets, shower fixtures (triple handle vs single) is a better option than having every single tile surface in the bathroom made of marble and this also provides a classic look without going over budget. As far as getting an estimate goes, get four experienced contractors to provide a quote and select one that is somewhere in the middle for best results.
For more on this type of article on brownstone renovation cost, check out our past post: LINK
Excellent advice
ReplyDeleteAlso money can be saved if you are fine with floors that have settled and appreciate the character. HVAC is also expensive but not necessary.
ReplyDeleteGreat article and suggestions on how to stretch one's budget. I would note that marble countertops in the kitchen are not necessarily more expensive than granite, and also that stainless appliances doesnt have to mean Viking or Subzero or Wolf. I think the 100k per floor is possible if one is creative, but I would also note that true gut renovation is cheaper than restoration. If you strip a house down to its studs, you can run wires and pipes more easily then just put up drywall. If you are trying to preserve original plaster and woodwork, then you have to snake wires, skim coat skim coat and skim coat, not to mention the cost of restoring wood. I would say if you need to restore original details, 100k a floor easily becomes 150 to 200. You can keep that closer to 150 by being creative in other ways. For example - this is controversial - but in my opinion a little white paint over woodwork is not a crime and can enhance the aesthetics of a place, especially if you preserve the dark wood in certain places where there are more intricate carvings (stairs, fireplaces, even pocket doors) and consider painting baseboards and window moldings. As for A/C, agree it is not a necessity, but the 3 million dollar buyer wants it - for this mini split ductless systems are a wonder: they cost half of what central a/c does and, better yet, they do not require the ceilings to be dropped. Good luck to those starting the process and definitely get a contractor who specializes in brownstones - our was amazing at repurposing original materials in different locations in the house!
ReplyDeleteYes it is historically correct to have painted mouldings and woodwork. Usually in a light neutral color to contrast a rich or vibrant wall.
ReplyDeleteSo where exactly do I sign up to 'inherit' one of these brownstones for 'nothing'.
ReplyDeleteOn the topic of stainless steel appliances, most of the ones found at Home Depot are of inferior quality and upper market buyers can recognize this by the lack of steel paneling on the sides of the fixtures. Those in the know can find other brands that are not Viking, Subzero or Wolf that have the full industrial look.
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