Jackson Heights Life

The least expensive option - if the last renovation was well done - is to get an estimate from the super who did it. Ask what it would cost to not change the footprint but only update the cosmetic fixtures (ei cabinets, countertop, fixtures, backsplash,appliances, lighting. He'll know the building, be familiar with the rules, and have an idea about what's behind the wallls.

The least expensive option - if the last renovation was well done - is to get an estimate from the super who did it. Ask what it would cost to not change the footprint but only update the cosmetic fixtures (ei cabinets, countertop, fixtures, backsplash,appliances, lighting. He'll know the building, be familiar with the rules, and have an idea about what's behind the wallls.

It was not and that super left quite some time ago. Many issues contributed to that, but one major one was collecting a salary as super, but spending most of his time in the building doing paid work for residents. So that was one thing the board wanted to make sure wasn't a drain on time and resources for the new super, so no more hiring the super to do renovations or private work.

Ed --

Your project sounds familiar to the one I just did -- and which ended up costing me a lot more than $15K! I'd be happy to share some of the things I learned about doing a "small" project. Feel free to PM me.

I think I heard about someone named Ed Corrigan who does renovations and is highly recommended. I may be not remembering correctly, but I think that was the name.

That was a gorgeous kitchen! But it cost more than $15k.

We had a very narrow and small kitchen that needed a complete overhaul. It's on a riser and was divided with a useless eating area. We finally did it last year. We ripped out the dividing doorway, tiled the floor, put in all new cabinets and a granite counter top. even a breakfast nook type eating area with parts bought from a restaurant supply store.

The size of it helped keep costs low, $9,000ish in labor. But, as was mentioned it was very difficult finding someone and I had an awful experience getting the contractor to show up and do the job. I work as a carpenter, so, I know a lot about sourcing materials. I did a lot of leg work on my own and that saved us money. Even though he did good work I would not recommend the guy we used cause he didn't take it to completion but, tried to nickel and dime us as though he did. It's hard to find people to do smaller jobs.

I HIGHLY recommend Homeart tile on northern and Milestone for counter tops behind Home Depot on Northern. Very affordable, more than Ikea or Home Depot and very dependable.

Did you ever do the job?

You can do the job for 7k to 10k with granite.  You do a combination of handymen, elbow grease and avoid moving plumbing and avoid over reporting what you are doing to the Board and management, even they can get information overload.  Time your labor and schedule everything to the day. PAY a contractor to advise BUT NOT to do the job.  You will be surprised how quickly the job goes when a contractor knows it is another contractor running the job.

Good Luck.

NYC Native -- nice to see you back on the board!

Just an update, if anybody's interested...
https://blog.sweeten.com/before-after/kitchens/arts-crafts-kitchen-queens/?utm_source=Sweeten+Subscribers+-+main&utm_campaign=55ad85371f-colorful-brownstone&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8288740962-55ad85371f-414684337

Wow, very nice! Congrats.