Hey all,

We’re in the process of buying our first co-op in NYC (Upper West Side) and planning to do some renovations right after closing. We’d love to hear your ideas, suggestions, and any experiences you’ve had if you’ve gone through something similar. Here’s what we’re looking to do:

First off, how do we find reliable contractors and vendors to handle everything? We’ve heard enough horror stories about shady contractors, so we’re a bit nervous. If you have any contractor suggestions or leads, that would be really helpful! Should we go through a general contractor who can handle multiple projects or hire different specialists for each part?

Here’s what we’re planning to renovate:

1. Renovate the Kitchen: we’re thinking of a complete remodel—cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances, etc. Any suggestions on design ideas or must-have features for small kitchens? Also, what’s a reasonable cost estimate for a full kitchen reno in the city?

2. Refinishing the Floors: We’re considering refinishing the hardwood floors. What kind of budget should we set for this?

3. Replace the Toilet: The bathroom currently has a tankless toilet, but we want to replace it with a regular one. We’ve been told this might require significant plumbing work to fix the water line. Has anyone done this type of project before? Any recommendations on how to approach it, and what kind of cost we should expect?

Thanks in advance! Any advice or ballpark estimates would be super helpful as we start budgeting and planning!