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5 Design Mistakes that you Will Regret in NYC

Perry Hiiman
March 30, 2018
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5 Design Mistakes that you Will Regret in NYC

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In my experience, the renovation process can be a wild rollercoaster of emotions for most homeowners. You start off extremely excited about all of the improvements you hope to make, then you realize that the process might be slightly more complicated than you imagined it. All of a sudden you commit to a contractor and depending on their expertise, you can either have a smooth ride, or spiral out of control in what seems like the worst decision of your life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”32990″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Full service design firms are your personal tour guides to the amusement park. The service provided by firms like NYKB, ensure that you have a successful experience without making costly mistakes. We guide you throughout every step of the renovation process and give you VIP access to some of the top showrooms in Manhattan. Because not all designs hold their value or work for the Manhattan lifestyle, it is crucial to have a team that will steer you away from poor design choices. This week, I’d like to share five of the most common mistakes that you will regret making with your New York City renovation:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_single_image image=”32991″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_column_text]1. Keeping your bathtub in an apartment with less than 2 bedrooms. 

Removing a bathtub (especially a shower/bath combo) and converting it to a more spacious shower is a great idea. This is especially true in small bathroom layouts, which are very prevalent in Manhattan.  This is why we suggest removing a tub to create more space if you live in an apartment with less than 2 bedrooms. There is a common misconception that bathtubs can make or break the future sale of your apartment. However, this is completely false in Manhattan. You have to keep in mind that potential buyers who purchase a studio or 1 bedroom apartment will rarely need a to use a bathtub. Most buyers looking for a studio or one bath will not have younger children. There is also the claim that bathtubs are great for washing pets, yet removable shower heads are probably your best option for washing your four legged friends.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]2. Not listening to your designer’s suggestions. As the homeowner, the final decisions are fully up to you. But as the contractor, I go into every job trying to get the best out of the space. If you are going to hire an experienced designer like NYKB, it only makes sense to utilize the expertise you are paying for. This is not to say that you need to let them make all the design decisions or talk you into something you don’t need. But you should ask questions and give serious thought to the answers, as a good designer only wants what’s best for the client and typically has a better idea of the big picture.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”32992″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]3. Compromising on materials due to cost. First let me say that you should have a budget in mind before you even call a contractor out to your home, and you should stick to that approximate budget. What you shouldn’t do is try to cut corners and save a few bucks on materials when it affects the overall design or structure of your job. Sometimes, a slight step up in material quality can make all the difference. And in the end, the fact that it will last longer often makes it cheaper in the long run. When dealing with a real estate market like Manhattan, where the price per square foot is extremely high, it is important to consider using materials that add value.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”32993″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]4. Adding too many gadgets to your cabinets. Over the last 20 years, I have seen cabinet technology improve by leaps and bounds. From USB ports, to built-in lighting, to fancy cup and plate racks, to automatic doors, the choices are endless. But I think you really need to limit the number of gadgets you add to your cabinets, focusing on just a few. If not, your gadgets will end up taking up a ton of room, significantly reducing the space you have for actual storage. Every inch is so crucial in Manhattan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Complementary Design Consultation” color=”black” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2FWww.nykb.com%2Fcontact-us|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]5. Hiring a one-man contractor instead of a full-service renovation firm. You usually get what you pay for, and the remodeling industry is no different. Now, I don’t want to say that there aren’t any great one-man operations out there. But they are limited in what they can offer, and how long things take. When you go with a full-service design firm like NYKB, you will be able to work with the same people from the design stage all the way through permitting and completion. This will significantly reduce how long your job takes, while increasing the quality of work. And when you’re talking about renovating your Manhattan apartment, high quality is always the way to go.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”32994″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the reasons I have remained in the industry for so long is that I truly enjoy being a part of this experience with our customers. Every day, I help my clients avoid costly mistakes and stay on track with their original design goals. After all, the biggest advantage of working with a full service renovation firm, is that we are here to guide you along every step of the way. Even if it means having to tell our customers that their concepts may not benefit them in the long run.

We realize that there is a premium to hiring a renovation expert and because of this we stand behind the quality of the work we produce. We even guarantee our services with a 5-year warranty on all labor. Our goal is to ensure that the client will renovate without having any regrets down the line.

NYKB Kitchen & Bath would love to guide you through your home remodeling project. Please give us a call at (212) 242-3500, or click here to fill out our quick online form and one of my team members will reach out to you shorlty.

Sincerely,[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”32894″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_single_image image=”32896″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The goal of renovation and remodeling is to ensure satisfaction upon completion of your project. Construction can be very frustrating, and without a professional contractor, things can go wrong.

About Author

Perry Hiiman

Perry Hiiman was born and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel. He planted his roots in Manhattan, New York in 1992. A few years later, Perry met his wife and had three lovely daughters. Perry has always been excited about home improvement and design. He has been in the service industry for over 25 years. Perry and his partner founded New York Kitchen and Bath in 2001. They pioneered the One Stop Shop concept of home improvement and design firms. In addition, Perry is a New York State licensed contractor, OSHA certified, and a New York State licensed mold assessor. He specializes in custom design and is genuinely passionate about what he does—bringing people’s dream projects to life.

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