As you would expect in any renovation, there are lots of options and price ranges, depending on the size of the project and grade of materials, cabinets, appliances and fixtures. We’ll go into these details in later sections. For now, let's get an overview of the scope of the undertaking, what you likely will be replacing, modifying or upgrading, if you buy a unit that requires a complete renewal.

The Kitchen:

• new granite, stone, stainless, concrete or tile counters and
  backsplash

• new wood or laminate cabinets and drawers

• new cabinet hardware

• new ceiling and under cabinet lighting

• new appliances

• new sink and faucet

• new wood, tile or stone floors

The Bath:

• new vanity

• new sink, toilet, tub and fixtures

• new marble, stone or tile counters and tub enclosure

• new lighting

• new medicine cabinet

• new tile or stone floors

In addition to redoing the major elements of the kitchen and bath as just outlined, throughout the apartment you'll do all or some combination of the following.

• Replace, move or add: doors, walls, plumbing, wiring, outlets,
   switches, light fixtures, cable and phone lines, baseboard
   moldings, crown moldings, window casings and sills.

• Repair or replace plaster board, apply skim coat.

• Build or install custom closets.

• Create a den, office or 2nd bedroom.

• Create a media wall

• Add a pantry, linen closet or assorted built-ins (shelves, drawers,
  desks, etc.)

• Hang a new chandelier or ceiling fan

• Install new air conditioners.

• Sand and refinish floors, or replace them with wood, stone, tile,
  carpet or laminates.

• Install washer and dryer if allowed.

• Apply Fresh paint throughout.

But before you can do any of these things, you will probably first decide on one of three basic approaches to the whole endeavor – largely depending on your own skills, temperament, the size of the project and the budget:

• One – you will do all of the design, planning and remodeling yourself
  (rare, but possible).

• Two – you will turn everything over to an Architect, Interior
   Designer and Contractor. Give them a budget and basic design
   criteria,and let them handle everything.

• Three – you will do some combination of the first two.

If you get actively involved – which is what we recommend and our personal way of doing it – you will take part, to one degree or another, in one or more of the following:

• Determining and approving detail designs

• estimating costs

• obtaining building permits

• selecting materials, color schemes and paint

• shopping for fixtures, appliances and furnishings

• And perhaps even doing some of the "hands on" refurbishing work
  yourself

No matter your level of active participation, at the least you set the budget and approve someone else's designs.You also must have realistic expectations regarding a time frame for completion of the project. And you must do what's required as an owner to obtain a signed alteration agreement from your board. We're going to explore all the factors in detail below – let's start by first getting a sense of the time frame for planning and design, and then will look at the planning details.

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