Wall work

December 20, 2005 7:25 PM

Relocating non-load-bearing walls in an apartment: broad cost range and any other suggestions?

I'm planning to change the floorplan of an apartment by taking down about 20 linear feet of nonstructural walls and putting up about 15 linear feet of such walls in presently open space. A doorframe and door will be relocated as part of the job. There is one 120v AC outlet both in the wall to come down and in wall to go up. The building is a recently constructed high-rise apartment house.

What (in broad ranges) should I expect to pay for this job to an insured and licensed contractor? Job is New York metro but not in Manhattan

posted by MattD to home & garden (6 comments total)

insured and licensed contractor?

Why so? Is this mandated? New York is full of talented independent artisans that could easily take on this job.

Either way ask for an estimate. The details of the finishing are where the money will go.
posted by StickyCarpet at 7:47 PM on December 20, 2005

Do you plan on paying the PITA rate?
posted by FredsinPa at 7:49 PM on December 20, 2005

Alas, landlord doesn't let any contractors in without proof of license and insurance.
posted by MattD at 8:20 PM on December 20, 2005

Landlord is smart. Any work that gets done is going to involve walls, ceilings or floors that abut another tenant's unit. Stuff cracks, breaks, leaks during construction. It just makes sense.

I'm not familiar with NYC prices, but there are too many variables here still I think, MattD. A lot depends on the finish floor -- will it need to be patched under the wall that gets removed, or is the flooring continuous, and just need refinishing? What vintage is the building? (This will determine whether you are looking at plaster or gypsum wallboard, as well as the age of the wiring, and plumbing in the walls -- not likely, but possible)
posted by misterbrandt at 8:27 PM on December 20, 2005

An apartment I once looked at was one of those "convertible 3s," and the leasing agent said that adding a theatrical wall with a door (but without electric) would set me back about $1,000.
posted by Kwantsar at 8:37 PM on December 20, 2005

(the wall was to be about 12' long.)
posted by Kwantsar at 8:51 PM on December 20, 2005