Joined
·
58 Posts
Hi Everyone:
I just completed renovation of two rooms (bedrooms, and office) in my c1905 two family rowhouse in Weehawken, NJ -- just outside of New York city.
I'm working on the top floor, which clearly was not an apartment in the early life of the house. A kitchen was added, although with a fairy un-intuitive layout. It is attached to what was originally a bedroom, however I will be converting the adjoining room to a living room in an attempt to modernize the floor plan. The wall will have to be removed, likely supported by posts and a beam. Note the location of the windows, which I am willing to work to adjust, and the chimney (which I most likely am not). I would like to do much of the work myself, but will sub out plumbing and structural work I am not comfortable with.
All designs must feature:
Original
![]()
Option 1
![]()
This option will be a u-shaped counter. Wall will be removed and supported. Some plumbing and gas lines for oven, but they are probably re-routing the existing lines (which I believe come up in chimney).
Option 2
![]()
Similar to option 1, but the counter will have to be negotiated around the chimney. Does allow for some additional space -- but is it worth having to wrangle the chimney?
Option 3
![]()
The most aggressive in terms of running plumbing and gas lines since they are not opposite the existing lines (up through attic above???) and will therefore have the highest cost. Living room space is somewhat smaller but kitchen is really opened up.
So, anyone out there have an opinion on
1) Which is the most functional
2) What about the chimney and how it the counter effects it?
3) What about design 3? Will it be dramatically more expensive to have someone run the lines to the opposite wall somehow?
Many thanks!
-James
I just completed renovation of two rooms (bedrooms, and office) in my c1905 two family rowhouse in Weehawken, NJ -- just outside of New York city.
I'm working on the top floor, which clearly was not an apartment in the early life of the house. A kitchen was added, although with a fairy un-intuitive layout. It is attached to what was originally a bedroom, however I will be converting the adjoining room to a living room in an attempt to modernize the floor plan. The wall will have to be removed, likely supported by posts and a beam. Note the location of the windows, which I am willing to work to adjust, and the chimney (which I most likely am not). I would like to do much of the work myself, but will sub out plumbing and structural work I am not comfortable with.
All designs must feature:
- Large\double sink with garbage disposal
- Dishwasher (small is ok)
- Continuous counter with range\oven (I HATE the current location)
- Some small seating area with stools -- no need for a kitchen table. It's just my wife and I, and will can setup a table in another room when we rarely need it.
Original
Option 1
This option will be a u-shaped counter. Wall will be removed and supported. Some plumbing and gas lines for oven, but they are probably re-routing the existing lines (which I believe come up in chimney).
Option 2
Similar to option 1, but the counter will have to be negotiated around the chimney. Does allow for some additional space -- but is it worth having to wrangle the chimney?
Option 3
The most aggressive in terms of running plumbing and gas lines since they are not opposite the existing lines (up through attic above???) and will therefore have the highest cost. Living room space is somewhat smaller but kitchen is really opened up.
So, anyone out there have an opinion on
1) Which is the most functional
2) What about the chimney and how it the counter effects it?
3) What about design 3? Will it be dramatically more expensive to have someone run the lines to the opposite wall somehow?
Many thanks!
-James
