Dividing a room?

Question

How much do you think something like this would cost? I'm asking because I truly don't know. I have a living room that is 14 x 23'1. with a double window, wall, and then another double window. I'd like to divide the room into two rooms, the front one being a parlor type and the back one being a study with french doors. What's a reasonable price for this type of work?

Also, if just across the open foyer is a large open dining room - 14 x 17, will me dividing the room into a 14x 15 sitting room be assymetrical or something? I'd just like feedback before I get this done. TIA

Answer 1

I don't like the dimensions. I'd set up the two "rooms" as you planned and use a couple of folding screens to partition the area. See if the space is right. I'm thinking you'll find one of the rooms too small.

I don't have much of an idea what it would cost if you contracted someone to do it. I'd guess that the materials would be $200-300 plus the cost of the door. The door could be $200-$1,000 depending on what you get. Assuming that you can get a contractor to do a job this small; I'm guessing between $1,500 and $2000

Answer 2

I like Ernie's answer for two reasons: First of all, you need to divide the room with furniture and/or screens to see if you really like the smaller spaces. Secondly, you might very well find that by dividing the room with furnishings, you find that an expensive remodel is a big mistake. Rooms can be divided into two living spaces quite effectively with a couch and couch table, or a screen, or a big piano, etc. And, by not putting up a permanent wall, you have the option of one big room in the future.

Answer 3

I'd really have to say that your best bet would be to have several contractors give you estimates rather than trying to get one here online, and here's why:

First, although prices don't vary THAT greatly, the fact is that a contractor in NYC is going to be more pricey than a contractor in Smallville, USA... just for hourly labor, much less materials...

and that brings me to my second point. Again, materials may, believe it or not, be CHEAPER in NYC than in Smallville, USA, because I don't know if you have a lumber yard handy for framing material, or if that stuff would have to be shipped in from somewhere.

Lastly, the doors that you choose to have installed are going to affect the price (and, if at all possible, you should have at least a photograph of the types of doors-aesthetically speaking- that you are envisioning for your study).

By contacting several (meaning 3-5) contractors in YOUR locale, you give yourself the opportunity to gauge pricing for your particular community. With each one, be sure to ask them about labor and materials costs to see how those particular factors vary from company to company.

This should help you determine what's reasonable.

Please also note that you will likely have the costs of paint supplies and painting (once the new wall is installed) of the two new rooms and, should you require electrical outlets on that wall, you will have those additional costs as well.

Good luck to you.