Manhattan General Contractors Specializing In Home Renovation

Those looking for a reputable design-build firm in Manhattan are in the right place. At Gallery, we offer similar services as a general contractor, but instead of only managing the construction, we handle every aspect of a home renovation from start to finish. We specialize in the many styles of residential renovations in Manhattan, from brand new luxury lofts to pre-war brownstones. If you need a full-scale gut renovation of an apartment, a combination of two single-room apartments, or anything in between, we have the skills to bring your dream home to life.

Full-Service General Contractor Trusted Across Manhattan

About Gallery KBNY

Gallery KBNY is an award-winning, full-service design-build firm specializing in the architecture, interior design, and renovation of apartments, co-ops, condominiums, townhomes, and lofts across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our integrated team of architects, designers, contractors, and project managers — with a founding partner involved in every project — manages every phase from board approvals and DOB permitting through design and construction. Because architecture, design, permitting, and construction are coordinated under one roof, the process remains streamlined, accountable, and transparent from start to finish. Our work has been recognized by Forbes, The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Inc., and we have received Houzz Best of Design & Service seven consecutive years, along with 100+ five-star client reviews.

10 to 16 Months
Consultation to move-in
$450 to $650/sq ft
Upper mid-tier to luxury
100+ Five-Star Reviews
Across Manhattan & Northern Brooklyn
Featured In
The New York Times & Architectural Digest

Since striving to exceed the standards for New York City home renovations is second nature, we’re quite proud to be a consistent recipient of awards in service and design. We are equally as proud of the reviews we've earned, thanks to our client-first approach, attention to detail and personal touch. You won’t find anyone better suited to handle your home renovation project in Manhattan. Your vision is preserved and enhanced with our expertise to create a home that’s equally gorgeous and functional.

What Is Design Build And Why Choose It For Your Manhattan Renovation?

No matter the type of residential property you’re looking to renovate in Manhattan, design-build allows clients to get exactly what they want, without the extra headaches that comes with more fragmented methods that conventional renovation methods deliver.  

More Streamlined Than Traditional General Contractors

While searching ‘Manhattan general contractors’ may be the first route that comes to mind when renovating in NYC, this age-old path to your dream home is not always the straightest. Hiring a traditional design-bid-build general contractor usually requires additional design support you must source and manage yourself, plus complicated permit and approval work most homeowners are unfamiliar with. Read more via Design-Build Vs General Contractor: What’s The Difference?

More Control And Lower Cost Than Independent Architects

On the opposite end of the spectrum is an independent architect. Hiring an independent architect may result in more work for the client as this route can also become a burdensome partnership (think having to manage multiple parties between architect, contractors, etc). Furthermore, many clients report having little input when describing past experiences with independent architects in prior renovations. For example, common feedback from clients on prior experiences with independent architects is that it felt as if the architect acted in their own interests, resulting in clients paying exorbitant material costs for interior design that may not even suit their style. Plus, since independent architects outsource the construction, you’re often not seeing the full scope of costs until after designs are completed - which could take over six months in some circumstances. For more information, read What Kind Of Architect Is Best For Your NYC Apartment Renovation?

Design Build, The Ideal Contractor Type For Your Manhattan Renovation

Working with a design-build renovation contractor in Manhattan is the closest clients get to their initial expectations when renovating in NYC. From the rapport and custom-first approach to the cost and timeline, design-build renovations are specifically meant to manage expectations by delivering a system that delivers them up front and executes every time. Benefits of design-build include: 

  • Streamlined Communication: Multiple relationships become one with design-build, making Manhattan renovations instantly easier for busy clients - who can now manage updates with one person instead of multiple.
  • Welcomed Design Input: This two-way relationship also means clients can have as much or little design input as they prefer, building directly from their mood boards or partnering with their dedicated interior designer for a reinvigorated look fit for their Manhattan surroundings.
  • Faster Project Completion: Not only are there less middle-men for clients to deal with in design-build renovations, all needed components being under one roof means every party is working in tandem towards the same goal from day one. This leads to proactive solutions earlier in the process, faster permitting and approvals, quicker response times between parties in pivotal points of the renovation, and ultimately a shorter delivery time for clients. After all, in NYC, there’s no time to waste.
  • Improved Risk Management: The design-build umbrella of services not only expedites the move-in date, but having all needed services working in tandem early on in the process results in proactive problem solving and less change orders mid-way through the renovation.
  • Early Knowledge Of Costs: With all resources accounted for upfront, providing all-inclusive pricing for your full renovation is one of the most convenient benefits of design-build. This is especially beneficial considering most other methods of renovating in Manhattan operate with staggered pricing, which can quickly become difficult to manage as the project proceeds.

Manhattan Neighborhoods We Service

Manhattan is the heart of New York City, with spaces as varied in style as the residents themselves. As the city’s premier all-inclusive design-build firm, gut renovation experts, and full-service general contractor, we serve all the major Manhattan neighborhoods, including Greenwich Village, the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Chelsea, SoHo, Central Park West, and Tribeca.

One of our Manhattan clients actually has out-of-state residency, and was worried they would not be able to oversee their project’s progress, but our communication made the experience seamless:

The Gallery team was extremely professional and transparent throughout the entire process. They sent us photos and offered Job Tracker software to show the apartment’s transformation. Someone from the team was always available to answer our questions and listen to our ideas. They were able to stay within the agreed budget and completed the project on time. We highly recommend Gallery Kitchen and Bath to anyone considering a renovation project.”

Considering a Renovation in NYC?

Click to schedule a consultation with one of the principle partners at Gallery, who will hear out your renovation plans and let you know the best way to proceed - whether we end up working together or not.

Schedule Your Consultation

Manhattan Renovation Types

Condo & Co-Op Renovation

Partnering with Gallery provides a dedicated team specializing in all aspects of condo and co-op renovations in NYC. Thanks to expertise that spans the city, keen attention to detail, and tactful rapport building, we streamline approvals from co-op boards and meet alteration agreements that impose rules around what is and isn’t allowed in terms of condo renovation and construction (IE: Plumbing restrictions, when work can be done, types of materials, types of construction method, etc).

Loft Renovation

As experts on loft renovation in New York City, we make the most of high-end, engaging spaces with historic charm and untouchable ceilings. We're committed to craftsmanship and impart each of our NYC loft renovations with a blend of architectural and design know-how. At Gallery, value and customer satisfaction are the bottom line.

Brownstone & Townhome Renovation

Our years of experience as brownstone and townhouse renovation contractors throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn allow us to navigate the challenges of historic NYC homes and deliver the thoughtful craftsmanship needed to modernize your timeless space. 

Pre-War Apartment Renovation

As experienced pre-war renovation contractors in New York City, Gallery KBNY helps our clients turn their pre-war palettes into masterpieces. We also know how much work is needed before each unveiling. Thanks to scattered ownership and inevitable decay, pre-war properties often require significant renovation before they can meet their full and pristine potential. 

Apartment Combinations

With a sole focus on NYC properties, we’re quite well-versed in what it takes to combine apartments – everything from how to approach the new layout and accounting for building codes to wet over dry restrictions and communicating with co-op boards. See our expertise for yourself via this apartment combination project in Columbus Circle, which involved combining an existing one-bedroom apartment with a newly purchased one-bedroom unit next door.

Room Creation

A common New York City housing scenario is to purchase an apartment with the intention to create an additional bedroom. By focusing on residential renovations in New York City, our expertise includes any unique room customization imaginable. Whether you’re in need of additional bedrooms, a room that can serve as an office or a study, or a laundry room to store your washer and dryer, we are experts in building new rooms in existing apartments.

Know Your Building Manhattan Housing Stock By Era The year your building went up shapes nearly every renovation decision, from what sits behind the walls to how the board reviews your plans. Gallery renovates across all three eras.
Pre-War Built before 1940
Behind The Walls Plaster over lath, masonry partitions, original plumbing risers, and electrical systems that often predate modern loads.
Renovation Implications Diagnostic probes are essential before design. Riser and stack conditions drive kitchen and bath layouts, and restoration work protects mouldings, herringbone floors, and period detail.
Governance Predominantly co-ops with detailed alteration agreements and thorough board review, common along CPW, the UWS, and the UES.
Post-War 1940s to 1970s
Behind The Walls Steel and concrete frames, drywall or block partitions, lower slab-to-slab heights, and centralized mechanical systems.
Renovation Implications Concrete slabs limit where plumbing can move, so wet-over-dry planning leads the design. Ceiling height budgets shape lighting, HVAC, and soffit decisions.
Governance A mix of co-ops and condos, with white-brick buildings along the East Side corridors as the signature stock.
Modern & New Development 1980s to today
Behind The Walls Contemporary mechanicals, individual HVAC, curtain-wall or window-wall facades, and documented as-built conditions.
Renovation Implications Fewer structural surprises, so the work centers on reconfiguring builder-grade layouts and elevating finishes to a custom standard.
Governance Predominantly condos with management-led approvals, concentrated downtown, along the High Line, and on Billionaires' Row.
Characteristics are typical for each era. Individual buildings vary, which is why Gallery confirms actual conditions through inspections and diagnostic probes before formal design.
Loft renovation Brooklyn
Neighborhood Intelligence How Renovations Differ Across Manhattan Each Manhattan neighborhood carries its own dominant housing stock, and with it a distinct renovation profile. Gallery brings completed projects in each of these areas.
Neighborhood
Dominant Housing Stock
What Shapes A Renovation Here
Upper East Side
Dominant Housing StockPre-war co-ops and post-war white-brick buildings
What Shapes A Renovation HereEstablished boards with detailed alteration agreements, summer work rules in select buildings, and restoration standards for classic six and classic eight layouts.
Upper West Side
Dominant Housing StockPre-war co-ops and grand courtyard buildings
What Shapes A Renovation HereOriginal riser and stack conditions drive kitchen and bath planning, while period detail such as mouldings and herringbone floors calls for restoration alongside modernization.
Central Park West
Dominant Housing StockLandmark pre-war co-op towers
What Shapes A Renovation HereSome of the city's most thorough board reviews, with landmark designation adding LPC oversight for work visible from the street.
Greenwich Village
Dominant Housing StockHistoric district townhouses and boutique co-ops
What Shapes A Renovation HereExtensive historic district coverage means LPC review for exterior-facing work, plus the structural realities of 19th-century rowhouse construction.
Chelsea
Dominant Housing StockConverted lofts, pre-war co-ops, and newer condos
What Shapes A Renovation HereA mixed stock where each building type carries different rules, from loft conversions with open floor plates to full-service condos with management-led approvals.
SoHo
Dominant Housing StockCast-iron loft buildings
What Shapes A Renovation HereThe Cast Iron Historic District brings LPC review, while high ceilings, columns, and long floor plates reward careful space planning and acoustic design.
Tribeca
Dominant Housing StockWarehouse loft conversions and luxury new development
What Shapes A Renovation HereLarge-format lofts invite ambitious reconfiguration, with historic district boundaries determining whether LPC review applies to a given address.
Profiles describe the dominant character of each neighborhood's housing stock. Individual buildings vary, and Gallery confirms the governing requirements for your specific address during planning.

Working With A Manhattan General Contractor: Our Process

The full process for renovating in NYC can be intricate, but don’t let that deter you from manifesting your dream home. By partnering with a full-service design-build general contractor in Manhattan that manages every detail from start to finish, you can significantly reduce your personal workload while ensuring your design goals are met. Learn more about our entire renovation process below:

Our Process: Planning & SOW

Renovating an apartment in NYC requires a strategic approach from the beginning, achieved by understanding the client's unique vision and financial parameters. This foundational understanding sets the stage for a comprehensive collaboration, where we work closely with clients to explore the practical possibilities of their renovation project, aiming for a mutually beneficial partnership.

  • Phase 1 - Intro Phone Call: Before signing any contracts, our team will discuss your renovation goals and budget for your NYC apartment.
  • Phase 2 - Site Meeting: Following the initial consultation, we visit the site to evaluate the potential project with you.
  • Phase 3 - Concept Design And Project Budget: If the project is feasible, our design team and architect will provide an initial concept design, which will guide the projected budget and timeline in our formal proposal.

If the design strategy and proposal are approved, we proceed with the pre-construction and interior design process.

Our Process: Pre-Construction & Formal Design

Before any work begins, our project managers survey the site and develop timelines for your NYC apartment renovation according to your goals, while all structural changes are reviewed by the architect and incorporated into an updated blueprint.

As the plans are developed and awaiting approval, our designers work with you to bring your design vision to life, coordinating material selections with our procurement team.

  • Phase 1 - Inspections, Diagnostic Testing & Risk Management: Even though many potential issues can be identified during initial walkthroughs, a more thorough inspection phase is necessary to ensure all internal elements are ready for renovation. This includes probing walls and consulting with specialized contractors.
  • Phase 2 - Formal Design & Material Procurement: The most hands-on aspect of any interior renovation is finding the right materials for the chosen design style. That entails paint color, accent walls, flooring style, mouldings, fixtures, countertops, and more. As a full-service design-build firm in NYC, we take on the design, sourcing, and procurement of every permanent fixture needed for your full home renovation.

That overarching expertise also allows us to accommodate every architectural and interior design adjustment required, whether that’s tearing down a wall to open up your footprint or extending the back of your townhome for more square footage. We handle all architectural planning plus filings on your behalf via our award winning in-house design team and architects.

Once we have identified all site conditions, we finalize all details of the floor plan and present material selection options to choose from. This phase typically includes:

  • Design meetings at our design studio and outside showrooms
  • Receiving and inspection of all ordered finishes and fixtures
  • Procurement of all selected finishes and fixtures
  • Review of 2D and 3D lifelike renderings, plus review and approval of all material options and design plans. The following kitchen render is from our Upper West Side luxury condo renovation on Riverside Boulevard. The following image is the completed kitchen.

    Learn more about how our lifelike design renderings help clients visualize the proposed interior design plan for their Manhattan apartment renovation.
  • Phase 3 - Building Submission: We must formally submit plans to ensure compliance with building codes and energy codes.
  • Phase 4 - DOB Submission, Approval & Permits: Renovations in NYC often require complicated approvals and permits. For co-op renovations, obtaining a tentative tax lot number from the Department of Finance is also necessary.
  • Phase 5 - Production Calendar & Logistics: Once all plans are approved and designs finalized, we establish the production calendar and begin the renovation process.

Our Process: Production

Renovating an apartment in NYC involves a detailed and complex production process. However, with proper planning and the proper type of Manhattan general contractor, the execution can be smooth and efficient. Here are the components of our production process:

  • Demolition Of Existing Structures
  • Initial Inspections
  • Framing & Rough Carpentry
  • Electrical & Plumbing Work
  • Delivery Of Finishes And Fixtures
  • Finish Carpentry & Installation Of Finish Fixtures
  • Final Inspections & Walk-Throughs
  • Close Out Of Permits, Completion Letter, And Sign-Offs
The Manhattan Factor Constraints That Shape Every Manhattan Renovation Renovating in a Manhattan building means working within rules that suburban projects never encounter. Each constraint is manageable when it is planned for from day one.
The Constraint
How It Shapes The Project
How Gallery Manages It
Building Work-Hour Windows
How It Shapes The ProjectMost buildings restrict construction to weekday business hours, compressing the productive time available each day.
How Gallery Manages ItProduction calendars are built around each building's actual windows, with trades sequenced so every permitted hour counts.
Summer Work Rules
How It Shapes The ProjectSelect co-ops limit major construction to the summer months when residents are away, turning the calendar itself into a deadline.
How Gallery Manages ItDesign, approvals, and procurement are completed in the off-season so demolition can begin the day the window opens.
Wet-Over-Dry Restrictions
How It Shapes The ProjectKitchens and baths generally cannot be relocated over a neighbor's living space, constraining how far a layout can move.
How Gallery Manages ItIn-house architects design within the wet zones from the first concept, so board review confirms the plan rather than rejecting it.
Alteration Deposits & Building Fees
How It Shapes The ProjectBoards commonly require refundable deposits, review fees, and daily charges past an agreed completion date.
How Gallery Manages ItThese costs are surfaced in the all-inclusive proposal, and realistic schedules protect the deposit from overrun penalties.
Insurance & COI Requirements
How It Shapes The ProjectBuildings set minimum coverage levels and require certificates of insurance naming the building before any worker enters.
How Gallery Manages ItGallery carries coverage well above typical building requirements, including $5 million in general liability, so COIs clear without negotiation.
Elevator & Logistics Coordination
How It Shapes The ProjectService elevator reservations, protection requirements, and delivery windows govern how materials and crews move through the building.
How Gallery Manages ItDeliveries are consolidated and booked against elevator schedules, with building protection installed and maintained throughout.
Noise & Neighbor Protocols
How It Shapes The ProjectMulti-unit living means noise complaints can pause work, and goodwill with neighbors directly affects project momentum.
How Gallery Manages ItLoud work is scheduled within building rules, soundproofing is implemented where needed, and building management stays informed at every phase.
Requirements vary by building and are confirmed against your alteration agreement during planning. Gallery has managed these conditions across pre-war co-ops, condos, lofts, and townhouses throughout Manhattan.

Why Gallery As Your Manhattan General Contractor?

First and foremost, we always have your best interests in mind, via a consultative and client-first philosophy with clients. Even as a design-build renovation contractor in Manhattan with expertise in luxury apartment renovations, we still go out of our way to offer budgetary insights to suggest priorities wherever possible, helping clients find the middle ground between an AD-ready luxe look and staying within budget. How else can we help? Let’s find out. 

Experience In All Styles Of Manhattan Renovations

Whether you need a full gut renovation of a pre-war co-op on the UWS or a luxury loft renovation in Hell’s Kitchen, we handle all types of residential renovations in Manhattan. But, don’t take our word for it. View our full portfolio of before and after renovations in Manhattan.

Extensive Planning To Avoid Unexpected Costs/Delays

With a full-service team of design and construction professionals accustomed to the complexities of Manhattan renovations, we make change orders and mid-project budget adjustments much less likely by our in-depth planning process.

Licensed Contractors In New York City

When renovating your Manhattan apartment with Gallery, rest assured you’re in good hands. We are fully licensed with the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs and the New York City Department of Buildings. We also carry lead-safe and Occupational Safety and Health Administration certifications, as well as all other necessary certifications. Finally, we carry insurance that’s significantly higher than the required limits ($5 million in general liability, $1 million in workers’ compensation, and $3 million in auto).

Manhattan Renovations
Before And After

Although we have many Manhattan renovations in our full portfolio, the following are a few of our favorites. 

Loft renovation Brooklyn

Manhattan Classic 8 Pre-War Apartment Renovation | 255 West 108th

This project was a full home renovation of an Upper West Side classic 8 pre-war apartment, meaning we updated all the flooring, renovated the kitchen, bathrooms, closets, and office space, then painted throughout. The cherry on top: we maintained and enhanced the pre-war charm with restoration and refinishing work throughout the apartment. View the full renovation before and after.

Loft renovation Brooklyn

Manhattan Townhouse Renovation | 529 East 87th

Our clients occupied the first two floors of this Manhattan townhouse, converted to condos with coveted access to the outdoors via a patio. The overall space had been well-maintained, but was dated and didn't necessarily reflect the aesthetic of our clients. Our goal was to brighten the home with character alongside modern elements. Beyond a full kitchen renovation, this Manhattan townhouse renovation included implementation of new flooring, retiling and installing new fixtures in the bathroom and powder room, painting the walls, updating the staircase, renovating all the doors and closets, plus new lighting fixtures throughout. View the full renovation before and after.

Helpful Manhattan Renovation Articles

No matter what style of residential renovation in Manhattan is required or how significant the job is, we've got educational content to help ease you into the renovation you've always imagined.

Brooklyn home renovation
Luxury loft renovation New York City

Why Choose Gallery As Your General Contractor In Manhattan

If you work with Gallery, you can rest easy knowing we plan, design, and execute all of our NYC renovations with client care front and center. To see why design-build is the best method for your NYC apartment renovation, explore more of our work, or contact us to see why our New York City apartment renovation and remodeling services are the most mindful choice when considering a residential renovation in Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Manhattan Design-Build

Pre-Purchase Renovation Assessment

Evaluate Your Manhattan Apartment
Before You Buy

Gallery KBNY is an award-winning, full-service design-build firm specializing in the architecture, design, and renovation of apartments, co-ops, condos, townhomes, and lofts across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our in-house team — with a founding partner involved in every project — manages every phase from board approvals through construction. No outsourcing, no handoffs, no gaps in accountability.

As seen in

| | | |
★★★★★ 100+ Five-Star Reviews Best of Design & Service · 7 Years Running

Pre-Purchase Assessment

We conduct pre-purchase renovation assessments for buyers during the contract period. Walk the apartment with us before you commit — understand the full scope, cost, and timeline before closing.

Schedule Your Consultation

or call us directly

📞 718.682.7769

let’s

Design-Build

together

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Gallery. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form
Schedule Consultation
Contact

Start Your Project With Us

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from Gallery. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form