Brownstone & Townhouse Renovation Contractors In NYC

Benefits Of Renovating Your Townhome Or Brownstone With A Design-Build General Contractor

Whether you’re about to purchase a modern townhouse in Carnegie Hill requiring a more preferable lay-out or living in a historic brownstone requiring updates, design-build allows clients to get exactly what they want, without the extra headaches that come with more fragmented methods that conventional renovation methods deliver.  

More Streamlined Than Traditional General Contractors

While searching ‘general contractors in Manhattan’ may be the first route that comes to mind when renovating your townhome 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. For more information, read 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 Medium For Townhouse & Brownstone Renovations

Working with a design-build renovation contractor for your townhouse or brownstone renovation 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 townhouse 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 a townhouse in New York City operate with staggered pricing, which can quickly become difficult to manage as the project proceeds.

We Manage And Execute Every Element Of The Project

Our brownstone renovation services are entirely all-inclusive. We believe in the importance of a seamless project, which is why we are a turnkey, full-service design-build firm. From beginning to end, we handle everything: architectural drafting, LPC filings (if applicable), submitting permits to the Department of Buildings (necessary for many types of interior and exterior work conducted in Brooklyn brownstones), project management, interior design – everything.

Communication is key

Ultimately, no project can be properly managed without consistent, direct, and meaningful communication with the client. From digital contact using our JobTracker project management app to connecting over the phone or in-person during site visits, you will always know as much as we do. When projects have as many moving parts as ours, transparency is more crucial than ever. We stay ready to successfully lead your upcoming brownstone, townhome, or landmark renovation. Contact us to discuss your project and how we can help.

The Design Build Process: What To Expect

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 BudgetIf 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

With their dated nature and specific requirements, the most hands-on aspect of any townhouse or brownstone 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 townhouse 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 kitchen render below is from our Manhattan renovation at The Chelsea Mercantile on 252 Seventh Ave. The following image is the completed kitchen.

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 production.

Our Completed Townhome & Brownstone Renovations In NYC

While we have many brownstone and townhouse renovations in our NYC renovation portfolio, the following are a few of our favorites. 

Brooklyn Brownstone Gut Renovation | Carroll Gardens

Brownstones as beautiful as those on President Street in Carroll Gardens rarely enter the market. When our client was able to purchase the landmarked beauty they grew up in, they not only jumped on the opportunity, they doubled down with a full gut brownstone renovation that reconfigured the space into a modern, more breathable home for raising their next generation. View the full brownstone renovation before and after. 

Choose Gallery For Your Townhouse Or Brownstone Renovation

Considering a renovation and searching for an experienced brownstone renovation contractor in NYC? Learn more about Gallery, explore a portfolio 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. Find more townhouse renovation tip via Everything To Know Before Renovating A Townhouse via our Design & Reno blog.