How to Stay Sane During a Brownstone Renovation

It’s hard not to get exhausted during a brownstone renovation, but it’ll all be worth it in the end—you just have to get through the hectic renovations. The apartment renovation experts at Knockout Renovation® share some tips on how you can maintain your sanity through it all. 

Expect Some Hidden Costs 

Don’t be surprised when you incur a few unexpected costs. Due to their age, it isn’t uncommon for brownstones to experience quite a few problems—they might have antique pipes, worn electrical systems and even asbestos. As such, your budget won’t be able to factor in all of the costs. It’d be a good idea to set some cash aside for these hidden costs. 

Expect Delays 

Since your brownstone most likely has hidden problems, you should also expect delays. As a rule of thumb, you should always add a buffer to your timeline. 

Hire an Experienced Remodeler 

It might seem like a no-brainer, but hiring an experienced remodeler for your renovation can help you feel more at ease. After all, the last thing you need during a hectic renovation is costly errors. 

Prioritize Problem Areas 

Ask your contractor to prioritize your brownstone’s problem areas or its exterior. Moisture that slips through crumbling masonry, drafty windows, or leaky roofs can wreak havoc in older homes. 

Learn to Let Go

Detailed woodwork, ornate trim and other historical details are what make brownstones unique. However, despite your remodeler’s best efforts, they sometimes can’t be restored. Other times, restoring them is too cost-prohibitive. In cases like these, you just have to accept that these features need to be replaced. 

Embrace Your Brownstone’s Uniqueness 

However, these historical details aren’t the only ones that make a brownstone unique—its entire structure, from its asymmetrical walls to their distinctive color, makes it one of a kind. 

Looking for an experienced remodeler? 

Knockout Renovation, a contractor with 26 years’ worth of experience in the industry, offers professional remodeling services, including apartment remodeling services. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (212) 599-5060 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners Brooklyn, New York, as well as other areas in New York City (NYC).