Tips on Planning Your NYC Brownstone Renovation

Renovating a brownstone requires a good balance between updating your home while preserving its history. In today’s post, local apartment renovation contractor Knockout Renovation shares tips on renovating your brownstone.

Don’t Rush the Project

There are no two ways about it: whole-home renovations are very complicated. This is why you should never rush it, taking the time to make sure that every element — floor plan, furniture selection, and color palette, among many others — have to be just right. Rushing the project can result in do-overs or change orders that will not only cause delays, but may increase the project cost.

Work With an NYC Remodeler

New York City has one of the most complex sets of building codes in the country. While it is possible to work with a remodeler from out of town, you probably won’t want to risk your renovation getting torn down just because of noncompliance. A knowledgeable local remodeler will help you navigate the intricacies of NYC building codes and make sure that everything is in order. It’s worth noting that brownstones are not governed by co-ops or similar organizations, which gives you more latitude with your home’s design.

Make Sure Your Remodeler Addresses Structural Issues

The problem with old buildings is there’s a greater chance of it needing some structural repair in addition to the renovation work itself. It usually helps to have an “emergency” budget that’s separate from the project cost. Some of these issues may not be discovered until parts of the drywall and flooring are removed.

Find Out If You Live in a Historical or Landmarked District

Brownstones are typically over 100 years old and chances are the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission may have declared your area as a historical or landmarked district. As of now, there are over 36,000 landmark properties spread across the five boroughs. This means significant alterations to a brownstone located in such districts will be subject to the approval of the Department of Buildings (DOB).

Knockout Renovation is your leading provider of apartment remodeling services. Give us a call at (212) 599-5060. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Brooklyn, New York, as well as the surrounding NYC communities.