About Project

Project Overview: Brooklyn Interior Transformation & Brownstone Renovation

Project Focus

This project is an Interior Renovation designed to modernize the flow, utility, and comfort of a classic Brooklyn Townhouse (typically a Brownstone, Townhouse, or similar historic apartment) while respectfully preserving its inherent architectural character. Our goal is to create a bright, functional, and aesthetically cohesive living space fit for the 21st century. This work focuses on high-quality historic restoration and home remodeling in Brooklyn, NY, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Phase 1: Vision, Design, and Planning

1. Defining the Aesthetic

We start with a vision session to decide the style direction. Are we pursuing a clean, minimalist aesthetic (Modern Renovation), or are we restoring and enhancing original details like mantels, moldings, and pocket doors (Historic Preservation)?

2. Functional Layout Changes

• Open Concept: Evaluating the possibility of selectively removing or modifying walls (especially on parlor floors) to improve sightlines and create a modern, open living, dining, and kitchen area—a key feature in modern Brooklyn Townhouse remodels.
• Kitchen & Bath Remodel: Complete Kitchen renovation and Bathroom remodel designs focusing on maximizing storage, light, and efficiency. This usually involves high-end, durable materials (e.g., stone countertops, custom cabinetry).
• Systems Check: A crucial assessment of the existing infrastructure (electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems) to ensure it can support modern demands and meets current NYC codes.

3. Approvals

Obtaining necessary permits from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) for structural changes, plumbing, and electrical work. For landmarked buildings, any changes to interior features visible from the street (like windows or front doors) may also require LPC review.

Phase 2: The Core Work (Demolition and Rough-In)

4. Demolition and Prep

Careful, selective demolition of the interior, prioritizing the preservation and protection of any historic elements designated for retention (e.g., banisters, plaster details, marble fireplace surrounds).

5. Essential Infrastructure Upgrades

This is where we replace the “bones” of the house:

• Electrical Rewiring: Replacing outdated cloth wiring, upgrading the service capacity, and installing modern lighting systems.
• Plumbing Replacement: Installing new water supply lines and drain waste vent (DWV) systems, particularly in kitchen and bathroom risers.
• HVAC Installation: Integrating new heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems (often high-velocity or mini-split systems) while minimizing visual impact for optimal comfort.

6. Framing and Enclosures

New walls are framed, and necessary structural supports (beams, joist repairs) are installed to support the new layout. All work is inspected before moving to the next phase.

Phase 3: Finishes, Details, and Completion

7. Interior Finishes

• Flooring: Restoration or replacement of hardwood floors (e.g., wide-plank oak, or refinishing original parquet).
• Wall Treatments: Installing new drywall, skim-coating existing plaster, and applying high-quality, low-VOC paint.
• Millwork: Installation of new doors, window casings, baseboards, and crown molding. If historic millwork was removed, it is often replicated to match the original profile.

8. Kitchen and Bathroom Fit-Out

Installation of custom cabinetry, appliances, tile work, fixtures, and lighting, bringing the redesigned wet spaces to life.

9. Final Punch List and Walkthrough

A detailed review to ensure every detail meets the quality standard and the design intent. Final sign-offs and approvals from the DOB are secured, and the keys to your newly transformed space are handed over!

Key to Success

The success of a Brooklyn interior renovation hinges on communication, an experienced contractor who understands historic structures, and a realistic renovation budget that includes a dedicated 15% contingency for unexpected issues commonly found behind the walls of century-old Brooklyn homes.