Design Build General Contractor In New York City

Those looking to remodel in New York City without the hassle of a conventional renovation have come to the right place. At Gallery, we offer similar services as a traditional general contractor, but instead of only managing the construction, we handle every aspect of your home renovation from start to finish. We specialize in the many styles of residential renovations in NYC, from brand new luxury lofts to pre-war townhomes. 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 expertise to bring your dream home to life.

Full-Service General Contractor Trusted Across New York City

Winner of Houzz awards in service and design.

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 our clients have provided on Google and Houzz, resulting in a combined average of 4.9 stars. You won’t find anyone better suited to handle your home renovation project in New York City. 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 New York City Renovation?

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

More Streamlined Than Traditional General Contractors

While searching ‘New York City 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. Learn more about the different renovation routes via What Type Of Contractor Do You Need For An Apartment Renovation In NYC?

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 New York City Renovation

Working with a design-build renovation contractor in New York City 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 a design-build renovation include:

Streamlined Communication: Multiple relationships become one with design-build, making New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City operate with staggered pricing, which can quickly become difficult to manage as the project proceeds.

New York City Neighborhoods We Service

NYC is full of neighborhoods that are as varied in style as the residents themselves. As the Big Apple’s premier all-inclusive design-build general contractor, we serve all major neighborhoods throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, including Greenwich Village, the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Chelsea, SoHo, Park Slope, Central Park West, Tribeca, and Carroll Gardens.

One of our New York City clients actually has out-of-state residency, and was worried they would not be able to oversee the progress of their pied-à-terre renovation in Turtle Bay, 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 to anyone considering a renovation project.”

New York City 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. Learn more via our article: Renovating Pre-War And Post-War NYC Apartments: A Comparison.

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.

Working With A
NYC Design Build 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 New York City 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.
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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

Phase 3 - Lifelike Design Renders Of Renovated Space: After materials have been sourced, we create life-like digital renderings of the renovated kitchen and bathrooms. This includes every aspect of the design, from flooring to fixtures, even showing how renovated rooms will look under different lighting settings. These high-end renderings provide a visual accompaniment to the blueprint that guides construction and helps clients tweak final design decisions like paint color or fixture height. The following kitchen render is from our Upper West Side luxury condo renovation on Riverside Boulevard. The following image is the completed kitchen

Phase 4 - Building Submission: We must formally submit plans to ensure compliance with building codes and energy codes.
Phase 5 - 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 6 - 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 New York City 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

New York City Renovations Before And After

Although our full portfolio is full of exceptional New York City renovations, the following are a few of our favorites.

New York City 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.

New York City Townhouse Renovation | 529 East 87th

Our clients occupied the first two floors of this New York City 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 New York City 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 New York City Renovation Articles

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

Why Choose Gallery As Your General Contractor In New York City