Simple renovation materials, like budget tile and low-maintenance cabinets, refresh 3 homes with ease

When deciding whether to renovate your home, many aspects are considered. Having your budget and scope aligned and how to best manage and prepare for delays are top questions.

Another concern is finding the right renovation partner to help guide through the process and execute the vision. Here, three Sweeten renovators had these exact thoughts. They wanted their new space to match their life and design style. They wanted a trusted professional to do the job. And they needed it done sooner rather than later. They turned to Sweeten to find their contractors and get their projects moving.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

A Bronx Home Transforms into a Home, Sweet, Rental

The kitchen takes center stage

Sally’s house, an attached, two-family home in the Bronx, had been in her family since it was originally built in 1993. She occupied the top-floor apartment while her sister and her family lived below. As co-owners of the 2,700-square-foot home, the siblings wanted to renovate but would do it slowly in parts based on their budget. However, Sally had decided to move out so her apartment was bumped to the top of their renovation list. The space would be updated to attract renters. They posted their kitchen renovation project on Sweeten and hired their Sweeten general contractor.

They decided to tackle the most popular space in any home: the kitchen. People are naturally drawn to a kitchen and love spending time there with family and friends. So Sally knew that upgrading her existing outdated kitchen would make the whole apartment more enticing to renters. She wanted to open up the area to make it appear larger and add more storage. She knew this would also increase the functionality of the space.

The design would be simple—and create a space that was easy to maintain. She consulted with her contractor on materials that would keep her within her budget. The contractor removed a half-wall that was in between the kitchen and living space, added plumbing, and removed unnecessary beams. The space is now completely open. Aesthetically speaking, gray was the deciding color palette for the cabinetry, appliances, and backsplash. The result is a neutral, contemporary kitchen that is pleasing to all tastes and styles.

Sally’s Sweeten contractor goes above and beyond

Sally relied heavily on her Sweeten contractor throughout the process. He introduced her to a designer who helped Sally move her vision forward. He also made frequent trips to the home improvement store helping Sally search and purchase backsplash tiles that weren’t on the original list of materials.

Thankfully, Sally described the kitchen renovation as uneventful. “The crew came in, did their jobs, and went home,” said Sally. “They were all very professional and came to my house to work.” And she can’t decide on just one aspect of the design that’s her favorite. She loves it all—from the storage space to the color and the functionality.

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinetry: Custom by Sweeten contractor. Backsplash: The Home Depot. CoreLuxe Cannes maple rigid vinyl plank flooring: LL Flooring. Refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove: LG. Paint in Chantilly Lace: Benjamin Moore.

A Fort Greene Condo Shows Off Chic Black Renovation Materials

The bath gets an upgrade

For Jesse and his partner Malik, their renovation came out of necessity. Their 934-square-foot condo in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, was water damaged. They needed to fix it—and quickly. “We were very concerned about drying out the place, getting the demolition completed, and covering the ‘basics,’” said Jesse. They interviewed a half-dozen contractors on their own. The couple also posted their project on Sweeten and a helpful assist with comparing all of the estimates led to the decision to hire this Sweeten contractor.

Jesse and Malik lived in the apartment for 10 years before the water damage so they wanted to take advantage of some improvements. And not just rip and replace what was originally there. For the bathroom, they added a pocket door, which was helpful to make the best use of the space. A niche was created for storage. For the shower, half of a wall was removed and a hand shower was added. The final result was a mix of contemporary forms with convenient functionalities.

A bold and dramatic kitchen transformation

The look for the kitchen would be decidedly contemporary. Inspired by a photo of a kitchen with a matte black palette, the couple set out to put their own spin on it. Adding to the dramatic palette, a quartzite slab countertop from Brazil had some delays but was well worth the wait. “The stone really brings so much movement to the space,” said Jesse.

Despite eye-catching countertops, the cabinets were not overshadowed. The couple hired a millworker—recommended by their Sweeten contractor—who made custom cabinets. The best part? They are maple plywood with a “traceless” ultra-matte finish, which translates to fewer fingerprints. And perhaps the couple’s favorite feature of the kitchen is the waterfall peninsula. “It’s a great finishing touch,” said Jesse.

Jesse and Malik found their Sweeten contractor to be a flexible partner throughout the process, offering useful feedback and working through the issues when they came up. “He understood from the start that we had a certain vision for the outcome,” said Jesse. “And he steered us to ensure we wouldn’t be disappointed.” The couple just loves that their new space “suits us and our style.”

Renovation Materials

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Wilsonart Traceless Ultra Matte laminate and maple plywood cabinetry in Midnight Velvet: Custom by contractor. Quartzite countertops and backsplash; Double Black quartzite countertop (by stove): Artistic Tile. 36″ gas cooktop; 30″ convection oven with MTouch Controls; and 24″ speed oven with MTouch Controls: Appliances Connection.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Bianco Dolomiti white marble 2’x1′ wall tile; Nero Black Marble 3’x1′ floor tile; and Nero Black Marble 1″ hex shower floor tile: Artistic Tile. Shower system, sink, and bath faucets in matte black: Graff. 30″ M Series medicine cabinet: Robern. Sink and tub: Appliances Connection. Shower glass doors: Starphire.

A Tub-to-Shower Swap Shines in a Chicago Bathroom

For Jonathan, a CPA and CIA, redoing his bathroom was a must. When he bought his 720-square-foot condo located in the River North section of Chicago, he knew it needed repair. But after a year of living with the outdated bathroom, he decided it was time to pull the trigger on a renovation and post his project on Sweeten.

Jonathan hired a Sweeten general contractor in his area and the work began. At first, Jonathan only intended to rip out the bathtub and replace it with a standing shower. However, his friends convinced him otherwise. They suggested that since he hired a contractor, he might as well replace more than just the tub. Jonathan agreed and decided to give the bathroom an added refresh by upgrading the tiles in the shower wall and floor as well.

A subtle but satisfying change

Jonathan’s biggest question he needed advice on: What do I need to buy? For this, he turned to his general contractor who guided him on each of the materials he would need and the quantity.

The change was not drastic but it was one that satisfied Jonathan’s wish: to have an open shower look with only a glass divide—no door, no tub. The tiles on the shower wall are large-format, which visually expands a space. They are typically chosen for their modern vibe and clean aesthetic. To add texture and pattern, a gray hexagonal mosaic for the shower floor was brought into the mix. Mosaic tiles are not only pleasing to the eye but serve a functional purpose. Small tiles require more grout creating a non-slip surface.

Jonathan is happy with the way the project turned out. “I love that I can walk in my shower,” said Jonathan. “And it looks pretty!” It has gotten him thinking about future renovations. “I still have a few more projects in the pipeline!”

Renovation Materials

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Hexagon Marble Art floor tile mosaic and ceramic wall tile in Concrete Gray and Selah White: Floor & Décor.  HarJue rain showerhead: Amazon. Gibson valve trim #T2901 in chrome: Appliances Connection. Glass panel: Glass Warehouse.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration, and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Factors that influence full-home renovation costs in NYC, from permits and construction to hidden costs

UPDATED: Click to read our most up-to-date NYC Kitchen Remodeling Costs here and NYC Bathroom Remodeling Costs here

According to Sweeten general contractors, the typical price range for an entire home remodel in NYC is $100 to $200 per square foot (psf).

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors in NYC, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

These estimated costs for the entire home (including materials) averaged across both “wet” spaces (baths and kitchens), and “dry” spaces (living rooms, bedrooms, offices, etc).

Here’s a more specific breakdown of typical NYC home renovation costs:

• Full-home renovation in NYC: $100—$200 psf
  • Dry spaces: $30–$50 psf
  • Wet spaces: Baths start at $400 psf; kitchens start at $300 psf
• Gut remodel with stock materials: $100–$200 psf
• Non-gut remodel with stock materials: $100 psf
• Gut remodel with customization: $200–$300 psf
• Non-gut remodel with customization: $200 psf
• Structural changes, extensive customization: $300 psf and up
• Plumbing permits: From $2,00)–$5,000
• Electrical permits: $900
• Asbestos inspection: $500–$1,000

Pandemic tip: Don’t wait. There’s a backlog in the supply of construction materials. For homeowners interested in renovating, it’s smart to schedule and sign with a contractor to lock in your material prices. You’ll also want to book a start date on the contractor’s schedule. If you wait, prices will likely continue to rise, along with delivery times.

The cost for a gut renovation vs. a non-gut

In a gut renovation, interior walls are stripped down to the studs or knocked out entirely.

A gut will start at the higher end of the $100 to $200 psf range, while a renovation in which you redo the space within the existing walls will be on the lower end. For example, in a 700-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment, a renovation will come in around the $50,000 to $70,000 range, while a gut renovation will likely exceed $100,000.

The non-gut renovation may involve a new kitchen and bath, as well as refinishing flooring, replastering and painting, plus upgrades in materials and finishes. The gut renovation will include the above as well as replacing the walls and flooring, and possibly installing new piping and wiring systems and moving doorways.

Given that New York City apartments vary widely and can present unique challenges, a per-square-foot estimate is really a ballpark figure for you to get started. Here’s an overview:

Basic costs for an NYC home renovation

When estimating price per square foot, the scope of work usually includes the following:

• Basic demolition
• Framing: the skeletal, load-bearing structure to which the interior walls and other systems are attached
• Insulation and drywall
• Wiring, including outlets and switches
• Plumbing
• Heating/cooling systems
• All visible materials and fixtures in kitchens and baths (described below)

This doesn’t include appliances. Also bear in mind that the choices you make for visible materials—tile, flooring, millwork, paint, lighting fixtures, electronics, and more—can significantly affect the price of your renovation.

At the $100 to $200 psf range:

• Materials are generally prefabricated or stock items and in finishes that are available at common retail outlets.
• Cabinets in this price range are typically MDF (medium-density fiberboard).
• Tiling will run under $10 psf.
• Lighting will be standard but solid basics.
• Solid wood floors may be shorter, narrower planks made of less expensive woods.
• The work will be careful, clean, and well-installed at this level with higher quality labor and skillsets at the upper end of the range.

At $200 to $300 psf range:

• Some customization on details such as joints, millwork, and hardware
• Cabinets are custom or semi-custom and can include built-ins. 
• Countertops in natural stone or high-quality manufactured materials.
• Solid, wide-planked hardwood flooring
• Projects at this price point are not usually gut renovations, but rather remodels that focus on the space within the existing walls.

One thing to note: While Sweeten contractors attempt to explore all avenues to stay competitive, it is an industry that is affected by trade. The prices you’re quoted at any given time may not be the same six months or a year from now. Prices on labor and materials fluctuate and this will be reflected in your overall quote.

What you’ll get for $300 per square foot and higher:

• $300 psf or above will usually pay for layout changes or structural work, such as combining apartments.
• Moving walls, adding staircases, shifting gas and plumbing, and electrical rewiring all contribute to a higher per-square-foot cost, as well as add to the behind-the-scenes expenditures (more on that below).
• Since pricing for kitchens and baths runs higher than other rooms, more of those equal a higher price per square foot. For example, renovating a 1,000-square-foot apartment that has three bathrooms will be more expensive than an apartment of the same size with just one bathroom.

At this level and beyond, you can expect to see more extensive customization, fine finishes, and luxurious materials. This includes handmade tile, exotic wood grains, natural stone, and custom millwork details that complement the home’s architecture. You might also see custom door casements and extensive lighting details.

1. Design

Depending on your general contractor and your level of involvement in the project, you may also want or need professional design services.

• You may need an architect. Architect approvals are required any time you make changes to the structure or to plumbing or gas lines. Many Sweeten general contractors can refer architects for your project.
• You may consider a design/build firm, which combines design and construction services within one fee and contract. 

2. Building and city requirements

If you live in a co-op or condo building, you’ll likely need to submit your plans drawn by an architect to your building’s board. Co-ops are generally stricter about renovations than condo buildings, though many condos are now adopting more stringent rules as well. Buildings may also have minimum requirements for construction insurance. 

Some alteration agreements require a security deposit to cover potential damage. They may also include the fees incurred by the condo or co-op board to review and approve your plan. You may find that contractors who can afford to work in buildings with more extensive specifications have higher rates in order to meet higher insurance requirements.

The NYC Department of Buildings requires that you obtain permits and inspections for many types of construction work, including plumbing, electrical, and structural. Permits can add up. An electrical permit can run close to $900, plumbing permits can cost from under $2,000 to $5,000, and an asbestos inspection can be $500.

3. Demolition and site prep

Depending on the state of the original space, you may need to do extensive preparatory work after demolition and before installation. Older apartments will almost always require stripping, leveling, and plastering. Uneven floors and walls must be leveled before cabinets can be hung, doors framed, or tiling installed. These costs are determined by the general contractor once they have a chance to examine your space.

4. Behind-the-scenes costs

For 2021, Sweeten general contractors are seeing wood materials as the main increase in costs. “These material costs have increased approximately 3x the amounts mainly due to panedmic-related issues, from what we have seen,” said Sweeten NYC contractor Thomas. “These, in turn, relate to higher costs for plywood subfloors, kitchen cabinets, and other woodwork-related projects.”

Compared to costs for the “visible” parts of your renovation, pricing for the “unseen” costs can be difficult to anticipate. While labor is a clear one, keep in mind that different forms of labor can be priced very differently. Wiring and plumbing work, for example, tend to be expensive. And over the past year, master plumbers and electricians have seen costs go up, “primarily due to the safety measures and certifications that have been imposed on these trades by the Department of Buildings,” said Sweeten NYC general contractor Aaron.

Plumbing generally runs between $1,500 to $2,000 per fixture in New York City. So, prepare for at least $5,000 for a licensed plumber to run new lines for a sink, toilet, and bathtub. Skim coating, a technique that smoothes a wall, hiding all imperfections, is the most expensive type of labor. In some cases, it can be more affordable to tear down old walls and put up new drywall.

Consider that from the contractor’s perspective, “labor” on the budget proposal may include not only the hourly rate they pay their workers, but also insurance, license, and other overhead fees that keep their business running. (Contractors typically take home 10-15% profit. For example, if they do $2 million worth of business this year, they are netting about $200k.) Insurances and other costs of running a business increase year over year, and while the costs are not passed 1:1 to the client, contractors must raise prices to maintain operations. Some show a specific line on the budget for profit/overhead, while others build it into other budget lines.

Tips on how to budget your NYC home renovation

Once you’ve accounted for each line item in your budget, allocate an additional 10 to 15 percent as a cushion. Projects can run over budget as a result of unforeseen circumstances, so it’s good to err on the safe side.

Many factors go into the per-square-foot estimates. Trying to come up with a plan to match your budget? Here are some tips from contractors and renovating homeowners:

Mix high and low. This refers to materials, which should be selected for maximum impact. You may choose a handmade tile for the kitchen backsplash while sticking to an off-the-shelf option for the second bath. Make a custom statement where it will really get noticed, and use standard materials where it won’t.

Don’t skimp on plumbing and electrical infrastructure. Although these aspects probably won’t get you many compliments at a dinner party, you still need licensed and qualified experts for these jobs. If you don’t, there may be expensive problems to deal with in the long run.

Focus on kitchens and baths. Spend your money here! These rooms have the most resale value impact.

Consult experts upfront. If you are inclined to hire an architect or designer for a major transformation, get them on board early. This can save money by mapping out a clear plan, helping you avoid costly changes mid-stream. Set aside 15 to 20 percent of your budget for this professional. In general, hiring licensed professionals early is a cost-effective way to prevent insurance headaches later on by using their expertise to avoid mistakes that can lead to delays.

When you’re ready to get started on your home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors in NYC.

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Not sure how to start your renovation? Click here for Sweeten’s six steps on planning your remodel and how to find a vetted general contractor.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

This pre-war Bronx remodel gives a work-downstairs space for its artist owner

“After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Steve and Lewis posted their gut renovation project on Sweeten.
• Where: South Bronx, New York
• Primary renovation: A whole-house remodel in the Bronx to create an in-home art studio and a feeling of “warm minimalism”
• Sweeten general contractor and architect, Shannon Reid of Reid Wilson Architects
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowners Steve and Lewis

Setting goals for a new home

We bought this house with dreams of a live/work space that would reflect our style and offer plenty of room for our art collection. Steve is a painter, so having his studio at home was a life-long dream. We also wanted a place where our friends and large extended family could come together.

We are Steve DeFrank and Lewis Holman. Steve teaches at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. Lewis is self-employed as a tax accountant. We sold our loft condo in Williamsburg after living in it for nearly 15 years to purchase a small townhouse in the South Bronx.

From a two-family to a single-family rowhouse

The engineer’s report on our 1882 rowhouse in Mott Haven, the Bronx, looked good, but we still wanted a gut renovation. The structure has three stories comprising roughly 1,500 square feet. The home had been divided into two apartments and had eight rooms on two of the floors. We wanted to renovate and convert to a live/work single-family home.

We listed our project on Sweeten and began our search for design-build services. Sweeten’s introduction to our contractor and architect was a valuable service. As first-time renovators, our biggest questions before starting the project were about cost. In addition to an in-home studio, we wanted to open up every floor of the building, giving us fewer walls and more windows. We understood that altering the building in this way would be an investment.

The plan we made with the architect was for the ground floor to be Steve’s studio and a water closet—a bathroom with the sink outside. The middle floor would be the living and dining rooms, plus a kitchen and a half bath. On the top floor would be our bedroom and a home office/guest bedroom, a full bath, and a laundry closet.

We did a true gut renovation—nothing was in good enough shape to retain. Our Sweeten contractors demolished down to the bricks and joists, all of which had to be replaced or sistered; this was necessary to allow removal of the central beam, which had to be done to open up the ground- and middle-floor spaces.

Radiant heat and functional stairs

Throughout the home, we aimed for low-maintenance, design-worthy materials to evoke an aesthetic of warm minimalism. We wanted expansive wall space for hanging artwork. The ground-level studio interior is an open workspace with recessed LED lighting, a lot of artist’s storage, and radiant-heat flooring—which we installed on all levels. To bring as much light as possible to the studio, we opened the rear wall with an 8’ x 9’ three-panel glass sliding door.

We decided to remove the original front stoop and relocate the house’s entrance to the ground floor, which created some challenges. Our architect Shannon envisioned—and our Sweeten contractor produced—a storage unit that divides the entry area from the studio space. We had hoped to save the original interior staircase and railing, but our Sweeten contractor showed us options that made more sense.

Ultimately, we closed the stairs from the ground floor to the first to create more wall space in the studio; we chose a vivid pink hue for the risers, which brightens the whole entrance. On the parlor and top floors, we went with a wood stair-rail that looks simultaneously classic and modern. In the end, we were very happy that we took our contractor’s advice.

Connecting all of the floors

The kitchen cabinets are custom millwork, the front panels are painted a green that evokes the palest verdigris. Our island, which has an angled front, is an homage to artist Donald Judd. We rented nearby during renovations and observed this living area coming together. Visiting the site at least twice a week, we loved seeing the gradual progress, sometimes glacial and sometimes lightning quick.

We understood that altering the building in this way would be an investment.

A dining-area drawer and shelving system provides storage and connects these rooms to the top floor, where the main bedroom and home office also employ coordinating storage units. We had fun with tile in the upstairs full bath, where we mixed matte and glossy tile in a range of sizes and colors, including chartreuse, dark green, and gray-green.

A building exterior refresh

The elimination of the parlor-floor entrance led to an anomaly on the front of the house, with regards to the living-room windows. The window occupying the old door frame is much larger than the window next to it. The architect’s solution—a modular window design, made up of a series of smaller frames, one of which mirrors the smaller window to create a visual connection.

Steve and Lewis’ renovation advice

Throughout the job, we enjoyed a collaborative exchange with the architect and contractor. As first-time (and last!) renovators, we’d embarked on possibly the most stressful project of our lives. Luckily, we had chosen our team carefully. Our contractor and crew kept a sense of humor during a long, arduous process.

Our advice to other homeowners ready for a renovation: Anticipate bad news and delays, and roll with the punches. Be grateful for the opportunity you have, even when you wonder why you ever thought it was a good idea! And remember, issues that arise and seem monumental during the process get solved, and are forgotten once you move in. Now when we enter our home, we feel serene.

Thank you for sharing your Bronx remodel story with us, Steve and Lewis!

Renovation Materials

WHOLE HOME RESOURCES: Wall and ceiling in Super Matte paint; interior doors, trip/castings, window sills, stair risers, and stringers in Cliffside Gray pearl paint: Benjamin Moore. Radiant heat flooring: Warmboard, Inc. Engineered Hickory Heirloom, ¾” thick, tongue and groove softened edge, 5” face widths, Veiled White satin prefinished wood flooring: Carlisle. Mini Orb stairwell lights: Allied Maker. Light switches: Lutron.

ARTIST STUDIO RESOURCES: Interior doors and door trim in Super White pearl; studio floor and cellar stairs in Platinum Gray glossy floor/porch paint; storage cabinet in Pacific Ocean; stair risers in Hot Lips pearl; stair stringers in Cliffside Gray pearl: Benjamin Moore. Continuum 23 series architectural LED linear fixture: Alcon Lighting. No. 8 LED, flush mount recessed lighting: Dulanski. 

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Custom millwork cabinets: Custom by contractor. Cabinets in Antique Jade paint: Benjamin Moore. Dekton countertops and backsplash in Zenith: TK Quartz and Granite. Refrigerator, dishwasher, and cooktop: Bosch. Electric oven: Appliances Connection. Discus Pendant 2 light over kitchen island: Mattermade. 

DINING AREA RESOURCES: Tolomeo variations light over dining table: Artemide. Dining area drawer and shelving system: Vitsoe.

FULL BATHROOM RESOURCES: Field tile, 6×6 in color P210 (dark green), 6×3 in color R203 (chartreuse), 3×3 tile in color P94 (gray-green), 3×3 in color S1 (off-white, behind sink): Pratt & Larson. Blu Bathworks series 1200 wall-mount vanity and matte white #SA1200-01m sink top; Duravit Darling New wall-mounted toilet; matte black single-function shower head; black Del Rp71751.Bl shower arm; black wall-mounted hand shower set: AF New York. Gravity mirror: Ex.T. Mini Dome light: Allied Maker.

HALF BATH RESOURCES: Adriatic 3×12 lava stone subway tile: Tilebar. Jason Wu sink faucets: Brizo. Nivis wall-mounted sink: Agape Design. Gravity mirror: Ex.T. White Darling New wall-mounted toilet: AF New York. Endless Dome light: Allied Maker. Contempo II black matte towel bar: Manhattan Center for Kitchen and Bath.

BEDROOM RESOURCES: Drawer and shelving systems: Vitsoe. Tolomeo variations wall-mounted bedside lamps: Artemide.

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ADUs or accessory dwelling units can transform into home offices, living space for family or as a rental, or a retreat.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

How we transformed our overgrown Brooklyn garden into a family room

• Homeowners: Jess + Henry posted their Brooklyn deck renovation on Sweeten
• Where: Brooklyn, New York
• Primary renovation: Renovating a 350-square-foot backyard with a raised deck, built-in seating, and planters
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—at no cost to the homeowner.

Written in partnership with homeowner Jess. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten

Overhaul an overgrown urban garden

Two years ago, we bought this 2,000-square-foot townhome, located between the Crown Heights and Prospect Lefferts neighborhoods. The attached single-family house was built in 1908, and we’ve been slowly working on updating it. Last year, with the pandemic grounding us at home, we got to work renovating our backyard.

The yard was a blank canvas. The previous owners had laid concrete slabs on the ground in the area closest to the house, but the space was otherwise covered in grass. We allowed it to grow wild our first summer here. The brush got so high that our dog, Sasha, would walk out and disappear. We wanted to turn our barren backyard into a place that we—my husband, Henry, our son, Gavin, and myself—could enjoy.

Solving the rain problem

Henry and I knew we wanted a deck with built-in seating, and we loved the modern look of horizontal fencing. We liked bluestone pavers and wanted to incorporate it. But our first concern was to identify and solve some engineering problems. We’d had a water issue in our fence-enclosed backyard since we bought the place—flooding whenever it rained. We needed a contractor who could fix that.

Seeking the right expertise

The process of finding our Sweeten contractor was streamlined and direct. We posted our project and soon received a bid from a small firm we thought we wanted to hire. We threw out many concerns as well as ideas when we discussed the job with the contractor, and when we saw his great sketches incorporating everything, we knew he was the one we were searching for.

Designing an outdoor living room

Once we had what we needed, the team began the work of reengineering the drainage system on our property. This made for a lot of holes in the ground, but they knew what they were doing and they ultimately solved the water problem. To create the deck, they drilled down in a series of spots, so large deck beams could be sunk into the earth. They then created a structural platform connecting the beams, which became the deck foundation.

Our Sweeten contractor and his team were wonderful from beginning to end. We’d decided on the raised deck to break up the flow of the backyard. We agreed there should be a clear delineation between the ground and the spot where you “step” up onto the deck, like an outdoor living room. Whenever they had an idea, they would either lay it out or draw it for us. The result was a truly collaborative design that perfectly reflected our aesthetic.

Customizing a Brooklyn deck renovation

Long boards were framed horizontally to create the high vertical walls. The contractor came up with the idea of spacing between the boards, and we loved it.

Atop the foundation they’d made, the contractors built the large platform deck. Benches and planters were built around the perimeter. They customized everything. The contractor had Henry and me sit on a “mock” bench and rest our arms with drinks to determine what height to build the side tables. The bench seat slides out to reveal built-in storage for pillows and gardening tools.

We picked a wood stain in a color we love—it gives the wood a mixture of brightness and warmth we were looking for. A small but impactful detail was that the design team chose nails in a similar color so it blended with the wood. I didn’t even realize that nails came in different colors. 

We chose square, untextured slabs of bluestone pavers to surface the area between the house and the step-up onto the deck. The backdrop is the beautiful old brick of the building behind us!

Loving our Sweeten construction crew

The project manager and crew were great. We found a Sweeten contractor who stayed in constant contact, giving us progress updates. He was knowledgeable, detail-oriented and efficient, and he was also great with kids. He informed us of any challenges we were running into ahead of time, so that Henry and I were mentally prepared. This helped us to make informed decisions.

Our Sweeten contractor shared everything from design and decor ideas to recipes and movie recommendations. The crew brought such great energy to our backyard that we missed them when work was complete.

Feeling beyond satisfied

Now that our backyard is finished, we love everything about it. Having a private spot of green in the city feels like an absolute must. Our backyard is a sanctuary where we can relax, eat, drink, enjoy nature, and feel at ease.

Thank you, Jess and Henry, for sharing your inspiring Brooklyn deck renovation with us!

Renovation Materials

DECKPlus Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish in Cedar: Behr.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Old DIY bathroom tiles force a bigger renovation than these Hudson Yards homeowners had planned

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

• Homeowners: Jeremy and Chris posted their home renovation on Sweeten
• Where: Hudson Yards neighborhood in Manhattan, New York
• Primary renovation: A remodel of their 778-square-foot co-op’s kitchen, bathroom, and a multi-functioning entryway.  
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Jeremy

Learning to navigate a New York renovation

A first—and obvious—lesson in renovating: it really is harder in New York. When my husband Chris and I embarked on this adventure, we thought we knew what we were doing. After all, we’d undertaken a remodel of our 1914 Seattle condo before. But that was all before we decamped to New York for work—and learned what a reno here really takes.

Our real estate agent brought us to a 1929 building we would have never come to on our own, smack next to the construction zone that is Hudson Yards. I was hesitant, but Chris saw a decent amount of space and a good layout in a developing neighborhood.

Compact appliances work with full-sized gusto in this Upper West Side gut kitchen remodel

• Homeowners: An Upper West Side couple posted their kitchen renovation project on Sweeten
• Where: Manhattan, New York City
• Primary renovation: A gut remodel of a kitchen requiring major electrical work and a suite of compact appliances
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches homeowners with vetted general contractors for residential renovation projects, offering knowledge, support, and secure payments—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner. “After” photos by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten.

A Craftsman-inspired rowhouse remodel produces a homey sanctuary in Queens

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

• Homeowner: Monique posted her Queens rowhouse remodel on Sweeten 
• Where: Queens, New York 
• Primary renovation: A full-home remodel to deliver the part American Craftsman-style and part modern functionality oasis for a rowhouse
• Sweeten general contractor
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free..

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowner Monique

Moving from co-op to a house

After living in Brooklyn for nine years, I decided to move back to Queens in search of more space and a slice of the outdoors. I purchased a 1,300-square-foot attached brick rowhouse from the ‘40s. It had a small front patio where I could sit and drink my coffee on the weekends, plus a small front garden to plant vegetables and do some xeriscaping (landscaping that requires little or no irrigation).

For me, the purpose of the purchase and subsequent renovation was to create a sanctuary where I could relax after a long day of work. I wanted to make sure to bring in the things that I had loved about my Brooklyn brownstone co-op, while enjoying and making good use of my new space.

I always wanted to live in a Craftsman cottage but knew I couldn’t find this style of building in New York City. Instead, I decided I would incorporate cottage-style elements into my interior design choices. A few things would need to be changed immediately; there were lime green walls in the bedroom and a vibrant orange hallway. I also wanted to rip up the linoleum and carpet floors, replace the house’s original windows, and update the kitchen, bathroom, and entryway.

Spicing up the entry

In particular, the entryway was very important to me. Moving from an apartment to a house, I could now fully set the tone that welcomed everyone into my home. The entryway had been functional, but bland.

I added some touches that brought the outside in and made me smile whenever I opened the front door. I chose to custom design the steel front door in a Craftsman style that felt warm and inviting. For the flooring, white-and-blue handmade cement tiles added a lot of personality. I didn’t want the walls to pale in comparison to the bold floor, so I found a textured and paintable wallpaper that mimicked an abstracted cloud design.

Even though I didn’t have enough space for a grand entrance, I still wanted to make a statement for the front entry by using a modern fixture and opening up the arch to double the size in the living room.

Design elements to make it truly home

I realized how important incorporating the outdoors into the space was for me. When I was a kid, we couldn’t really afford to renovate the wood-paneled walls that were in my bedroom. Instead, my mom gave my room a woodland theme and installed green carpet that was the color of grass and would encourage me to take off my socks so we could play barefoot in the “grass” together.

I was so excited when my Sweeten general contractor suggested I install European tilt-and-turn-style windows. You can open them all the way and really feel like you are inviting in the outdoors. We were able to remove the linoleum and carpet throughout the house and stain the wood floors underneath. I debated going with a modern, gray stain, but ultimately decided on a timeless walnut that felt more appropriate to the cottage style. I loved the original built-in shelves in the living room, so I just asked for the design elements at the top to be cut off, which made the built-ins feel timeless versus dated.

Form and function for a Cottage-style kitchen

When it came to the kitchen, I decided to mix cooler colors and neutrals like blues, whites, and grays, balanced with a bit of warmth from some champagne bronze accents. I wanted a certain set of cabinet pulls that were too expensive for my budget, but was thrilled to find a similar version for a third of the price.

Small kitchen details made the difference

It was these kinds of details that really started to matter to me throughout the process. I spent hours looking at doorknobs and faucets, which I hadn’t expected. I didn’t realize how much I would want a say in every design choice and how much I would care about all the little details that were going into my home.

Now I have room to eat in the kitchen. My contractor transformed a small broom closet in the hallway into a pull-out pantry. It stores all of my dry goods and is so space-efficient. Without it, that closet would have held trash bags and a Swiffer, but now I use every inch of that space for my spices, peanut butter, and pancake mix.

One small accent that was a big deal for me was the ceramic crackle push plates for the swinging doors between the kitchen and the bedroom. I’m a big fan of British television and had been inspired by the homes in shows I watch. It was hard to find this kind of push plate in the U.S., so I ended up having them imported from England. I was so nervous about them making it over in one piece, but they did, and I’m so glad I was able to incorporate them into my space. 

Most of my decisions were functional, but everyone thought I was crazy when I installed wainscoting in my very tight powder room. I understand why—the wainscoting literally took away space—but I went for it anyway. As a trade-off, I saved space with a corner toilet and a size-appropriate sink. I am really happy with how it turned out.

Remodeling with peace-of-mind

I didn’t really need to take up Sweeten’s check-ins during the renovation. It was reassuring, though, to know they were there should issues come up, as this was my first major home renovation. It gave me peace of mind—like that optional purchase protection on a big product purchase.

As a first-time renovator, I wasn’t sure how long everything would take or how involved I would be in the process. I was glad that I was able to be involved in most of the decisions, even though I work full-time and couldn’t be physically present all day. I don’t know how working people managed projects like this before email!

My renovated space feels like a peaceful retreat. I love how welcoming and warm it feels for my friends and their kids to come and hang out. My contractor understood my vision and now I’m able to relax and fully be myself in this new space.

Thank you for sharing your cottage-charming rowhouse remodel story with us, Monique!

Renovation Materials

WHOLE-HOME RESOURCES: Windows: Liberty Windoors. Wood floor stain on oak floors in Special Walnut: Minwax.

ENTRYWAY RESOURCES: Pacific Collection Tulum tile: Cement Tile Shop. Seafoam paintable wallpaper: Graham & Brown. Legacy Steel front door in Geneva Blue: ProVia. George Kovacs Honey Gold Pontil 6-Light chandelier: Bellacor.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: SSS White Beaded cabinet fronts: Semihandmade. Cabinet bases and dishwasher: Ikea. Atlas Homewares Successi Collection cabinet hardware, Millennium Lighting ceiling-mount light fixture in Heirloom Bronze, #5225-HBZ: Build.com. Supernatural countertops in Piatra Gray: Caesarstone. White subway backsplash: Tiles Unlimited NY. Stainless steel refrigerator and stove: Appliances Connection.  Factory Modern No. 4 pendant (over dining table): Schoolhouse.

BATHROOM RESOURCES: Gray daisy hex bathroom floor tile: Tiles Unlimited NY. Shawano wall-mount sink and Barnum dual-flush corner toilet: Signature Hardware. Vanity: Appliances Connection.

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See how homeowners across Queens renovated their homes.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

Small changes, from a banquette and grout to salvaged shelves, make all the difference

• Homeowners: Sarah and Eddy posted their 1939 co-op remodel on Sweeten
• Where: Washington Heights, New York City, New York
• Primary renovation: An outdated op-op kitchen remodel, including a new look and more space
• Sweeten design-build firm
• Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovators with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Written in partnership with Sweeten homeowners Sarah and Eddy

Creating unity within a floorplan

Sarah, a managing director at an international nonprofit, WaterAid, and her husband, Eddy, a medical consultant, thought their co-op in Washington Heights, New York, was ideal for raising their two daughters. They loved the location, near Fort Tryon Park, and the design aesthetic of their 1939 Art Deco building. The problem? An outdated kitchen that had been (seemingly) randomly renovated over the years, with one section updated at a time. It resulted in what Sarah called a “hodgepodge” layout and design. 

“Overall, it was dark and dated,” said Sarah. “The cabinets seemed to be original, but we don’t know that for a fact, but they sure looked like it.” The couple also desperately needed more counter space. “There was more space for dining than food prep,” commented Sarah.

Finding an aesthetic to compliment the room

Originally, there were two windows in the kitchen. Cabinets completely blocked one window, so it wasn’t functional. By rearranging the layout, the homeowners were able to expose the window, adding more natural light to the updated kitchen

The firm was amazing! Both our designer, Ally, and our project manager, Petar, were like on-call doctors,” said Sarah. “They helped me with decision-making around all things—from what size appliances to buy to practical storage ideas.” Sarah and Eddy decided to keep the original floors to give a nod to the origins of the building. The kitchen received new cabinets, countertops, and appliances.

Using the houses original walls

When they gutted the kitchen, they found beautiful brick walls hiding behind the sheetrock. The brick became a focal point behind a newly added banquette bringing a new texture to their streamlined, all-white kitchen. “The girls love to sit at the banquette and read while eating,” said Sarah. “And with an outlet installed in the banquette, it’s become a cozy work-from-home space during the pandemic.” Overall, they kept the design simple and current with white cabinets and Calacatta countertops. Gray grout in the subway tile and the reclaimed wood floating shelves add contrast and personality.

Overcoming unplanned obstacles

Necessary plumbing behind the kitchen sink left Sarah and Eddy with less cabinet depth to work with. As a result, they had to install a smaller than usual sink. Fortunately, in a clever workaround, to allow the sink to maximize the counter depth, the faucet was set off to the side.

“We love literally everything about our new kitchen,” said Sarah. “The countertops, the pantry, the counter-depth fridge…even the vent hood!”

Renovation Materials:

Taper hardware knobs in brushed nickel: CB2. Unique Calacatta polished countertops: Compac.  Subway tiles (4″x12″): TileBar. Pacifico Reclaimed wood floating shelves: Etsy.  Litze pull-down faucet with square sprout: Brizo.  36″ gas range with five burners and 36″ under-cabinet canopy hood: Fisher & Paykel. Goffredo Schoolhouse pendant: Birch Lane. Banquette: Ballard Designs.

Thank you, Sarah and Eddy,  for sharing your new kitchen with us!

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Around the corner: Another Sweeten renovation in Washington Heights updates the kitchen, flooring, and layout.

Check out design ideas for small spaces.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.

The duo loves nothing more than making their clients’ vision come to life!

At Sweeten, the experts in our network are experienced contractors and design pros we’d be thrilled to have working in our own homes. We check their licenses, insurance, quality of work, and customer service skills. Trust and open communication are the lifeblood of our free renovation service, and our personal connection to our experts enables us to match you to the best choices for your project. Here, get to know their personality and click to view their portfolio, including photos from past work and client reviews, so that you can hire the right team and renovate with confidence.

Check out Nina and Ilya’s portfolio here

Where are you from and how long have you been in construction?

Nina: I’m from the country of Georgia and I’ve been in construction ever since Ilya started our business.

Ilya: I was born in Russia, grew up in Australia, and finally settled in New York City in my early 20s. I’ve been in the construction business professionally for 12 years. As a teenager, I used to work on construction sites almost every summer, and that is really where I developed a love of building.

How did you get into this industry?

Nina: When Ilya started our business 12 years ago, he always leaned on me for inspiration and advice. Ilya had a construction background, while mine was in marketing and advertising. He’s the expert contractor and I manage the back end of the business along with communications, marketing, and social media. If you see a smiley face in one of our emails, I probably wrote it.

Ilya: I have always been interested in things that allowed me to be creative. Even as a kid, I was a Lego’s master! I went through culinary school in Australia, then jewelry school in New York City. I worked as a master jeweler, which is so similar to construction and building—only on a much smaller scale. Ultimately I decided to pursue my passion for construction and building.

What do you love most about what you do?

Nina: I’m a big people pleaser, and I love nothing more than knowing that our clients are truly happy with the home that we helped them design, build, and personalize.

Ilya: I love the process of being able to help take someone’s vision and turn it into a reality for them. When I see the look on their faces when they walk into their finished home, it makes the hard work all the worthwhile. No two projects are ever alike which always leaves plenty of room for renewed creativity!

What is the biggest challenge about renovating in New York?

Nina: Definitely all the red tape that comes with the management companies and co-op boards. I’m the lucky one that gets to deal with all of that!

Ilya: The biggest challenge—besides traffic and parking—is navigating all the different management companies, co-op boards, building codes, and permit regulations. These processes are a lot harder than they really need to be, but we always work hand-in-hand with everyone involved to ensure we have all the requirements going into the project so there are no delays along the way.

What do you think is the biggest misconception that homeowners have when starting a renovation project?

Nina: Renovating is expensive and not as simple as shown on television! There can and usually will be surprises along the way, so it’s always good to pad your budget by 10%, just in case.

Ilya: Pricing and budgets. So many folks don’t understand how expensive renovating in NYC can be! And while Pinterest can provide some amazing inspiration, their budgets oftentimes can’t support those ideas.  But that’s where our creativity kicks into full gear and we get to suggest amazing alternatives and more affordable options for consideration.

What is your favorite New York City building?

Nina: The Chrysler Building—it’s gorgeous!

Ilya: My favorite modern building is the IAC building right across from Chelsea Piers, but my favorite classic NYC building is the Chrysler building.

What is your favorite New York City neighborhood?

Nina: Brooklyn Heights, especially the boardwalk with the view of the Manhattan skyline. It takes my breath away every time.

Ilya: Soho! It has the best mix of modern and classic architecture.

Take a look at some of Nina and Ilya’s renovations below and check out their portfolio for more photos of past work.

Nina and Ilya have been Sweeten contractors since March 2018. 

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.