Renovations

Not every project fits neatly into one category. Many homes need a mix of work, such as opening up a wall, replacing floors, updating a dated room or fixing problems in an older house. We handle home renovations of all sizes across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, coordinating the trades so you do not have to manage several contractors yourself.

Renovation projects we handle

• Open-plan conversions: removing or opening walls between rooms, with beams and support installed where the wall is load-bearing.
• Whole-floor and whole-house renovations: updating several rooms at once for a consistent finish.
• Flooring: hardwood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank and tile.
• Interior finishes: drywall, trim, doors, stairs and painting.
• Exterior updates: windows, entry doors, siding, porches and decks.
• Older-home repairs: addressing sagging floors, damaged framing, outdated wiring and plumbing.

Is the wall load-bearing?

Removing a wall is one of the most requested changes, and one of the most important to get right. Before we remove any wall, we determine whether it carries load from the floors or roof above. If it does, a properly sized beam and supports are required, usually designed by an engineer and covered by a permit. The wall may also hide plumbing, ductwork or wiring that needs rerouting. We assess all of this up front so the cost is clear before work starts.

Renovating an older home

Older homes often hold surprises once the walls and floors are open: old wiring, galvanised pipes, water damage or past repairs that were not done properly. We plan for this by including allowances in the estimate, showing you what we find, and agreeing any extra work in writing before we carry it out. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, which requires lead-safe work practices when surfaces are disturbed.

Our process

1. Walkthrough. We go through the home with you, listen to what you want to change and look at the condition of what is there.

2. Scope and estimate. A written scope that separates required work from optional upgrades, so you can prioritise.

3. Permits and scheduling. Permits where required, materials ordered, and a schedule that sequences the trades.

4. Construction. Work proceeds room by room or phase by phase, with dust protection for the parts of the home you are living in.

5. Walkthrough and punch list. We finish the details and leave the home clean.

What affects the cost

• Number of rooms and the overall scope
• Structural changes and engineering
• Material and finish choices
• Condition of the existing structure, wiring and plumbing