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Renovations in New York City come with unique challenges. The primary firm that you choose to work with needs to know how to deal with zoning, permitting, community boards, landmark organizations, and many more entities. If you are in a co-op or a restrictive condo, then they will also have to navigate the policies and practices of the board and management company.<\/p>\n
Secondly, New York is full of specialists to handle each of the smaller aspects of the project \u2014electricians, plumbers, carpenters, designers, architects, etc. If you don\u2019t want to get stuck managing these numerous experts yourself, then you need a firm that is experienced in acting as your single point of contact that can organize all of the sub-projects on your behalf.<\/p>\n
You also want to work with an experienced company that will be straightforward about estimated costs, will communicate with you throughout the entire process, and that has a good track record of handling projects like yours.<\/p>\n
We started with reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Looking at the firm\u2019s overall score can give a high level indicator, but it is also important to look at the time period of the reviews. Companies with only recent reviews, or only old reviews are not as informative as those with many years of reviews to demonstrate consistency. It was also helpful to look at issues that customers reported for negative reviews, to get an idea of specific types of projects or situations that the company was not as strong at handling.<\/p>\n
The public websites for each of the companies also provided valuable information. This is where each of the firms emphasize their specialties. The best firms also provide guidance on the costs of the renovation as a rough guide to get you started. We have found that this upfront approach to pricing transparency reflects the firm\u2019s commitment to honest and thorough communication throughout the project.<\/p>\n
Website: gallerykbny.com<\/a> Founded in 2013, Gallery KBNY is proud to be a full-service design-build company, having a team that covers everything from permits to materials to communication to design to the actual labor needed. They specialize in high-end apartment combinations and pre-purchase renovation assessments, especially in pre-war apartments and brownstones.<\/p>\n Their focus on listening to their clients first and foremost, and adapting their own approach to meet individual needs, has led to a company receiving numerous awards, including two Houzz awards in 2026<\/a> and quotes in the New York Times<\/a>. They also have a custom-built digital project tracker to let you see live photos and overall progress of the project.<\/p>\n Website: atozrenovationsny.com<\/a> A to Z Renovations is another full-service renovation business (hence the A to Z name), and offers multiple showrooms for their clients and potential clients, and their focus on the final product being exactly what their client wanted is reflected in their company-offered 5 year warranty on all work done by their firm. Their personal philosophy around work emphasizes the quality of their final product and communication with their clients.<\/p>\n Website: brenerconstruction.com<\/a> Brener Construction was founded in 2013 and focuses on high quality communication with their clients, and emphasizes portfolios that cover design, painting, construction, electrical, and anything else your home project might need. They share access to the entirety of their reviews directly from their website, and stress that the client comes first. They are another company that is proud of long-term relationships and repeat customers.<\/p>\n Website: mammothnewyork.com<\/a> Mammoth Projects is a design-build firm, founded in 2012, specializing in full-service residential renovations across New York City. They focus on end-to-end project management, taking care of everything from architectural design and permitting to complete general contracting and subcontractor management. Their portfolio highlights expertise in complex apartment combinations, complete brownstone transformations, and high-end townhouses, with notable work including a stunning renovation at Jane Street in the West Village.<\/p>\n Website: homeevolutions.us<\/a> Home Evolutions, founded in 2015, emphasizes transparency and open communication, along with a team with broad experience in the often-complex process of home renovation. Their lack of Yelp or BBB reviews is more a reflection of the ultra-high-end net-worth that makes up the core of their clientele. Their process involves a multi-step estimate. However they stress that the rough estimate that comes from their initial consultation leads into them providing a step-by-step total breakdown of materials, labor, and anything else that might come up, so you can decide if you want to move forward with them.<\/p>\n They often partner with YossiG\u2019s design studio for projects, catering to luxury, fully managed renovations. Home Evolutions also has their own digital project tracker for their clients.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Google: 5 out of 5 stars<\/a>
Yelp: 4.3 out of 5 stars<\/a>
BBB: A+<\/a><\/p>\n2. A to Z Renovations<\/h3>\n
Google: 4.9 out of 5 stars<\/a>
Yelp: 4.8 out of 5 stars<\/a>
BBB: A+<\/a><\/p>\n3. Brener Construction Inc<\/h3>\n
Google: 4.9 out of 5 stars<\/a>
Yelp: 5 out of 5 stars<\/a>
BBB: not yet accredited<\/a><\/p>\n4. Mammoth Projects<\/h3>\n
Google: 4.8 out of 5 stars<\/a>
Yelp: 4.2 out of 5 stars<\/a>
BBB: A+<\/a><\/p>\n5. Home Evolutions<\/h3>\n
Google: 4.7 out of 5 stars<\/a>
Yelp: none<\/a>
BBB: not yet accredited<\/a><\/p>\n