Everything You Need to Know Before Renovation an Estate Apartment in NYC

An estate property is one in which the property was formerly owned by someone who has recently passed. Therefore, the property has been sold in its existing condition. Some, if not most, of these properties dwell from families who have owned them for decades, and the home has not undergone any updates, renovations, or improvements. These apartments tend to come with a lot of headaches and unforeseen, underlying issues that we typically would not consider when we think “Lets Make My House My Home”.

If you own an estate property and are planning a renovation, Star Renovations NY is here to guide you through the process. Estate renovations in NYC come with unique challenges, from building approvals to design and construction. Read on to discover Everything you need to know before starting your estate apartment renovation!

Aside from Everything You Need To Know About Your NYC Renovation Approval Package there are many additional things to keep in mind, such as;

• Underground plumbing
• Outdated Electrical Wiring
• Plaster walls & Asbestos
• Lead Paint
• Gas Meter

With years of experience in NYC remodeling, we’ve developed a deep understanding of these five key components that influence the planning, approval process, scope of work, and overall success of your estate apartment project. Carefully considering these factors before breaking ground ensures a smoother, more efficient renovation, helps prevent unexpected delays, and keeps everything on track—from permits to final finishes—so you can achieve the best possible outcome for your home.

Underground & Outdated Plumbing

Many older NYC [estate] apartments still rely on outdated plumbing systems that can cause a variety of issues during renovations. These buildings often have galvanized steel or cast iron pipes, which corrode over time, leading to reduced water pressure, leaks, and even contamination. Additionally, drainage systems may be inefficient, causing frequent clogs due to old, undersized pipes that were not designed to handle modern water usage

During your renovation with Star, we assess and upgrade outdated plumbing to prevent costly repairs down the line. Installing new copper or PEX piping, updating fixtures, and ensuring proper venting to dramatically improve water efficiency, pressure, and your overall system reliability. Addressing these issues early on helps avoid unexpected delays and ensures a safe, modern, and code-compliant plumbing system for your family to enjoy.

Check out our Horatio St. Estate Studio Reno

Old Electric Wiring

Older buildings not only rely on outdated fuse boxes but also typically lack sufficient electrical capacity and outlets to meet today’s demands. Many were built when households used far fewer appliances, resulting in overloaded circuits and potential safety hazards. As part of Star Renovations services, we upgrade the electrical service to a modern circuit breaker panel and ensure the home has adequate, safely installed outlets. This proactive approach brings the home up to code, prevents future electrical issues, and eliminates the need to expand the project scope later, keeping the renovation process smooth and efficient.

In addition to outdated fuse boxes and insufficient outlets, many older buildings also contain cloth-insulated wiring, which poses significant safety risks. This type of wiring, commonly used in homes built before the 1960s and increases the risk of electrical fires. It is standard for Star to replace old cloth wiring with modern, properly grounded wiring, bringing your home up to code and providing a safer, more reliable electrical system for years to come.

Plaster Walls/Asbestos

In older NYC apartments, especially those built before the 1980s—plaster walls and ceilings may contain asbestos, a hazardous material commonly used for its fire resistance and durability. Before any renovation, it is common for an asbestos test to be required to ensure safety and compliance with local laws.

To avoid delays or unforeseen costs, asbestos testing and necessary documentation are handled early in the planning process. By addressing this upfront, renovations can move forward smoothly without last-minute surprises, ensuring both safety and compliance with building regulations.

Lead Paint

Plaster Testing and Lead Concerns

In addition to asbestos, older plaster may contain lead-based paint, another health hazard, particularly for children. The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) enforces lead paint laws, requiring landlords to take proper precautions if lead is present.

At Star Renovations, our team is LEAD paint certified and takes care of all necessary documentation four our clients, incorporating the cost directly into your project proposal.

Gas Meters

Historically, New York City mandated that apartment buildings be equipped with gas lines and meters to support essential services like heating and cooking. These gas lines not only powered radiators to combat freezing temperatures but also supplied energy to kitchen appliances such as gas ranges and laundry units.

In recent years, there’s been a significant shift toward transitioning to electric appliances. This movement is partly driven by environmental concerns and the push for cleaner energy solutions.

When gas meter are decommissioned, either due to property vacancies (Estate properties) —they become inactive. It’s crucial for owners and tenants to ensure that their specific unit has active gas service and designated meters.

By partnering with a design and build firm like Star Renovations NY, you can ensure that all necessary assessments are seamlessly managed by our licensed plumbing team. Our experts conduct thorough inspections, while the Star Renovations team handles every detail on your behalf.

Let’s Bring Your NYC Renovation Vision to Life with Star Renovations NY

When investing in a renovation, maximizing your return on investment (ROI) starts with choosing the right design/build firm—one with the expertise to execute your vision seamlessly. At Star Renovations NY, we’ve helped hundreds of New York City families transform their homes for enhanced comfort, functionality, and long-term value.

As a full-service design and build firm, we manage every aspect of your project—from initial planning to final execution—providing premium materials, expert craftsmanship, and a streamlined process all under one roof. Your dedicated project coordinator ensures a stress-free experience by handling permits, approvals, orders, and scheduling on your behalf.

For renovations that elevate your home and pay off in value, trust the experts at Star Renovations NY. Call us at (718) 521-2879 to schedule your consultation today!