Apartment Combination Renovations in New York City

Transform two neighboring apartments into one cohesive NYC home—without the stress.

Star Renovations NY delivers a true white-glove, design and build experience for apartment combination renovations across Manhattan and Brooklyn. With an in-house architect, guided design team, and dedicated project manager, we handle every detail—from feasibility studies and board approvals to elegant finishes—so you can expand your footprint and love your home again instead of moving.

Combining apartments in New York City is a smart way to gain square footage, reconfigure your layout, and increase long-term value. Whether you’re merging a classic prewar co-op, a modern condo, or sponsor units in a new development, our streamlined process protects your building, secures the right permits, and keeps your combination apartment project on schedule and on budget.

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Why Combine Apartments in NYC?

Creating Your Ideal Combination Apartment

• More space, smarter flow: Create a generous great room, add a true primary suite, or design a proper entry with storage and mudroom.
• Long-term value: A well-executed apartment combination can improve resale appeal by delivering the room count and layout buyers want.
• Stay in your neighborhood: Avoid moving costs and bidding wars while tailoring your existing building to your lifestyle.
• Design control: Unify finishes, lighting, HVAC, and millwork for a cohesive, high-end result.

Our Design-Build Process for Apartment Combinations

1. Feasibility & Due Diligence
   We start with a site visit, a review of building rules and house guidelines (Alteration Agreement), and a DOB feasibility check (e.g., Alt-1 filing needs, egress, structural/MEP implications). If your building is landmarked, we coordinate with LPC. We also review wet-over-dry considerations and building policies on laundry and venting.
2. Concept Planning & Floor-Plan Strategy
   Our architect studies how to merge the apartments for optimal circulation, daylight, and privacy. We evaluate where to open up demising walls, the best location for the new main entry, and how to maximize living space without compromising bedroom usability.
3. MEP Integration (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
   We model the electrical load combination, plan service/panel upgrades as needed, and design proper distribution via main and subpanels. Plumbing stacks and risers are mapped to support kitchen/bath/laundry locations. HVAC is unified for balanced comfort.
4. Approvals & Filings
   Star Renovations manages co-op/condo board approvals and prepares DOB filings (typically Alteration Type-1). Your project manager coordinates schedules, inspections, and logistics with building staff to minimize impact on neighbors.
5. Construction & Protection
   We implement robust protection plans—dust control, floor and elevator protection, noise and debris management—and provide weekly updates through our online client portal.
6. Finishes & Turnover
   From custom millwork and lighting to tile and hardware, we deliver meticulous finishes and a spotless, move-in-ready home.

Key Items to Know & Consider in an Apartment Combination

• The right floor plan & merging strategy
  Success starts with the plan. We locate the connection between units to enhance flow and daylight, align “quiet” and “active” zones, and maximize living space while preserving proper bedroom counts and sizes. We’ll reposition circulation to free up square footage for your great room, dining area, or home office.
• Combining the electrical load—or smart distribution across panels
  Two units mean two electrical systems. We evaluate service capacity, calculate load, and either combine service with a new main panel or design proper distribution using subpanels and dedicated circuits for the kitchen, HVAC, laundry, and technology. Power upgrades, new risers, and smart lighting controls are coordinated early to keep finishes clean and code-compliant.
• Eliminating the second kitchen—creating a compliant wet room
  Most combinations involve removing the duplicate kitchen and converting that area into a mudroom, bathroom, or laundry room—subject to building rules and NYC code. We plan waterproofing, drains, and supply/venting to deliver a quiet, efficient laundry setup (side-by-side or stacked, with proper ventilation or condensing solutions), or a spa-quality bath with storage.
• Structure & egress
  We verify which walls are structural or fire-rated and plan openings accordingly. Door swings, egress paths, and smoke detectors are coordinated to satisfy code and your building.
• Wet-over-dry policies
  Many buildings limit wet rooms over neighbors’ dry spaces. We propose solutions that respect wet-over-dry restrictions, such as placing baths and laundry over kitchens/baths below or using raised pans and acoustic/waterproof assemblies where permitted.
• Sound & floor leveling
  We integrate acoustic underlayments, floor leveling, and transitions so the new home feels quiet and seamless from one former unit to the other.
• HVAC unification
  Whether ducted or ductless, we right-size equipment, align thermostats/zones, and conceal linesets for an elegant, consistent environment.
• Permits, inspections, and board approvals
  We handle the paperwork: architect drawings, board submissions, DOB permits/inspections, and LPC if applicable—so you don’t have to.

Floor Plans That Live Better

A great combination doesn’t just add square feet—it rebalances how you live. Our NYC apartment combination architects prioritize:

• A real great room: Merge living, dining, and kitchen for effortless hosting while maintaining sightlines and natural light.
• Bedrooms that work: We protect functional bedroom sizes, closet depth, and window placement. If needed, we expand secondary bedrooms or add a proper primary suite with double vanity and walk-in closet.
• Smart circulation: We eliminate redundant hallways and doors left over from two entries, reclaiming valuable space for storage, a workstation niche, or a bar.
• Storage everywhere: Custom millwork, concealed utility closets, and integrated benches transform dead corners into daily convenience.

Electrical Strategy When Merging Two Units

When you combine apartments in NYC, electrical planning can make or break the experience:

• Load calculations & service upgrades: We determine if the combined unit requires a service increase, larger main panel, or dedicated subpanels.
• Dedicated circuits where they matter: Induction ranges, steam ovens, laundry, wine storage, media walls, and home-office gear get the power they need.
• Lighting design: Layered lighting (ambient, task, accent) with dimming scenes creates cohesion across the former apartment boundary.
• Future-ready wiring: Structured cabling, Wi-Fi planning, and prewires for shades and speakers keep your home flexible and clutter-free.

Converting the Second Kitchen (Mudroom, Bath, or Laundry)

We safely decommission the second kitchen—capping gas/water lines and removing appliances—then transform the space into something you’ll use every day:

• Laundry room: Pan/overflow protection, proper drains, ventilation (or condensing), storage for detergents and linens, and a folding counter.
• Mudroom: Durable flooring, slat walls or hooks, bench seating with drawers, and a secondary wet area for plant care or pet washing—where permitted.
• Bathroom: Waterproofing, slope-to-drain, quiet ventilation, and beautiful tile and fixtures that match the language of your main bath.

We confirm all conversions comply with building policy and NYC code before finalizing the plan.

What’s Included in Our NYC Apartment Combination Services

• Architectural planning & filings: Schematic design, DOB drawings, board packages, Alt-1 filings, and permit coordination.
• Plumbing & electrical upgrades: Panel replacements, rewiring, lighting plans, fixture relocations, riser coordination, and code-compliant rough-ins.
• Demolition & structural coordination: Wall modifications, new openings, and protective shoring where required.
• Floor leveling & sound attenuation: Substrate corrections and premium acoustic assemblies beneath hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl.
• Space reconfiguration: Remove/add walls, optimize circulation, expand bedrooms or living areas, and integrate smart storage.
• New HVAC & ventilation: Ducted/ductless systems, ventilation improvements, and mechanical room optimization.
• Custom millwork & built-ins: Closets, media walls, window seats, mudrooms, vanities, and architectural paneling.
• Kitchen & bathroom finishes: Cabinetry, countertops, tile, plumbing fixtures, and task/ambient lighting—all curated by our design team.
• Concierge project management: Weekly updates, transparent budgets, and a single point of contact via our online portal.

Friendly FAQs

How long does an apartment combination take in NYC?
Timelines vary based on board approvals, DOB permits, and scope. Many combinations run several months from design to completion. Our project manager creates a detailed schedule and updates you weekly.

Do I need board approval to combine apartments?
Yes—co-op and condo boards generally require a detailed submission. We prepare drawings, scopes, and logistics plans that address noise, protection, and hours of work.

Can I add a washer/dryer?
Often yes, with building and code compliance. We design proper laundry setups with sensor pan and overflow protection and correct venting or condensing units.

Is wet-over-dry allowed?
Policies vary by building. We’ll design within your house rules and propose code-compliant solutions that maintain neighbor relations and board approval.

Why Homeowners Choose Star Renovations NY

• Design-build efficiency: One accountable team from concept to completion.
• Clear communication: Weekly progress reports, milestone walk-throughs, and proactive coordination with your super and managing agent.
• Quality craftsmanship: Durable, beautiful materials and meticulous finishes engineered for NYC living.
• Respect for your building: Elevator pads, protection plans, and considerate scheduling that keep neighbors happy and management confident.

Ready to Combine Apartments in NYC?

If you’re searching for an NYC apartment combination contractor who can merge adjacent units seamlessly—from floor-plan strategy and electrical load integration to eliminating that second kitchen for a new bath, mudroom, or laundry—Star Renovations NY is your partner. Let’s plan a renovation that fits your lifestyle and your building.

Schedule your design consultation today.

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