Townhome Renovations New York City

Make your NYC townhome feel brand new—without the stress. Star Renovations NY delivers a true white‑glove, design and build experience tailored to New York City brownstones, rowhouses, and single‑ or two‑family townhomes. With our in‑house architect, guided design team, and a dedicated project manager, we coordinate design, NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) filings, and construction under one roof. For landmarked properties, we also handle Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) reviews when required.

Our focus on townhome renovation ensures that we meet the unique needs of New York City homeowners.

Why Townhome Renovations Are Different in NYC

Understanding the intricacies of townhome renovation is crucial for successful outcomes.

Unlike co‑ops and condos, townhomes give you more freedom over layout, structure, and mechanical systems—but they come with their own complexities:

When considering a townhome renovation, it’s essential to evaluate your design choices carefully.

• Structure & foundations: Masonry party walls, historic timber joists, and stoops require careful engineering—especially for gut renovations, extensions, and large new openings.
• MEP systems end‑to‑end: You own the electrical service, gas, water, sewer, and heating/AC—all upgrades and inspections run through the DOB (and utility providers when applicable).
• Energy code & comfort: Reframing, insulation, air‑sealing, and window upgrades must meet current NYC Energy Code while improving comfort and efficiency.
• Landmarks (when applicable): Front façades, windows, and visible additions in landmark districts may require LPC permits. Rear‑yard work is often more flexible but still reviewed when visible.

Gut Renovation: What to Consider Before You Start

A gut renovation resets your home from the bones out. Here are the key items we evaluate and plan for on every NYC townhome project:

The townhome renovation process requires careful planning and execution for maximum impact.

• Reconfiguring the Floor Plan
  Open up parlors, re‑stack bedrooms, add ensuites, or relocate living spaces. We design around structural spans, stair geometry, legal egress, natural light, and circulation so the home lives the way you do.
• Moving Kitchens & Bathrooms
  Changing wet rooms is doable in townhomes. We plan drain and vent routing, slope, and pipe sizing; relocate gas (or design all‑electric); and coordinate make‑up air and proper waterproofing. That includes moving or expanding kitchens and baths as well as reshaping living and sleeping zones.
• Sistering & Replacing Joists (Termite, Rot, Over‑spans)
  We inspect joists for termite damage, rot, notching, or deflection. Solutions include sistering with LVLs, full joist replacement, new ledgers/hangers, and straightening/leveling before subfloor and finish installation. Where loads change (extensions, big openings), we design steel or engineered‑wood beams and proper bearing.
• Extensions & Additions
  Rear yard extensions, pop‑ups/dormers, and finished basements transform usable area. We study zoning (FAR/lot coverage/rear‑yard depth), foundations/underpinning, structure, and egress—all coordinated with DOB filings and LPC if visible from a public way.
• Windows, New Openings & Patio Doors
  Enlarge rear openings for modern indoor‑outdoor living, add multi‑panel patio doors, or restore historic fronts. We design headers/lintels, flashing, and waterproofing; specify energy‑code‑compliant windows; and manage LPC review where required.
• Decks, Terraces & Outdoor Living
  From rear decks to roof terraces, we handle structural attachment, waterproofing, railings, drainage, and access—plus coordination with roofing warranties and DOB permits.
• New Floors & Architectural Trim
  We level substrates, install acoustic underlayments between floors, and lay new hardwood, stone, tile, or luxury vinyl. Our millwork team crafts baseboards, casings, paneling, crown, and built‑ins that either honor pre‑war character or deliver a crisp modern look.
• HVAC & Comfort Systems
  Central air, high‑efficiency furnaces/boilers, or cold‑climate heat pumps (mini‑split or VRF). We size ductwork, add zoning. Kitchen ventilation is ducted to the exterior with make‑up air as needed.
• Electrical Service & Low‑Voltage
  Panel upgrades (often to 200A+), new wiring, dedicated appliance circuits, AFCI/GFCI protection, and whole‑home lighting plans. We pre‑wire for data, Wi‑Fi, AV, cameras, and smart controls.
• Full Mechanical & Hot Water
  We replace aging boilers, radiators, and hot‑water tanks—or convert to tankless/indirect systems. Plumbing risers, branch lines, shut‑offs, and high‑performance mixing valves are installed to current code.
• Insulation, Air‑Sealing & Moisture Control
  Dense‑pack or mineral wool in walls, rigid/foam at roofs, and continuous air barriers reduce drafts and bills. In basements and below‑grade areas we specify proper waterproofing, sump/drainage where appropriate, and mold‑resistant assemblies.
• Life Safety & Code
  Interconnected smoke/CO detectors, tempered glass near stairs and doors, proper stair/headroom geometry, and, for two‑family layouts, required fire separations and egress.

Our NYC Townhome Renovation Services

• • Space planning & reconfiguration: Remove/add walls, widen openings, optimize bedroom/bath counts, and improve circulation.

We specialize in townhome renovation, ensuring your space reflects both style and functionality.

• • Kitchen & bath remodeling: Layout redesigns, fixture relocations, custom cabinetry, stone tops, and high‑performance waterproofing.

Through townhome renovation, we can transform your kitchen and bath into modern masterpieces.

• • Structural carpentry: Joist sistering/replacement, new beams, stair rebuilds, and load‑path corrections.

Our expertise in townhome renovation guarantees structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

• • Extensions & additions: Rear/roof additions, dormers, finished basements, and legalized garden‑level apartments (subject to DOB and zoning).

We handle all aspects of townhome renovation, from design to final construction.

• Windows & exterior work: Energy‑efficient window packages, new patio openings, lintel replacements, façade repairs, and LPC submissions where needed.

• Decks & outdoor spaces: Rear decks/terraces, rooftop work, planters, lighting, and drainage.
• HVAC, electrical & plumbing: Service upgrades, new distribution, heat pumps or boilers, ERVs/venting, and hot‑water systems.
• Millwork & finishes: New flooring, trims, doors, paneling, and custom built‑ins.
• Environmental & remediation: Termite remediation coordination, lead/asbestos testing and, if required, licensed abatement with DOB notifications.

Permits & Filings We Handle

Our team ensures all necessary permits are secured for your townhome renovation project.

We prepare drawings and file with the NYC DOB for interior alterations, structural work, and MEP upgrades (Alt‑1/Alt‑2/OT as applicable). If your home is in a landmark district or individually designated, we also manage LPC permits for façades, windows, visible additions, and rooftop work. We coordinate required special inspections and utility sign‑offs (e.g., Con Edison) when scopes involve gas or service changes.

Our Design‑Build Process

Consultation & Feasibility
On‑site assessment of structure, utilities, envelope, and any landmark considerations. You’ll get a realistic plan, budget range, and timeline.

Design & Budget Alignment
Our architect develops layouts while engineering verifies structure and MEP. We specify fixtures/finishes early to protect lead times and costs.

Permitting & Approvals
We prepare drawings, engineering letters, and file DOB applications. If applicable, we manage LPC review in parallel to keep momentum.

Pre‑Construction Logistics
Protection plans, delivery routes, debris strategy, and inspection milestones are built into the schedule. Neighbors and sidewalks are kept safe and clean.

Construction & Site Control
Daily project management, dust control with negative air and HEPA filtration, and meticulous housekeeping. You’ll receive weekly updates through our portal—budget, schedule, and photos—managed by a single point of contact.

Close‑Out & Sign‑Offs
DOB sign‑offs, as‑builts, warranties, and training on your new systems. You move into a beautiful, fully compliant home.

What Sets Star Renovations NY Apart

• Design‑build efficiency: One accountable team from first sketch to final sign‑off.
• Townhome & brownstone expertise: Deep experience with historic framing, masonry, and NYC zoning/energy code.
• Permits & paperwork handled: DOB filings, LPC submissions, inspections, utility coordination, and close‑outs managed in‑house.
• Quality craftsmanship: Structural correctness, clean mechanicals, and refined finishes—no shortcuts.
• Clear communication: Weekly updates, transparent budgets, and a dedicated project manager.
• Respect for your block: Quiet, courteous crews; protected sidewalks; and tidy job sites.

FAQs About NYC Townhome Renovations

Common questions about townhome renovation include timeline and process expectations.

How long does a gut renovation take?
Scope drives schedule, but many full‑interior gut renovations run 8–16 months from permit issuance. Additions, LPC reviews, or major structural work can extend timelines.

Can I move my kitchen or add a bathroom?
Yes. We design new routes for drains/vents and, if needed, relocate gas or design all‑electric solutions. Proper waterproofing and ventilation protect the home long‑term.

During your townhome renovation, we will manage all plumbing and electrical needs.

Can we add a rear extension or roof deck?
Often, yes—subject to zoning, structure, and (if landmarked) LPC approval. We study FAR, lot coverage, rear‑yard limits, and visibility from the street before design.

Do I need DOB permits for interior work?
If you’re changing layout, structure, plumbing, electrical, gas, or mechanical systems—or addressing potential asbestos/lead—you’ll likely need permits and inspections. We file and shepherd all approvals.

Your townhome renovation might require specific permits depending on the changes made.

What about termite damage we discovered?
We coordinate licensed pest treatment, then repair structure with sistering or joist replacement, install new subfloors, and restore finishes to a level, quiet result.

Ready to Renovate Your NYC Townhome?

Are you ready to start your townhome renovation journey with us today?

Whether you’re opening up a classic brownstone parlor, replacing termite‑damaged joists and floors, installing new windows with a wide patio opening, or building a rear extension with a new deck, Star Renovations NY guides you from feasibility to final sign‑off. Let’s plan a renovation that fits your lifestyle—and your block.

We can help you create the perfect townhome renovation that suits your personal style.

schedule your design CONSULTATION

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