Category: Apartment Renovations

Top 2021 NYC Apartment & Home Remodeling Needs

Everyone knows that 2020 was the year to rethink just about everything. Whether you’ve been plotting a renovation for sometime, or have realized in the last few months during the pandemic, that it’s time to make some serious changes in your home, there are remodeling options and new approaches that can make a dramatic difference in your life.

With most homeowners spending more time at home and working from home for many months, even those who didn’t have remodeling on their mind are certainly considering it now! Some homeowners will continue to work from home for months to come and some indefinitely. If your household includes multiple members, including children, you’ve probably been thinking about ways you can maximize space, efficiency and privacy and minimize distraction and noise. Dreaming of a kitchen, bathroom or family room renovation never felt more relevant. 

While open floor plans have been a trend many homeowners aspired to achieve, in the last year people are realizing there are definite drawbacks to it with multiple people competing for individualized space. With more cooking, workspace requirements and more leisure time at home, there are many well-conceived and creative remodeling approaches that can make a major impact. The immediate need for most homeowners is to remodel for functionality and comfort, but the long-term consideration of resale value is also important. 

Some of the top design requests homeowners have for 2021 include:

• Maximizing underused space

• Increased or addition of kitchen pantry space

• More workspace areas

• Exercise & recreation space

• Increased kitchen counter space 

• Space for larger refrigerator & appliances

• Ergonomic lighting

• Soundproofing

• Fresh use of color

• Sanctuary & calm space

• Bathroom upgrades or additions

• Better ventilation and air purification

Contractors, interior designers and homeowners agree that modern designs work best in small apartments. The sleek modern designs of many modern fixtures can open up the space and compliment the overall atmosphere. By choosing elements carefully, integrating built-ins, carefully hidden storage solutions and working with light and textures, space can be gained and style can be fresh. Working with vertical space, creating shelving above doorways and cabinetry that extends from floor to ceiling can claim a surprising amount of storage space. With careful, experienced planning, even the smallest kitchen or bathroom renovation can maximize space but not sacrifice comfort and luxury. Some of the luxury choices of the past for kitchen counters tops are not entirely practical considering increased traffic and usage. Some homeowners are even starting to think like restaurant owners since their kitchens are used so much now.

Expert design and renovation advise from contractors is really essential to homeowners who have already seemingly maxed out the space they have to work with in their home. Stepping outside the box and working with basement or garage spaces and vertical space can lead to interesting and unique remodeling options for home gyms, theaters or bars. Borrowing some space from underutilized dining areas can increase the footprint of a kitchen and allow room for more storage and even workspace at home.

Natural and environmental tones, metal and metallic materials, simple, yet functional features can make a space feel bigger, brighter and more uplifting. While space conversions and renovations for day-to-day task work is key, designing uniquely happy spaces for increased concentration, motivation and productivity are all on the table for apartment and home renovations for 2021. Working at home brings with it needs for ergonomic design, task lighting, efficiency and a sense of separation from personal life. Homeowners are looking beyond the pandemic and facing the reality of how life at home will continue to be lived differently.

Above Remodeling can help you redesign your kitchen, bathroom, family room, master bedroom or entire home. With a great deal of experience and thought, we’ll help you consider new and fresh materials, shapes patterns and colors for functionality and style – with special consideration to today’s unique lifestyle needs during and after the pandemic. ARC specializes in New York City apartment renovations, and goes above and beyond to ensure that every construction project – small or large – is completed within the time frame and budget that works for our clients. If you’re looking for a contractor with experience in full home and apartment renovation and remodeling services in the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. Above Remodeling specializing in an all-in-one approach to home contracting, we coordinate and supervise every aspect of a remodeling project. From initial consultation, design, and the permit process, to material selection, construction, and post-job cleanup, our full-service approach offers complete convenience. The Above Remodeling team enables you to remain focused on your busy schedule and life while we manage and oversee the renovation of your home. We’ve worked in many buildings in Manhattan and are familiar with management and requirements. Chances are, we’ve already worked in your building! Take a look at some NYC locations where we have worked.

Above Remodeling handles, electric, plumbing, millwork, countertops, tile, paint and every detail in between. Read about our team, our credentials and see our complete list of services. We help to make your remodeling vision a reality. Contact us to get started. Request a complimentary estimate. Be assured that Above Remodeling is in full compliance with all New York State Covid19 guidelines to insure the safety of our staff and clients.

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Six Steps To Finally Starting Your New York City Apartment Renovation


It’s a new year and time to finally move forward on those projects you’ve been thinking about for a while. There’s never a better time to hit the drawing board then in the midst of winter when there seems to be more time to plan and less time to actually do things. If you’ve been thinking about a New York City apartment renovation or complete remodel, it’s an exciting time to look at new materials and hot trends in interior design. This type of project takes a good deal of planning, and certainly budget allocation, but the rewards can be numerous.

1. Zero in On Your Aesthetic

You probably have a good idea of your personal style and what inspires you, but if you are unsure, now is the time to dedicate time to serious inspiration. Have some “picture yourself living here” moments, click, clip and grab images that you find yourself gravitating toward. Zero in on color, finishes, details, overall styles — classic, modern, global, environmental, minimal, Boho — and collect examples of everything you like and nothing that you don’t! Then review your collection and using the process of elimination, narrow down to the best examples of what your ideal New York City apartment habitat looks like. Can you see yourself there? If the answer is “Yes!” then you’re on the right track.

2. Develop A Budget with Priorities in Mind

Look at your finances and get a good solid handle on what resources you have to work with. Consider what your short and long-term plans are for owning/living in the space. Do you plan to move or sell in the next five year period? If so, look at online listings or consult with a real estate agent to determine what a realistic sale price may be in the future so you can determine the return on your remodeling investment. If not, think even harder about how your life may evolve while living there and what you will need to thrive. While looking at your priorities of must-have and nice-to-have changes, think seriously about how these priorities will change how you live in your apartment. Will living be easier? …More pleasant … more productive … more fun? It’s not unusual that during the estimating process, it’s revealed that your project will cost more then you imagined, which is why priorities are very important. You may realize there are aspects of the project that you really don’t want to cut or eliminate, in which case you can revisit your financial resources and make needed adjustments. 

3. Start to Assemble a Team

A key aspect of hiring a New York City General Contractor for an apartment renovation is to look to your neighbors for recommendations. A contractor who has already worked in your building will be well-equipped to navigate the building management and logistics. Hiring a professionally licensed and insured contractor who comes with great references is key to a successful project. Depending on the type of apartment remodel you may need to hire an interior designer, kitchen and bath designer and an architect. A good general contractor will listen to your ideas, understand your vision, coordinate the team, estimate the job, schedule all of the work, keep the time tables flowing, navigate the process, order the materials and bring your job to completion, on time and on budget. Also look for accreditations from the Better Business Bureau®, National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI) and Lead Safe certified contractors.

4. Get Ready to Communicate

It’s really important to clearly convey to your remodeling team what you do and do not want! Pictures, and more picture, can be the best form of explanation to an architect or designer because these professionals “speak” in visual language. Curate your own collection of photos from online articles, snap example photos from print magazine or catalogs with your mobile phone and utilize Pinterest to put together all the details that you want to consider so you can talk through with your team. It’s also important to have several planning sessions and to allow your ideas to evolve and change once your team brings important feasibility considerations to the table. Any bit of extra time you take in communicating and assuring certainty of all aspects of the remodel will help make the renovating process more smooth and eliminate the needed for costly and time consuming adjustments down the road.

5. Really Consider Your Expectations

Timeframe, inconveniences and realistic workflow for certain types of projects all need to be completely thought through. Weather, holidays, navigating in and out of New York City, specially ordered materials, structural changes, plumbing, are just some of the factors that will come in to play and makeup a timetable. Do you have the patience to bare with the process? Talk to your contracting team about what you can and cannot endure because once the work begins, you will be in it for the “long haul.” Will the remodeling work impact your professional life? Can you literally live through it or should you arrange to live elsewhere for a short while? Be sure to plan accordingly in advance.

6. Decide on A Starting Point and Go!

Above Remodeling can steer you toward the best configurations, most efficient appliances, task-friendly countertops, customized cabinetry, proper flooring and backsplash. Problems with space and stationary elements can sometimes present challenges for a home remodeling project but solution can typically be found for most any problem.

With thoughtful consideration about how you actually live in your home, Above Remodeling can help you redesign your kitchen, bathroom, family room, master bedroom or entire home.  We’ll help you consider new and fresh materials, shapes patterns and colors for functionality and style. ARC specializes in New York City apartment renovations, and goes above and beyond to ensure that every construction project – small or large – is completed within the time frame and budget that works for our clients. If you’re looking for a contractor with experience in full home and apartment renovation and remodeling services in the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Queens, look to Above Remodeling.

Specializing in an all-in-one approach to home contracting, we coordinate and supervise every aspect of a remodeling project. From initial consultation, design, and the permit process, to material selection, construction, and post-job cleanup, our full-service approach offers complete convenience. The Above Remodeling team enables you to remain focused on your busy schedule and life while we manage and oversee the renovation of your home. We’ve worked in many buildings in Manhattan and are familiar with management and requirements. Chances are, we’ve already worked in your building! Take a look at some NYC locations where we have worked.

Above Remodeling handles, electric, plumbing, millwork, countertops, tile, paint and every detail in between. Read about our team, our credentials and see our complete list of services. We help to make your remodeling vision a reality. Contact us to get started. Request a complimentary estimate.

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2020 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Trends

Above Remodeling New York City Apartment Kitchen Contractor

Modern Kitchen renovation

Kitchen and bathroom remodels are relatively large investments for most people. It makes sense to do some homework and investigate ideas and trends before you start the process. The good news is that the styles and trends that are on deck for 2020 and 2021 kitchen and bathroom renovations are rooted in some classic styles that are making a comeback and will likely be here to stay for a while. So if you are seriously thinking about renovating, it’s a particularly good time to get proactive and get good mileage, so to speak, from your investment. Here are 4 key points to bare in mind:

 

White is going, going, almost gone! Color is back in a big way!

While it seemed to have been the easy choice for many years and left room for small splashes of color, the all white trend seems to have bored a lot of homeowners who are now longing for color to express their style and personality. More and more homeowners want to add some splash to their lives and make a statement with the modern look of colorful cabinets and walls. Mosaic tiles and colorful backsplashes that rise to the ceiling can pull a kitchen or bathroom together in a dynamic way. However busy colorful granite countertops are out! Soft, neutral looks are in for countertops with the most popular materials being engineered quartz and natural stone.

 

The stainless steel appliance look is out! Dark is in.

Drama and depth is in with carbon and black stainless steel as well as super functioning appliances features! From refrigerators with specialized filters to keep your vegetables fresh and crisp longer to super sink dishwashers ideal for small space and apartment kitchens, 2020 appliances aren’t only about style – they are about conserving energy and maximizing space. Appliances are an integral part of life and a large expense so durability and aesthetic appeal are the most important factors. There are many factors to consider and pricing can vary greatly.

 

Wood is on the rise.

Whether you are partial to Cherry, Mahogany, Birch or Walnut, cabinetry made of wood with finely crafted organization systems are a sound investment and never a bad idea. For every possible situation and square inch of under-utilized space, there is an organizational solution that can simplify and declutter your kitchen or bathroom. Space is the all important motivator for most apartment homeowners when they are considering a kitchen or bathroom renovation. Space-gaining ideas are usually a main motivator to tip the scale toward renovating. While style is important many people still look at the functionality factor as the necessary push. Built-in cabinetry, utilizing often over-looked vertical space and many other “tricks-of-the-trade” are some of the many solutions that can be addressed in discussions with a general contractor and skilled space designer. Decluttering with clever organizational installations is where it’s at. You can realize more space then you ever imagined.

 

Details Make the Difference

Invest in a good conversation piece or few whether it’s the high-end appliances in bold dramatic colors, or built-in wall units or furnishings to help minimize the appearance of clutter – and de-stress your living space. Configure that charging station or workstation for smart kitchen devices. Re-configure your space for an Alexa-enabled microwave and a place for a robotic vacuums. Think about using different metals and hardware in your kitchen or bathroom. Matte black is a popular 2020 design choice if you’re looking for the minimalist approach. Start planning in terms of what brings value and ease to how you live your life in your home. Let Above Remodeling help you make your ideas into reality.

 

Above Remodeling Corp. is fully licensed and insured and provides official estimates with costs, timelines and payment schedules. We are a lead safe certified firm of professional general contractors that plan, design, file permits and licenses, schedule, order materials and keep the workflow moving according to schedule. We offer complete home remodeling services including complete home and apartment renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, electrical, plumbing, tiling, flooring, painting and other services. ARC keeps homeowners informed along the way with daily updates on projects using BuilderTrend.

Contact us for a free estimate on your next Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn or Long Island home renovation project. We go above and beyond to complete your project on time and within budget with well-designed home renovation solutions that are an expression of your lifestyle.

 

 

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Renovating Your Apartment or House Can Be Life-Changing

Kitchen apartment contractorsRenovating your apartment or house isn’t just about increasing the value of your property, it’s about improving your atmosphere, mood and the quality of your life. With thoughtful consideration about how you actually live in your home, we can help you redesign your kitchen, bathroom, family room, master bedroom or entire home. If you work at home you may need a private area with utility space with customized workspace counters, shelving and lighting so you can work more efficiently. If cooking is your passion, we can steer you toward the best configuration, most efficient appliances, task-friendly countertops, customized cabinetry, proper flooring and backsplash. Bathroom design is overlooked. Considering most people spend a good deal of time grooming with various products, ample bathroom storage, lighting and bathroom fixtures are important decisions. Problems with space and stationary elements can sometimes present challenges for a home remodeling project but we can typically find a solution to most any problem.

Attending to design details means keeping up with evolving home trends each year. We’ll help you consider new and fresh colors, materials, shapes and patterns for functionality and style. Whether you’re looking for a renovation that’s contemporary, feminine or masculine themed, globally inspired, traditional or casual with sustainable materials we can work with you through every step.

Above Remodeling goes above and beyond to ensure that every construction project – small or large – is completed within the time frame and budget that works for our clients. We specialize in New York City apartment renovations, but we’re also pros when it comes to urban and suburban house renovations. From consultation and budgeting to scheduling and material acquisition to filing of permits and licenses, Above Remodeling handles all aspects of your project.

The BuilderTrend feature on our website is designed to keep you up-to-date as we work on your renovation. Our website site also on our latest projects, team news and the newest trends in remodeling and renovation. Visit AboveRemodeling on social media to see renovation styles, and closeup photos of interior details and finishes that make all the difference.  Contact us with any questions about your upcoming project or to arrange a consultation and estimate.

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Your New Apartment Can Be A Whole Lot More Exciting

If you’re looking for a contractor with experience in full home and apartment renovation and remodeling services in the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Queens, look to Above Remodeling. Specializing in an all-in-one approach to home contracting, we coordinate and supervise every aspect of a remodeling project. From initial consultation, design, and the permit process, to material selection, construction, and post-job cleanup, our full-service approach offers complete convenience. The Above Remodeling team enables you to remain focused on your busy schedule and life while we manage and oversee the renovation of your home. You can access daily updates and photos for your remodeling project via easy access to BuilderTrend via our website so you can track progress from wherever you are.

Whether we are performing a full apartment or home renovation or just a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, every home improvement job we stay on task and work to achieve your goals. To ensure that all work proceeds according to plan, each Above Remodeling remodeling project is led by our team consisting of skilled, talented and experienced designers, construction supervisors and project managers. All construction is performed by skilled tradespersons. All of these individuals have extensive experience working on home and apartment (both co-op and condo) renovation projects throughout Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island. Rest assured your remodeling project will be in the hands of highly qualified, fully licensed and insured professionals.

We help to make your remodeling vision a reality. Contact us to get started.

 

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Stylish & Modern Bathroom Remodeling

If you are getting ready to upgrade to a stylish and modern bathroom renovation in your home, there are many approaches ranging from a full bathroom remodel to simply upgrading existing items. From Italian tile, to sleek cabinetry and bathroom hardware, we can work with you to make your vision come to life. These upgrades include changing hardware such as replacing fixtures, or even changing tile, wallpaper and paint. If changing the existing hardware and appliances isn’t enough to breathe new life into your bathroom, a popular option for homeowners is to remodel existing elements. If you are looking for a simple visual improvement and impact, a remodel of the flooring can do the job and change the entire theme. If you are looking for a more functional change, replacing an old toilet, dated hardware and dysfunctional cabinets may be in order. These changes can improved utility and add a lot of serviceable space a big consideration – for apartment dwellers.  For most people, a fresh and modern bathroom can change your entire outlook on life. Contact us for an estimate.

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Top 5 Considerations for Small Space Kitchen Remodeling

New York city kitchen remodeling

An apartment or small house kitchen is the one space where every single inch of square footage counts. Even a small kitchen remodel can be a big investment so key considerations are a good place to start. Smart design and the right selection of appliances can make a small space function with big impact. Whether the kitchen space is galley, U-Shaped or boxed, there’s a way to design a good work flow and maximize usage. You will get a good return on your investment in personal productivity as well as resale value. Think about the following 5 points:

1. Counter Space

If your kitchen is multi purpose and serves as your bill paying space, work and project space, and family dining area, counter space may be extremely precious to you. Do you need flat service space for prep work for various tasks, aside from cooking? Customized peninsulas or kitchen islands can be useful extensions to existing counter space and really max out surface area.

new york city kitchen appliance installation

2. Appliance Size

Many smaller appliances today are just as functional as bigger models. Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to dishwashers, wall ovens and refrigerators, as long as they are designed well. Bigger appliances may mean you need to sacrifice counter space. So if you cook and entertain often, bigger appliances may work better for you. If not, go smaller and grab the extra counter space.

3. Cabinets & Storage

Vertical design and cabinets that go as high as possible will allow you to totally maximize your storage space. Utilize recessed spaces, drawer organizers, pull out racks and open shelving for easy access.

4. Lighting

With so many choices available, the most important consideration when it comes to lightning is practicality and how you plan to use the space. But that said if style and statement are your big concerns then shiny metallics – brass, copper, rose gold or silver can crate a modern pop. Gold finishes will add warmth, groupings of different height will add architectural interest, simple clear globes can create an illusion of height. A pop of color in an otherwise neutral space can be a real mood changer. For a glamorous look a crystal or ornamental chandelier can be just the right touch.

5. Color Balance

Color can be a real game changer for small space kitchens, Whether on walls, cabinets, floors or backsplash tile, simple or bold color combinations can make a kitchen area look more opened up and be a reflection of your personal style at the same time. Never underestimate how color can help improve the flow and function of kitchen space.

 

Contact Above Remodeling for a free estimate and to get started on your kitchen project.

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Modern Designs in Small Spaces: Bathrooms

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While there is no formula for renovating and designing small spaces, contractors, interior designers and homeowners alike agree that modern designs work best in small areas. Reliant on clean lines, paired down elements and simplicity, modern designs can make typically small apartment rooms feel much larger. By choosing elements carefully, integrating built-in, carefully hidden storage solutions and working with light and textures, style never needs to be sacrificed to gain more space.

With careful planning and ingenious solutions,
a small bathroom can be designed to
maximize space but not sacrifice comfort and luxury.

While the bathroom is probably the smallest space in any home – aside from closets – a lot of activity goes on there and room for supplies is usually high on a homeowner’s wish list. That said, most people want to make the most out of every square inch of space. With careful planning and ingenious solutions, a small bathroom can be designed to maximize space but not sacrifice comfort and luxury. Modern bathroom designs can create a sophisticated ambience with upscale amenities that includes granite countertops, modular storage, stylish lavatories, vanities and speciality features.

Simple neutral color scheme paired with warm materials, minimal detailing and textures can make a major impact in any bathroom. Today, there is an abundant selection of “green” sustainable bathroom products to choose from. Following are some remodeling aspects that we recommend to maximize bathroom space.

 

Lighting
The choices available for bathroom lighting fixtures seems endless, but recessed lighting can create a soft glow and seemingly help the space to appear bigger.

Mirrors
Wall-mounted, flat mirrors can reflect room lighting – a detail particularly useful in bathrooms without a window.

Modern Fixtures
The sleek modern designs of many modern fixtures can open up the space and compliment the overall atmosphere. Bronze and polished chrome finishes are the most desired today.

Sinks
Typical sink cabinets, while seemingly functional for storage can in reality, chip away at bathroom space. Pedistal sinks, counter-top vessel sinks and artisan sinks can, in fact, make the bathroom appear bigger.

Storage Space
When space is at a premium, and it usually is in New York City apartments, reply on using vertical space. Shelving positioned above doorways and cabinetry that extends from floor to ceiling can claim a surprising amount of storage space.

Bathtubs & Showers
While showers curtains can make a bathroom appear to be smaller by separating the space, glass enclosures can create the opposite effects and seemingly double to room size. If privacy is an issue, patterns and etchings can still be used and not defeat the purpose.

Use of Color
Monochromatic, soft, neutral color schemes can create the illusion of more space. Repeating wall color on the ceiling can give the illusion of height.

Flooring
Large floor tiles and subtle patterns will create less of a visual break that busy patterns and small tiles. Herringbone patterns in wood or bamboo flooring can bring just the right amount of warmth for those who feel modern designs can be cold.

 

Contact Above Remodeling to discuss plans for your bathroom renovation.

 

 

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