Melani General Contractor delivers full gut renovation services for apartments, co-ops, condos, brownstones, townhouses, and single-family homes across all five boroughs. A gut renovation strips your space down to the structural frame and rebuilds everything from scratch — new walls, new plumbing, new electrical, new HVAC, and all-new finishes. Our licensed team manages every phase from initial demolition through final DOB inspection. Call (718) 283-4154 to schedule your free on-site estimate.
Every gut renovation follows the same arc — original conditions documented, structure exposed, systems replaced, finishes installed.
BeforeAfter
Demolition
Structure
Rough-InEvery system in the space is replaced. Below is the full sequence we manage under one contract.
Gut renovation begins with removing all interior finishes, fixtures, and non-structural elements down to the building frame. We handle asbestos testing and abatement, lead paint containment under our EPA certification, and proper disposal of construction debris including hazardous materials.
In apartment buildings we coordinate demolition schedules with management for elevator access and noise compliance.
More on Apartment RenovationWith the space stripped to the frame, gut renovation is the ideal time for layout changes. We work with structural engineers to remove or relocate walls, install steel beams, reinforce floor joists, and reconfigure room layouts.
In brownstones and townhouses this may include foundation underpinning, rear extensions, or cellar height increases.
More on Brownstone RenovationWe install entirely new plumbing systems — replacing corroded galvanized supply lines with copper or PEX, replacing cast iron drain stacks with PVC where code permits, and installing new fixtures, shut-off valves, and water heaters.
In pre-war buildings this addresses decades of deterioration that patchwork repairs can never fully resolve.
More on Plumbing ServicesOur licensed electricians install new panels (typically 200-amp service), run new circuits throughout, add dedicated lines for major appliances, install GFCI and AFCI protection, and wire for modern lighting, USB outlets, and smart home systems.
This eliminates the fire risks and capacity limitations of original wiring.
More on Electrical ServicesGut renovation provides the opportunity to install proper heating and cooling with concealed ductwork, eliminating window AC units and upgrading from outdated steam or baseboard heat. We size and install systems appropriate for your space with proper return air and fresh air ventilation.
With all-new plumbing and electrical rough-ins, we build kitchens and bathrooms from the ground up — custom layouts optimized for your space, proper waterproofing systems, and high-quality fixtures and finishes.
This is where gut renovation delivers the most dramatic transformation.
More on Bathroom RenovationNew subfloors receive proper leveling before hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl installation. All walls get new drywall or skim-coated plaster, followed by professional painting throughout. Custom millwork, built-in storage, closet systems, and hardware complete the transformation.
More on Flooring InstallationGut renovation costs in New York City vary based on property type, size, structural scope, and finish level. Here are general ranges based on our project history.
We provide itemized estimates that separate demolition, structural work, mechanical systems, finish materials, and labor so you know exactly where your budget goes.
Every building type carries its own approvals, structure, and logistics. We plan the gut around yours.
Gut renovating a NYC apartment requires coordination with building management, compliance with co-op/condo board requirements, and working within shared plumbing and electrical infrastructure. We manage alteration agreements, building access logistics, and construction hour compliance while delivering complete transformations.
Co-op & Condo RenovationGut renovating a brownstone often involves multi-floor construction, structural remediation for century-old framing, and coordination with LPC for exterior work in historic districts. We phase work strategically to address structural priorities first before building out finish-level improvements.
Brownstone RenovationTownhouse gut renovations frequently include rear extensions, cellar excavations, and roof additions alongside the interior rebuild. We coordinate all disciplines — structural, mechanical, and finish — across multiple floors for a cohesive result.
Townhouse RenovationGut renovation is the longest, most complex work in residential construction. Credentials and process matter.
Our active license authorizes us to pull permits, supervise subcontractors, and maintain DOB compliance for residential construction across all five boroughs. Valid through December 2028.
Since establishing operations in Park Slope, Brooklyn, we have completed gut renovations in pre-war apartments, brownstones, townhouses, and condominiums with documented references available upon request.
Critical for gut renovations in pre-1978 buildings where demolition exposes lead-based paint requiring proper containment and disposal.
Licensed by New York State to assess and remediate mold, so moisture damage found behind walls, ceilings, and old plumbing lines is corrected properly instead of covered up.
Comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance protects property owners from financial exposure during the extended construction timeline of gut renovation projects.
Current knowledge of residential codes, co-op/condo alteration requirements, landmark preservation guidelines, and DOB filing procedures for complex renovation scopes.
Demolition, structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, tile, carpentry, and paint scheduled by the same project manager — no gaps between trades on a months-long gut schedule.
Five steps, in order — consultation through final inspection and closeout.
We visit your property, assess existing conditions, identify potential structural concerns, and discuss your design goals and budget parameters.
We prepare a comprehensive scope of work with itemized costs for demolition, structural work, mechanical systems, and finishes, coordinating with architects and engineers as needed.
We file DOB applications for all required permits, prepare co-op/condo board submissions, and obtain approvals before demolition begins.
Our crews handle complete interior demolition, structural modifications, mechanical rough-in, insulation, drywall, and all finish work through to hardware installation.
We coordinate all DOB inspections, obtain certificates of completion, and conduct a detailed walkthrough to confirm every element meets specifications before closeout.
Call (718) 283-4154 to schedule your on-site consultation.
Each scope below can be delivered as part of a gut renovation or performed independently.
Our crews travel to job sites throughout all five boroughs from our Park Slope, Brooklyn headquarters.
Ready to start fresh? Melani General Contractor provides detailed project estimates following on-site assessments. We evaluate existing conditions, identify structural opportunities, and discuss your vision before preparing formal proposals. Call (718) 283-4154 to arrange your free on-site evaluation, or use the form to request an estimate.
Demolition, structure, mechanicals, and finishes — one licensed contractor from permit to final DOB inspection.
