Melani General Contractor delivers full-service kitchen remodeling for apartments, co-ops and condos, brownstones, and single-family homes across all five boroughs. Our licensed team manages every phase — from initial design consultation and DOB permit filing through demolition, rough-in, and final inspection. Whether you need a complete gut renovation or a targeted update to countertops and cabinetry, we handle it all under one roof. Call (718) 283-4154 to schedule your free on-site estimate.
Original conditions documented, cabinets stripped, mechanicals re-run, stone templated and set — every phase managed under one contract.
Before
Dated galley kitchen with laminate cabinets, worn vinyl flooring, and original appliances.
After
Custom shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, marble backsplash, and under-cabinet lighting.
Demolition
Cabinets and finishes removed with dust containment and protected common areas.
Rough-In
New supply lines, drain assemblies, and dedicated GFCI-protected appliance circuits.
Finish Work
Cabinets set level and scribed, then stone templated for undermount sink cutouts.
Services
Our Kitchen Remodeling Services
Design, cabinetry, stone, islands, mechanicals, and flooring — delivered individually or as one complete kitchen renovation.
Custom Kitchen Design and Layout Reconfiguration
Outdated kitchen layouts waste space and limit functionality. We redesign floor plans that improve workflow, expand storage, and accommodate modern appliances. For NYC apartments with small kitchens, smart layout changes — removing a non-load-bearing wall for an open-concept design or relocating the sink to improve the work triangle — can transform a cramped galley into a functional cooking space. Our team handles structural assessments, architectural drawings, and DOB filings when layout changes require permits.
Custom cabinetry is the centerpiece of any kitchen renovation in NYC. We install new cabinet systems designed to maximize vertical storage while maintaining proper clearances for appliances. For homeowners seeking a faster, more affordable update, we also provide cabinet refacing — replacing doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while keeping the existing framework intact. Material options include solid wood, plywood, thermofoil, and high-pressure laminate in styles ranging from shaker to flat-panel contemporary.
Countertop Replacement and Installation
We source and install granite, quartz, marble, and butcher block countertops with precision templating and professional seam placement. Our fabrication partners ensure proper overhang dimensions and cutouts for undermount sinks, cooktops, and electrical outlets. For NYC kitchens where durability matters, quartz remains the most popular choice among our clients — non-porous, heat-resistant, and requiring zero sealing.
Kitchen Island Construction
Freestanding and built-in islands add preparation space, seating, and concealed storage. We coordinate plumbing and electrical rough-ins for islands that incorporate sinks, dishwashers, or charging stations. In NYC apartments where space is limited, we design compact rolling islands or peninsula extensions that provide additional counter space without permanently reducing floor area.
Plumbing and Electrical Upgrades
Modern kitchens require dedicated circuits for refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and countertop outlets. We install GFCI-protected receptacles, under-cabinet lighting circuits, and upgraded panels to handle increased loads. Our licensed plumbers replace corroded supply lines, install shut-off valves, and upgrade drain assemblies to current code.
We remove existing tile, hardwood, or vinyl and prepare subfloors with proper leveling compounds before installing new materials. Options include ceramic tile, engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and natural stone — each installed with appropriate underlayment and moisture barriers.
Kitchen renovation costs in New York City vary significantly based on scope, materials, and property type. Here are general ranges based on our project history.
Cosmetic Update
Countertops, cabinet refacing, paint, hardware
$15,000–$25,000
Mid-Range Remodel
New cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting
Co-op and condo board requirements add administrative costs for alteration agreements, insurance certificates, and building management coordination
Pre-war buildings often require additional work for outdated plumbing and electrical systems
Material delivery logistics in Manhattan (elevator reservations, street parking permits, loading dock scheduling) can add to labor costs
DOB permit fees and expeditor costs vary by scope
We provide itemized estimates that separate demolition, rough carpentry, mechanical systems, finish materials, and labor so you know exactly where your budget goes. Requirements for co-ops and condos are priced in from the start, along with any plumbing found once walls are opened in pre-war buildings.
Property Types
Kitchen Renovations for Every NYC Property Type
Every building type carries its own approvals, structure, and logistics. We plan the kitchen renovation around yours.
Apartment Kitchen Remodeling
NYC apartment kitchens present unique challenges — limited square footage, shared plumbing stacks, noise restrictions, and building management requirements. We navigate co-op board approvals, alteration agreements, and DOB filings so you don't have to. Our experience with pre-war and post-war apartment layouts means we know how to maximize every inch.
Historic brownstones and townhouses often feature original layouts that separate the kitchen from living spaces. We handle structural modifications to open up floor plans while preserving architectural character — including landmark-compliant renovations in designated historic districts.
Board approval processes vary by building, but we maintain all required documentation — insurance certificates, contractor licenses, work schedules, architectural plans, and noise mitigation protocols — ready to submit. Our familiarity with building management requirements across hundreds of NYC buildings reduces approval timelines.
Why Melani General Contractor for Your Kitchen Remodel
Licensed, insured, lead-safe certified, and fluent in the filings every NYC building requires.
NYC Licensed General Contractor (#626219)
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.
22+ Years of Verified Experience
Since establishing operations in Park Slope, Brooklyn, we have completed kitchen renovations in pre-war apartments, brownstones, condominiums, and single-family homes with documented references available upon request.
EPA Lead-Safe Certified (NAT-F277952-1)
Qualified to perform renovation work in pre-1978 housing stock, which includes a significant portion of NYC's residential buildings.
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.
Fully Insured
Comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance protects property owners from financial exposure during construction.
NYC Building Code Proficiency
Current knowledge of residential codes, co-op/condo alteration requirements, landmark preservation guidelines, and DOB filing procedures across different property types and zoning districts.
One Contractor, Every Trade
Demolition, plumbing, electrical, tile, cabinetry, stone, and paint scheduled by the same project manager — no gaps between trades and one point of contact throughout.
Process
Our Kitchen Remodeling Process
Five steps, in order — consultation through final inspection and walkthrough.
1
On-Site Consultation
We visit your property, take measurements, discuss your design goals, and assess existing conditions including plumbing, electrical, and structural elements.
2
Design and Estimate
Based on the consultation, we prepare a detailed scope of work with an itemized cost breakdown. We review material options, appliance selections, and layout configurations.
3
Permits and Approvals
We file DOB applications, coordinate with co-op/condo boards, and obtain all required permits before any work begins.
4
Demolition and Construction
Our crews handle demolition, rough-in (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), and all finish work — cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, painting, and hardware installation.
5
Final Inspection and Walkthrough
We coordinate DOB inspections, obtain sign-offs, and conduct a detailed walkthrough with you to confirm everything meets specifications before closeout.
Call (718) 283-4154 to schedule your on-site consultation.
Additional Renovation Services
Comprehensive Construction Services Beyond the Kitchen
Melani General Contractor coordinates trades across renovation categories to maintain schedule efficiency and quality standards. These scopes complement kitchen remodeling projects or stand alone.
Our crews travel to job sites throughout all five boroughs from our Park Slope, Brooklyn headquarters. We maintain familiarity with neighborhood building stock, local permit requirements, and building management protocols in each service area.
Ready to transform your kitchen? Melani General Contractor provides detailed project estimates following on-site measurements and consultations. We review design preferences, budget parameters, and timeline expectations before preparing formal proposals. Call (718) 283-4154 to arrange your free on-site evaluation, or use the form below to request an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Remodeling in NYC
Most kitchen renovations require 4–8 weeks from demolition through final inspection, depending on scope and material availability. Projects involving structural modifications, gas line relocations, or landmark approvals may extend timelines due to additional permit reviews and inspection requirements.
Free On-Site Estimate
Remodel Your Kitchen With One Licensed Contractor
Cabinetry, stone, appliances, plumbing, electrical, and tile — coordinated from permit through final walkthrough.