A Next-Door Addition Expands This Upper East Side Co-op
They say a little extra space can go a long way. For one Upper East Side couple, that space was right next door: a one-bedroom apartment that could give their growing family more room without leaving the building and neighborhood they loved.
After posting their project on Sweeten, a free service that matches renovators with vetted general contractors, they connected with a Sweeten architect and a Sweeten contractor from a design-build firm. Together, the team helped turn 700 additional square feet into a primary bedroom, den, closets, and a larger living and dining area for their family.
- Homeowners: Mary and Derek posted their apartment combination on Sweeten
- Where: Upper East Side, Manhattan, New York
- Primary renovation: The homeowners combined their original co-op with their next-door one-bedroom apartment by removing the wall between the two homes. The added apartment became a primary suite with a walk-in closet and bathroom, while the overall layout gained a den, more closets, a larger living and dining area, refreshed bathrooms, extended flooring, structural repairs, and more.
- Homeowner’s quote: “Sweeten was invaluable in helping us attract several potential design partners that we never would have found otherwise.”
Guest blog post by homeowners Mary and Derek
The apartment next door became the space they needed
Several things pushed our project forward. Our 1,100-square-foot apartment had started to feel tight with two teenagers at home, especially since our boys were sharing a room and needed their own space for schoolwork, downtime, and a little more privacy.
We also wanted more room to host friends and family. Our original living and dining area could only fit a small group, so entertaining never felt as easy or relaxed as we wanted it to.
Then our neighbors next door decided to sell their one-bedroom apartment and move back to England. It felt like a rare chance to add the space we needed while staying in the same building and neighborhood we loved, a small co-op on a pretty block in the East 70s. So we bought it.
We weren’t first-time renovators, since we had remodeled our kitchen before, but this project was much larger than anything we’d taken on. Sweeten helped us connect with design partners we likely wouldn’t have found on our own, which made hiring the right team of contractors feel much more manageable.
Our goal was to keep as much of our original apartment intact as possible while combining it with the one-bedroom next door. By removing the separating wall, we were able to create a den, smarter storage inspired by closet remodel ideas, a larger living and dining area, and a primary suite.
A primary suite, den, and cohesive new look
The smaller apartment’s bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen became our primary suite, complete with a walk-in closet and bathroom. We removed the kitchen and turned it into a comfortable bathroom, keeping the existing window so it now sits beside the shower and using simple bathroom designs that fit the apartment’s overall style.
We had hoped to add a powder room, but the pipe placement made that change impossible. Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support—at no cost to you. Renovate expertly with Sweeten
The new TV room and den, now one of our favorite spots for sports and movie nights, sits along the area where the wall once separated the two apartments.
We also made modest updates to the two bathrooms in the larger apartment by replacing the tile floors and adding new sinks. Besides that, we updated the bathroom vanities, enclosures, and toilets, installed a new medicine cabinet, and painted the entire bathroom.
When it came to the overall look, we leaned toward simplicity in both design and function. The apartment already had traditional crown moldings and built-in bookcases, so we brought in modern furniture and art to balance those classic details.
We also extended the dark floors from our original apartment throughout the new space. Against the white walls, they helped create a clean, calm look that still feels warm and polished.
The architect we chose was key to bringing our vision to completion, from visualizing the space to evaluating bids and asking our contractor the right questions.
A setback behind the walls made way for more light
That old renovation rule about timelines proved true for us: things can take longer than expected.
Once the walls and ceilings were opened, we discovered that a previous renovation in the unit above had cut pipe channels and affected the structural beams between floors. The issue had to be repaired before we could move forward, even though it wasn’t part of our apartment.
That added a few months and pulled us away from the original plan for a while. Still, once the dividing wall came down, the result stopped us in our tracks. The open space, the sunlight, and the view of 78th Street’s row of brick townhouses made the extra wait feel worth it.
A finished home with space for family and friends
Now that the renovation is finished, we finally feel like everyone has room to spread out and every part of the apartment has a purpose. We can also host friends and family in a way that feels relaxed, whether it’s coffee, brunch, or the occasional dinner.
Thank you, Mary, Derek, and your family, for sharing your expanded home with us.
We can help plan your renovation
Find endless home renovation inspiration, detailed guides, and practical cost breakdowns from our blogs. You can also post your project on Sweeten today and get matched with our vetted general contractors and get estimates for free!
Renovation materials
LIVING SPACE RESOURCE:
- White oak wood flooring in a walnut stain and satin polyurethane.
MASTER BATHROOM RESOURCES:
- Wall, floor, and shower tile in 3×6 and 12×24 marble in White Blossom: Complete Tile.
- Corian Cameo white top vanity; polished chrome hardware; medicine cabinet, #RC2026D4-FP: Robern.
- Polished chrome shower fixtures: Kohler.
- Vero sink/faucet: Duravit.
- Toilet, #CWT43711MFG: Toto.
- Sconces: Sonneman 2430 Tubo slim 18″ LED bath bar in polished chrome.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine two adjacent apartments?
Yes, you can often combine two adjacent apartments, but the project usually needs the right approvals, planning, and a clear understanding of what can be changed. An experienced remodeling contractor is crucial because they can help assess walls, utilities, flooring, bathrooms, and other details that affect how smoothly the two homes can become one.
What should I consider before buying an apartment next door?
One of the things you should consider is whether the new layout will truly give your household the extra space it needs. In this renovation, the neighboring apartment helped create a primary suite, den, closets, and a larger living and dining area while letting the family stay in the building and neighborhood they already loved.
Is it expensive to combine two apartments?
Yes, combining two apartments can be expensive because it often involves layout changes, demolition, repairs, finishes, and possible updates to bathrooms or other rooms. The final cost depends on the scope of work, the condition of the apartments, and how much needs to be changed to make the spaces feel connected.
