Q&A with Jean: Tips Before Starting a Brownstone Renovation

Planning of renovating a brownstone home? Before diving into this historic project, it’s crucial to understand the unique challenges and considerations that come with it. Join Sweeten’s Founder and CEO, Jean Brownhill, as she shares expert insights before starting a brownstone remodel. We’ll also explore how Sweeten can help you find qualified professionals and streamline the entire renovation process. Let’s turn your brownstone vision into reality. 

Sweeten’s Founder + CEO Answers Your Renovation Questions

Intrigued by the mysteries of renovation? This series aims to shed light on the most common questions we hear from homeowners, from first-timers to seasoned renovators. Each project is unique, bringing its own set of challenges and queries. Feel free to email your questions directly to me, [email protected], or keep reading – I’ll even tackle the questions that pop up at cocktail parties!

Today, our question is about brownstones, and if this topic interests you, be sure to check out Part 1 of Nazli’s post on her and her husband Larry’s full gut four-story townhouse reno, a story filled with helpful insights and a refreshingly candid take on their experience.

QUESTION: What should homeowners keep in mind before jumping into a brownstone renovation?

JEAN: I think most people get really excited about the interiors, especially as New Yorkers. We’re used to mostly having apartments or spaces where we are pretty much focused only on the interior. But the big change comes when you go from a regular apartment renovation to a brownstone renovation or an actual piece of property, and you’re still tempted to focus on the interiors. After all, that’s where it’s going to be fun…that’s where you’re going to live.

I highly recommend people fall in love with all the details of their roof, and all the details of their basement—places where apartment dwellers usually rely on a super and don’t ever have to worry. So when you’re thinking about a brownstone renovation, really look at the integrity of the roof and the integrity of the basement. Those are the areas you want to get right before you even start on the interiors. Every time it rains, you don’t want your heart skipping a beat wondering if your roof is leaking. Or if it’s raining hard, you don’t want to be stressed out worrying, “Oh my god, is my basement flooding?” So fall in love with the roof and the basement. Because that’s really the difference. Yes, you’re getting a ton more space, and yes, you’re getting a backyard, but start at the top and the bottom.

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Jerry and Janet’s historic brownstone needed major work, including a facelift of the building’s exterior, so they turned to a gut renovation with the goal of creating the perfect mix of old and new.

At Sweeten, we’re experts in connecting homeowners with top-tier general contractors. We meticulously screen contractors, handpick the best for your project, and collaborate closely with hundreds of them daily.

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!