Renovation Ideas For Brownstone Floors?

In this text, the author discusses the process of renovating brownstones in New York City, focusing on four stunning brownstone remodels that showcase architectural charm while expressing personality and character. The cost of restoring these 100+ year old original features and building modern living spaces is discussed, along with essential tips for Brooklyn brownstone renovation.

The author shares their gut renovation of an 1882 brownstone in Brooklyn, which involved design and layout choices. They also discuss the time it takes to renovate a brownstone and build a two-story addition. For many New York City brownstone owners, investing in a major renovation involves overhauling layouts, plumbing, electric, and other aspects.

Additional expenses may arise during the renovation, such as opening up walls, floors, and ceilings. The author also discusses the use of Herringbone or Chevron floors to elevate Brownstone interiors. The author notes that moving furniture from room to room to refinish the flooring and paint took about three to four months.

The author breaks down every aspect of brownstone renovations in New York City, from process and challenges to costs and finding an appropriate contractor. They suggest that a better rule of thumb is $125,000-150,000 per floor for a typical Brownstone that needs to be renovated.

What is so special about a brownstone?

Brownstone, a dark sandstone quarried primarily from New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maine, is a popular building material due to its softness and ease of carving, which makes it ideal for the creation of ornate ornamentation in real estate.

What is the most expensive part of remodeling a house?

The kitchen, bathroom, basement, and other entertainment areas are the most expensive parts of a home remodel. These areas can transform a living space into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment, but they also require significant financial investment. Understanding which parts of a remodel are the most expensive can help homeowners plan and budget more effectively. Structural changes and repairs, particularly those involving the foundation, are one of the most costly aspects of a remodel. Repairing or reinforcing a foundation and removing or altering load-bearing walls requires professional expertise and can significantly increase costs.

How much does it cost to gut renovate a brownstone?

A brownstone gut renovation in New York City typically costs between $900, 000 and $1, 600, 000, depending on the size of the property. This renovation is typically required to restore a 3, 200 square foot brownstone with mid-range to upper-mid tier finishes. The process typically takes longer than a basic renovation or remodel, as it involves tearing down the interior to the framing and re-configuring the floor plan.

Floor-plan adjustments are often necessary due to the dated nature of the brownstone, and a basic renovation or remodel typically involves more cosmetic updates on a smaller scale. Despite the cost, brownstones in New York City remain in high demand due to their scarce nature and seasoned appeal.

How do you restore a brownstone facade?

The patch method involves removing deteriorated material until good quality stone is achieved. New cementitious material is applied in multiple coats to fill in crevices, with the final coat matching the original character and color of the stone. LPC has specific requirements and recipes for the various coats of fill material, including the slurry coat, scratch coat, and finish coat. Samples and mock-ups must be approved. For potential projects, architects can contact Fontan Architecture or Brownstone Renovation Architectural Services.

How long does it take for brownstone to dry?

The finish coat was applied to the facade, which took 9 days to dry. After that, the facade was power washed with a diluted acid solution to remove the outer layer of pigmented cement, revealing the aggregate and giving it depth and texture. This process gave the brownstone finish a sparkly appearance, making it look more like natural stone. The window installers also calked around the windows to seal the gap between the window frame and the brownstone finish coat. This process was crucial in the restoration of the brownstone facade.

Why is brownstone expensive?

Brownstone, a popular building material in the mid-19th century, was fire-resistant, cheaper to mine, and easy to carve into stylish exteriors for urban homes. However, its quarries dried up, making homes built with brownstone façades expensive to buy and repair. The unique and historic features of brownstones may require specialized restoration work, and obtaining materials that match the original design can be costly.

Repairing and restoring features like ornate facades or intricate woodwork can be more expensive than standard maintenance in newer homes. Brownstone deterioration is due to the elements, particularly in cold, wet climates, where salt can cause damage to roads and sidewalks.

Why do brownstones have two front doors?

Many historic homes feature two front doors due to architectural style, visual balance, and the need for easy access to both front rooms. Georgian architectural principles dictated that two primary first floor rooms were needed for formal sitting rooms and family sitting rooms, causing imbalances when a single front door was used.

Some homes were also built as or converted to duplex style living to house two families, requiring a front door for each duplex. This creates a space with two front doors even if living spaces have been rejoined.

A recent Saint Clair remodel project included two front doors to create a cohesive single family home from the historic duplex structure. The Historic Preservation Commission in Indianapolis requires maintaining key front façade elements like door and window locations to preserve a home’s historic charm in protected areas like Saint Clair. By adding two matching doors, the homeowners were able to showcase this old tradition on a beautiful home.

While two doors may not be ideal for every homeowner, working with traditional features is essential when renewing older homes and adding to the exterior appeal of the home. This historic home remodeling challenge is not difficult to overcome and can be a rewarding experience for homeowners looking to invest in beauty from another time.

What room is the most expensive to renovate?

Homeownership is a costly yet rewarding investment, but there are times when a remodel is necessary. The most expensive rooms to remodel are the kitchen, bathroom, and basement, with the average cost in the Bay Area being between $43, 000-$70, 000. The kitchen is the most expensive room to remodel, with an average cost of $11, 000-$25, 500. The bathroom is the most expensive, with an average cost of $11, 000-$25, 500.

The basement is the most expensive, with an average cost of $250-$350 per square foot. To minimize and control costs, it is essential to understand the reasons behind the high cost of certain remodel projects and how to avoid pitfalls.

Is a brownstone a good investment?

Brownstones, a type of residential real estate in New York City, are often considered trophy investments due to their scarcity and the appeal of their neighborhoods. These dwellings, with their distinctive brown sandstone facades, ornate details, and welcoming front stoops, evoke a romantic era of history and culture, offering a unique living experience. Brownstones represent prestige and prominence, blending 19th-century craftsmanship with the modern city’s vibrancy.

They appeal to those seeking privacy, space, historical significance, and a home in the city’s buzzy vibe. However, owning a brownstone in NYC may not resonate with everyone, as they demand a passion for preservation and a willingness to embrace their unique characteristics. Maintaining their legacy comes with challenges, such as meticulous upkeep and navigating renovation complexities in historic districts.

What is the bottom floor of a brownstone called?

Brownstones are character-driven homes with carved fireplaces, tall ceilings, and spacious living spaces. They typically have four to five stories and 4, 000 to 6, 000 square feet of living space. Brownstones often have a stoop leading to the parlor floor, which contains the living room and dining room. The garden level is where the kitchen might be located, and the basement is beneath. Many brownstones have been divided into multiple units, offering more tenants a chance at brownstone living. However, some multi-unit buildings are now being reclaimed, with people buying and restoring them back to grand single-family homes.

Why do people love brownstones?

Brownstones are distinguished by their enduring architectural style and expansive windows, which impart a sense of classic charm to the interiors. However, the cost of purchasing and maintaining these properties can be considerable.