Brownstone specialists since 2008
Renovating a brownstone is not like renovating any other home. Behind the historic facade you'll find hundred-year-old joists, plaster walls, obsolete plumbing stacks, and quirks that only reveal themselves once demolition starts. Sorbonne Construction has spent more than 15 years working inside New York City brownstones — we know what to expect behind the walls, how to protect the details worth keeping, and how to modernize everything else without losing the character that made you buy the house in the first place.
We are a father-and-son operation. Marek or Sebastian is on your project personally, from the first walkthrough to the final punch list. You will never be handed off to a rotating cast of project managers.
What a brownstone renovation with us includes
- Full gut renovations — demolition to bare structure, new framing, new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and a complete rebuild of every floor. See our gut renovation service for details.
- Structural work — sistering or replacing joists, removing walls, steel installation, rear extensions and additions.
- Restoration of original details — plaster moldings, staircases, wood floors, pocket doors, and millwork restored or faithfully recreated by our carpenters.
- Kitchens and bathrooms — full kitchen and bathroom remodeling designed for pre-war layouts.
- Facade and exterior — brownstone resurfacing, brick pointing, stoop repair and waterproofing through our facade restoration service.
- Permits and approvals — we prepare and manage DOB filings, and handle Landmarks Preservation Commission approvals for landmark properties.
One contract, one team
Most brownstone projects fail on coordination, not craftsmanship. When the architect, general contractor, plumber, and electrician all work for different companies, the schedule belongs to no one. We run the entire project under one roof: we partner with licensed NYC architects who specialize in brownstones, bring in our licensed plumbing, electrical, and HVAC partners at the right moments, and manage a single timeline that we are accountable for. From blueprints — or just an idea — to the final coat of paint.
What does a brownstone renovation cost in NYC?
Every house is different, but honest ballpark numbers help you plan. In today's market, most full brownstone gut renovations in NYC land between roughly $400 and $800 per square foot depending on scope, finish level, structural work, and whether the property sits in a landmark district. Selective renovations — updating kitchens, baths, and finishes without touching structure or systems — can come in well below that. When we visit your property, we'll give you a realistic range for your specific house before you spend anything on design. For a full breakdown, see our 2026 NYC Brownstone Renovation Cost Guide.
Where we work
We renovate brownstones and townhouses across all five boroughs, with much of our work concentrated in the brownstone neighborhoods of Brooklyn — Park Slope, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Carroll Gardens — and in Harlem, Hamilton Heights, and the Upper West Side in Manhattan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full brownstone renovation take?
A typical full gut renovation of a 3–4 story brownstone takes 9 to 14 months of construction, plus 2 to 4 months up front for design, engineering, and permits. Landmark properties add LPC review time. Selective renovations can be significantly faster.
Do you handle DOB permits and LPC approvals?
Yes. We prepare and manage Department of Buildings filings, coordinate with our partner architects on drawings, schedule inspections, and handle Landmarks Preservation Commission applications when the property is in a historic district.
Can we live in the house during renovation?
For selective renovations limited to one or two floors, often yes. For full gut renovations we recommend moving out — the house will be without functioning plumbing, heat, and electricity for extended stretches, and the project moves faster with full access.
Do you work with our architect, or provide one?
Both. If you already have an architect, we're happy to build from their drawings. If not, we partner with licensed NYC architects who specialize in brownstones and landmark properties, so design and construction run as one coordinated process.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Sorbonne Construction LLC is a licensed and insured home improvement contractor in New York City, in business since 2008.
Get a free on-site estimate
Speak directly with the owners — no salespeople, no pressure. We visit your property, walk the scope with you, and follow up with a detailed written estimate.
Request a Free EstimateMarek (917) 658-2047 Sebastian (917) 562-1257