Renovation of Brownstone in PLG

Without a doubt, it is one of life’s most significant and daunting decisions … to renovate your home. We felt this way when we considered our options for undertaking the project of restoring a 100 year old Brownstone in PLG, Brooklyn.

From reading numerous blogs and innindating myself with advice and feedback from others who had done the same, I have to say I was terrified of choosing the ‘wrong’ contractors.

With much gratitude, I have to say that S&M Construction gave us one of the most positive experiences a professional contractor could. From our initial meeting both Sami and Mike were present, they did a thorough walk through of our home, took notes, listened carefully and most of all, embraced the reality of our budget and encouraged us to make a wish list and they would work with it as realistic as possible. We had a contract, numbers were transparent, when numbers needed to change we communicated and agreed how to move forward and ultimately worked together to renovate and restore a 2700sq ft brownstone.

Mike was on site, every single day, an invaluable addition to any renovation, and managed his guys who all brought specific skills to the project when required. Victor, a licenced electrician was an incredibly detail oriented guy who took care of all of our electrical work, and it was extensive. Our electrical box is meticulous! He also has made return visits to check in on something he installed when a small problem arose- very appreciated!) a highly skilled carpenter who recreated,detailed period built in bookcase doors, a missing closet, recreated with correct period details and beautiful built inns for storage. The tile setter transformed everything he touched and created high end results, which friends who have seen our kitchen comment on the work done- he rendered a beautiful chevron inset over our stove for visual effect.

At times there was miscommunication but Mike always repeated ‘you are the boss and I want you to be happy’. He checked in often on projects to be sure they were understanding our requests and when things were not exactly as hoped, things were stopped and corrected and always managed professionally. He was infinitely patient with us and went out of his way on many occasions to give us more. I think one of the many things I respect about both Mike and Sami was the fact that they valued and appreciated our budget and our money.. that it came from hard work and we wanted to spend it wisely. Sami and Mike sourced out suitable vendors when needed, consistently resulting in us saving money and still attaining a high level product (our air conditioners, our sink, our hardwood flooring just to name a few). Mike has also made a return visit to tweak a few things which is a comfort to know that once money has been exchanged there is an actual relationship there and a connection to the work. Another example of a strong work ethic and integrity.

Our initial schedule was 3 months and as things were added and of course the unexpected factored in (all our sewer lines needed replacement) it was then extended to 5) this included really a top to bottom renovation. We had everything done from a complete wood stripping, floors, new kitchen, new baths, built inns, re-glazing, skim coating, new electrical and plumbing and restoring things that were badly neglected and a new fence. I can’t say enough about the honesty and integrity of S&M construction and am grateful for the positive experience they gave us, but am proud of the work they did. They are a top contractor and some of the remaining few that have pride in their work and value the client that doesn’t have a bottomless budget. We welcome anyone interested in viewing the work they did in transforming our space. Many, many thanks Mike & Sami.