Block Renovation

Fantastic communication and a pleasure to collaborate with. I am exceedingly satisfied with both the overall contractor and the completed project.

We opted for Block to undertake a significant renovation of both our kitchen and bathroom simultaneously. Our newly transformed spaces are a source of immense satisfaction. The kitchen workflow is now an absolute dream, worlds apart from our previous setup. The custom cabinetry, tiles, and countertops used are exquisite and contribute to the overall beauty of the design. While their catalog of materials is fantastic for designing functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, it may pose a challenge if one has an unconventional vision for highly bespoke work. They connected us with an expert contractor who was responsive and resourceful, delivering within a shorter timeframe than initially promised. They expertly navigated the bureaucracy of securing approvals in a prewar NYC co-op building. Throughout the eight weeks we lived in another state, the communication was exemplary, leaving us feeling very much in the loop. While more went right than went wrong, a few grievances merit mentioning. Primarily caused by design oversights by the person who initially managed the project (who is no longer with the company), we experienced some annoyances. For example, the initial design outcome placed the toilet paper holder in an awkward position that would scrape a user's left bicep. Thankfully, the contractor rectified the issue after the fact. Similarly, the designer had not accounted for the bathroom's architecture, compromising the original plan for a shower shelf. However, the contractor was fantastic about sourcing materials for a different design. An oversight in measuring under the sink led to an ill-fitting garbage bin system being ordered. Block responded quickly, reimbursing us with credits, which we used to settle on an excellent alternative. Lastly, an unanticipated increase in our bill was rectified immediately following our inquiry, alarming us momentarily. All in all, these may be considered "first world" issues, but they were addressed promptly and with grace. We're exceptionally pleased with the final outcome!

Renovating my bathroom in my NYC apartment was an exceptional experience thanks to Block Renovation. They were there to support me every step of the way, making everything from permits to design, finding trustworthy construction workers to procuring materials a breeze. As a first-time renovator, I had many questions, but the entire team at Block was understanding, friendly, prompt, and attentive. I would highly recommend their exceptional service!

Block proved to be an excellent choice as an all-encompassing solution for a significant renovation of my kitchen and bathroom in Manhattan. The level of professionalism, knowledge and responsiveness demonstrated by everyone I interacted with was exceptional. Their personnel, involved in every aspect, were impressive. Moreover, they connected me with a highly skilled contractor whose approach aligned with my own vision. Renovations are daunting, and their exceptional services simplify the process.

Renovating in NYC is no easy feat, but I knew what I was getting into and chose BLOCK for their expertise. While there were some setbacks along the way, I ultimately had a positive experience and hope my feedback can help others avoid the same mistakes. THE GOOD: Transparent & fair pricing – BLOCK delivered on their promise to provide a detailed breakdown of costs for hardware, labor, and everything in between. This made it easy to manage my budget and make informed decisions, especially as pandemic-related supply chain issues and inflation impacted prices. Project Management – BLOCK was patient and resourceful in navigating my difficult building and finding ways to save time and money where possible. The Project Dashboard was also a helpful tool for keeping track of everything in writing. Communication – I consistently received prompt and helpful responses from BLOCK, even during emergencies, and the contractors they provided were hardworking and skilled. THE NOT SO GOOD: Limited choice – While this can speed up the decision-making process, it's worth noting that you can source materials independently if desired. Change orders – While there is a limit to the number of change orders, unexpected issues like supply chain problems can lead to changes that may not match your original vision. Make sure to double check everything before signing off on any design plans. MY ADVICE: Measure everything – Even with a great designer, it's important to double check the proposed layout to make sure it fits your needs. I had to make costly changes to both my kitchen sink and bathroom mirrors because I didn't take the time to measure ahead of time. Overall, I recommend BLOCK for small city renovations, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where their expertise really shines.