Historic District Brownstone Remodeling
Houseplay Remodeling has completed dozens of historic brownstone renovations in Jersey City, NJ since 2008. We are experts in this work.
What It Takes
At Houseplay, we thrive on the unique challenges of remodeling historic brownstones.
Innovative Design Solutions
We are experts in creating the innovative solutions that historic brownstones require. In one recent kitchen remodel, the owners were frustrated with a cramped, outdated layout. Several contractors told them they couldn’t do better. But our Houseplay team dreamed up several creative ideas to open up the space, including opening up the chimney area to tuck the dishwasher inside and trading a bulky washer/dryer for a more streamlined European set.
Strong Working Relationships
We have a strong working relationship with the Historic Preservation Commission, which oversees and approves plans for alterations and additions to historic buildings. We’re intimately familiar, of course, with the permitting process in Jersey City, and have saved our clients hours of time and frustration by handling this for them. And we have an incredible network of local subcontractors who are hard-working, reliable, and trustworthy.
Client-Centered Approach
We put our clients at the center of everything we do.
We won’t sugarcoat the truth – sometimes during the process of renovating historic brownstones (like any home), unwelcome surprises turn up. During a recent kitchen remodel, we encountered some complications with a cracked sewer pipe and severely damaged floor joists. But the Houseplay team rallied and was able to guide and support the homeowners through the storm to create a beautiful finished product.
How We Can Help
| Tackling a full-gut remodel | Upgrading one room |
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| Ready for a complete remodel? We are experienced in taking historic brownstones from unlivable to unbelievable, start to finish. Our Vision & Planning Session is the first step to getting started together. | Ready to upgrade that cramped kitchen or renovate that outdated bathroom? We’ve designed and built dozens of beautiful kitchens and bathrooms over the past 11 years. |
Your Goals
We offer a client-centered approach to our work. First, we’ll help you uncover and distill your vision for your space. Then, we’ll work closely with you to design according to your lifestyle and your aesthetic. Finally, we’ll build your project with the utmost attention to detail.
Preserving historic details
Some clients purchase historic brownstones because they love the charm and whimsy of these older buildings, and want to preserve as many details as possible.
In one recent project, Revitalizing History, we created a more open, modern layout on the first floor of an historic brownstone. But we were careful to preserve many historic details, including the original subfloor (which we had refinished when the heart pine flooring was unsalvageable) and a marble slab with inlay from the original foyer floor which was restored and repurposed as the fireplace hearth.
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Cultivating a modern aesthetic
Other clients love the historic neighborhood but prefer a more modern aesthetic.
In our Brownstone Beauty project, we built an addition to install an ultramodern kitchen. The finished space juxtaposes sleek European appliances, finishes, cabinetry, and fixtures with original, historic woodwork.
Want to see more of our work? Check out our historic brownstone gallery.
Whatever your vision, Houseplay can help you create it.
Ready to get in touch? Tell us about your project and we’ll set up a free, 20-minute consultation to learn more about your project and determine how we can best support you.
