Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Designs by D & J LLC?
We are a family-owned and operated business, founded by a husband-and-wife team with over 15 years of combined experience in design and construction.
Are you licensed and certified?
Yes! We are MWBE-certified (Minority- and Women-Business Enterprise), fully licensed, and insured in both New York and New Jersey.
What areas do you serve outside of Brooklyn?
Besides Brooklyn , we work in Manhattan, Queens , Bronx ,Staten island ,Jersey City,Hoboken and Newark.If you’re in NYC or Northern NJ,we’ve likely Worked in your neighborhood.
Do you work with architects and designers?
Absolutely. Whether you already have a full set of plans or just a vision, we work seamlessly with architects, designers, and property owners to bring your project to life.
What Makes Designs by D & J LLC the Top Choice Among NYC and NJ Renovation Contractors?
At Designs by D & J LLC, we’re not just another contractor; we’re a husband-and-wife-led, MWBE-certified renovation team that treats every project as if it were for our own home. Our motto says it best: “If it can’t be in our house, why should it be in yours?” You dream it, we build it .
What Types of Renovations Does Designs by D & J LLC Specialize In?
We specialize in:
- Kitchen renovations
- Bathroom renovations
- Basement renovations
- Brownstone renovations
- Full Gut renovations
- Commercial space transformations
We also provide electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and project management services.
How Can I Contact Designs by D & J LLC for a Renovation Consultation?
Call : 347-688-6897
Email: info@designsbydandj.com
Website: www.designsbydandjinfo.com
Address: 147 Prince St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
What are your business hours?
•Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
•Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
•Sunday: Closed
How much does a full home remodel cost in NYC or Northern NJ?
In New York City:
- Light Refresh: $15–$60 per sq. ft.
- Typical Full Gut Remodel: $100–$200 per sq. ft.
- High-End Gut Renovation: $200–$400+ per sq. ft.
In Northern New Jersey:
- Basic Full Home Remodel: $100–$200 per sq. ft.
- Full Gut or Structural-Heavy Remodel: $200–$400+ per sq. ft.
Do you work on commercial spaces like restaurants or offices in Manhattan or Hoboken?
Yes, we handle commercial renovations for offices, restaurants, and retail spaces across Manhattan, Hoboken, and other areas. We focus on design, speed, and compliance.
Do Designs by D & J Offer Warranties?
Absolutely. We stand by our Work. All work completed by Designs by D & J is backed by:
- 1-Year Workmanship Warranty
- Manufacturer Warranties – Any products or materials we install (tile, fixtures, appliances, etc.) are covered by the manufacturer’s own warranty, which we’ll pass directly to you.
- Extended Coverage Available – For certain projects, we offer extended warranty options as part of our premium service packages.
Can Designs by D & J Help Design My Project, or Do I Need a Separate Architect?
We’ve got you covered in most cases, you don’t need to hire a separate architect.
Here’s how it works:
- For most kitchens, bathrooms, and full-apartment renovations, our in-house design team can create detailed layouts, 3D renderings, and finish selections to bring your vision to life.
- For projects that require structural changes, DOB filings, or Alt-1 permits (like apartment combinations, major wall removals, or adding square footage), we work with licensed architects and engineers from our trusted partner network. We manage that relationship for you so the process is seamless.
The benefit?
You get a single point of contact from concept to completion ,no juggling multiple companies or worrying about plans meeting building and code requirements.
How long does a typical kitchen or bathroom renovation take?
Kitchen Remodels in NYC typically take 4–6 weeks. Full Gut Bathrooms usually take 3–4 weeks. Timelines vary based on project complexity ,inspection if needed and permit requirements, but we stick to our schedule.
Do I need permits for a bathroom or kitchen remodel in NYC?
In most cases, yes you’ll need permits for bathroom and kitchen remodels in NYC, especially if the work involves:
- Plumbing changes
- Electrical upgrades
- Structural modifications
- Gas line work
However Minor cosmetic updates like painting,retiling, replacing cabinets in the same location, or swapping appliances without moving gas/water lines typically don’t require a permit.
If you live in a co-op or condo, you’ll also need board approval before starting any work, and their requirements are often stricter than the city’s.
Do you offer financing for home remodels?
Yes. We offer flexible financing options to help make your remodel more affordable. You can spread payments over time with competitive interest rates, subject to approval. We’ll walk you through available plans so you can choose the one that best fits your budget.
How Does Designs by D & J Accept Payments?
We make it easy for clients to pay in the way that works best for them. We accept:
- Zelle
- Checks
- Bank transfers
- Major credit cards (note:processing fee may apply)
- Financing options through our approved lending partners
What’s included in a full home remodel?
A full remodel typically includes:
- Kitchen renovation (cabinets, countertops, flooring) and appliances (if not supplied by the homeowners)
- Bathroom renovation (plumbing fixtures, tile, lighting)
- Flooring installation or refinishing
- Drywall, paint, and trim work
- Electrical and plumbing upgrades
- Structural changes (removing or adding walls, if needed)
We tailor every project scope to your goals whether it’s maximizing resale value, updating outdated systems, or creating your forever home.
What’s included in Your design-build service?
We offer three levels of design-build services so you can choose the experience that fits your needs and budget:
1. White Glove – All-Inclusive Luxury
Our premium “all bells and whistles” package covers everything from concept to move-in:
•Full-service design consultation & space planning
•Custom 3D renderings and finish selections
•Complete permit filing & approvals (DOB, co-op/condo boards)
•Dedicated project manager
•Full construction, quality control, and post-project walkthrough
Perfect for busy homeowners who want a stress-free, turn-key experience.
2. Collaborative Design – Plans in Hand
This is our mid-tier option for clients who already have their architectural or design plans but still want expert execution:
•Plan review & refinement
•Permit filing & approvals
•Construction & project management
•Quality assurance and final punch list
Great if you’ve already invested in plans but want a trusted NYC contractor to bring them to life.
3. Build-Only – Essentials Covered
Our basic package is for homeowners who already have finalized plans, permits, and selected finishes:
•Skilled labor and construction management
•Quality checks at key project milestones
Best for those who want to handle design themselves but need a licensed, experienced builder to get the job done right.
Can you work in landmarked or historic NYC buildings?
Yes we have experience navigating Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approvals, which are required for exterior changes and sometimes interior alterations in historic buildings. We handle all drawings, submissions, and compliance so your project meets city and landmark guidelines.
Do Designs by D & J Combine Apartments?
Absolutely. We specialize in complex NYC renovations, including apartment combinations for co-ops, condos, and brownstones.
Our apartment combination services include:
- Architectural coordination & DOB filings (Alt-1 permits)
- Structural review & engineering for wall removal or new openings
- MEP upgrades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) for expanded layouts
- Waterproofing, fire separation, and soundproofing to meet building code
- Full design-build execution — from demolition to final finishes
What to expect:
- Timeline: Typically 4–6 months from approval to completion
- Permits & approvals: Co-op/condo board + NYC DOB
- Budget range: $250k+ depending on scope, finishes, and structural needs.
