The 4 questions smart NYC homeowners ask before hiring a contractor
Insider advice from New Amsterdam Builders to help you avoid costly renovation missteps
Renovating in New York City isn’t for the faint of heart. Between co-op boards, condo rules, tight timelines, and even tighter spaces, it’s easy for homeowners to feel overwhelmed before the first hammer swings.
At New Amsterdam Builders, our years of experience mean we can guide our clients through renovations that are as smooth and stress-free as possible. Along the way, we’ve learned there are four questions the savviest NYC homeowners always ask their contractors upfront. If you’re planning a renovation, these tips could save you time, money, and sleepless nights.
1. Do you see any flags in our building’s alteration agreement?
In NYC, your building isn’t just where you live—it’s a gatekeeper to your renovation. Co-op and condo boards often require detailed alteration agreements that govern everything from construction hours to insurance coverage to what kind of toilet you’re allowed to install. A contractor who isn’t familiar with these agreements can unintentionally cause delays, fines, or even a full work stoppage.
💡 Our Tip: Choose a contractor who knows how to navigate building boards. At New Amsterdam Builders, we partner closely with your architect and building management, anticipating and addressing potential roadblocks to keep your project on track. Our collaborative approach saves you planning time and keeps your project moving.
2. How you will handle neighbor relations?
Your neighbors don’t sign your renovation contract—but their experience matters. Noise, dust, and hallway traffic can lead to complaints that ripple up to your board, potentially resulting in stricter work limits or even shutdowns. The same goes for townhomes; your neighbors may need to give permission for work that impacts shared/party walls.
💡 Our Tip: A thoughtful and amiable contractor can make all the difference. We believe in building goodwill from day one by keeping common areas clean, staying within approved work hours, and, when possible, even coordinating noisy work around the most sensitive parts of your neighbor’s schedule, such as a baby's nap time or a Zoom meeting.
We also suggest that, as the homeowner, you proactively build relationships with your neighbors. Consider inviting them into your unit to show them your plans, offer a small gift as a token of your thanks for their patience, and provide them with your GCs phone number in case of concerns.
These small gestures help projects move forward without friction.
3. What insurance coverage do you carry?
Not all contractors are created equal when it comes to insurance. Some NYC buildings require up to $10 million in liability coverage plus action over insurance. If you’re in a co-op or condo, your building won’t let an underinsured contractor in the building–so check out requirements early to ensure you’re not wasting your time talking to someone who won’t be able to get in the door. If you own your building, hiring an underinsured contractor could leave you financially exposed if something goes wrong—like if someone gets hurt on site or if an issue with the electrical or plumbing damages the building mid-job. (Which has never actually happened to us! Just sayin’!)
💡 Our Tip: Know your building’s requirements, and share them with prospective contractors before getting too far down the road in scope discussions. At New Amsterdam Builders, we maintain robust insurance policies so you can move forward with confidence.
4. How do you structure payments?
It’s an unfortunate reality in NYC: homeowners have been burned by contractors who took large upfront payments, only to disappear mid-project or go out of business. We’ve stepped in to finish jobs for too many clients, and the budget hit they experienced with those lost payments often impacts the work and finishes they are able to complete.
💡 Our Tip: Protect yourself by working with contractors who break payments into clear progress milestones—and release final payment once permits are closed and your project has passed inspection. We’ve structured our process this way from day one to give clients peace of mind.
For more insider tips and to watch our newest projects come together, follow us on Instagram.
Why homeowners choose New Amsterdam Builders
Renovating in NYC comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating complex alteration agreements to keeping neighbors happy, we ensure your project runs smoothly and finishes beautifully. Our team is known for our warm, ethical approach—and for treating your home like it’s our own.
📞 Ready to start your renovation? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help bring your vision to life.