--- title: "Bolster — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bolster-pfvwus-pf~563314159 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~563314159.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: Bolster category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/67d3806a0489d01f_3008-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "New York City, New York 10011, United States" phone: "(314) 391-8410" website: http://bolster.us rating: 4.6 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 50 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Bolster Original Houzz profile: [Bolster](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bolster-pfvwus-pf~563314159) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** New York City, NY - **Serves:** New York City, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Long Island City, Astoria - **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2021–2024), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Free estimate - Woman owned Bolster helps you renovate risk-free. We're the first design-build firm to become a financial partner in your renovation. Bolster hires the industry's best talent and uses a continual improvement process to financially guarantee your major home renovation is designed and built beautifully and on-budget. We’re bringing radical transparency to the entire renovation process, from the first sketch to the final handshake. That means our homeowners know the total cost of every line item and have full visibility into project milestones. We specialize in major gut renovations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Supported by proprietary technology, our team of expert designers and builders is committed to creating the perfect place to come home to. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Bathroom Design - Architectural Design - Basement Remodeling - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Architectural Drawings - Multigenerational Homes - Project Management - Home Restoration - Energy-Efficient Homes - Basement Design - Universal Design - Green Building - Home Gym Design & Construction - Structural Engineering - Staircase Design - Apartment Combinations - Brownstone Renovations - General Contracting - Gut Renovations ### Areas Served - New York City - Brooklyn - Manhattan - Long Island City - Astoria ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 2.5 million There are many variables that will affect your project’s cost—our job is to help you understand them so you can make informed decisions. From the first sketch to the final handshake, our homeowners know the cost of every line item and have full visibility into their project’s milestones. The end result is a zero-risk construction process. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Bolster | | Address | New York City, New York 10011, United States | | Phone | (314) 391-8410 | | Website | http://bolster.us | | License Number | 621400 | | Followers on Houzz | 50 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — www.facebook.com/getbolster - X (Twitter) — www.twitter.com/bolsterdotus - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/bolster-corporation - Blog — https://bolster.us/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Bolster](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bolster-pfvwus-pf~563314159) - **Website:** http://bolster.us - **Phone:** (314) 391-8410 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - First Discovery Partner of The American Institute of Architects. - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2021–2024), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Institute of Architects, Washington DC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-institute-of-architects-washington-dc-pfvwus-pf~882126009) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 13 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 43.0 - Communication: 43.0 - Value: 41.0 ### Reviews **★ — HU-841919507, Dec. 2023** > In short, we've had an awful experience with Bolster. > > We engaged Bolster to renovate a three-bedroom apartment. They assured us that they worked with the best sub-contractors and had a large, experienced team of their own to supervise the project. Instead, Bolster has scrambled to find and replace sub-contractors, and our project is now on its fourth (!) project manager, with the prior three no longer with Bolster. That churn in personnel has caused numerous mistakes, from incorrect orders, poor design and planning, and botched installations. As a result, the project has been delayed by well over a year, and we're having to accept Bolster's shoddy work. > > Below is an image of how Bolster's team initially installed the wallpaper in our powder room. Correcting that one mistake took Bolster more than six weeks because Bolster allegedly couldn't find someone to re-do the work. Although they've fixed that wallpaper, numerous more serious issues remain unaddressed. And that photo gives you a sense of the quality of Bolster's work and the sub-contractors they engage. **★★★★ — crodenhizer, Feb. 2023** > I contacted Bolster through their website to look into design build options for my 900 sf ft apartment renovation. They were extremely responsive and helpful throughout the process. They also connected me with a fantastic architect who devised an incredible design for my apartment. I was very happy with the design build structure, as it really enables you to be more informed about costs upfront. I ended up increasing my scope quite a bit, but I was able to do so with open eyes, because I could see the cost impact. Overall, the process has been good, and its at about 90% completion and I'm very happy with how its turning out. I will say that the process has taken longer than it was originally projected, but everyone on the Bolster team are good about keeping you informed on progress. The team is very professional and everyone is very nice and enjoyable to work with. **★★★★★ — Elise Baron, June 2022** > We had an amazing experience with Bolster. The quality of their work speaks for itself, but what really impressed us was their attention to detail, their responsiveness and overall communication, and their genuine interest in making our home exactly what we hoped for. **★★★★★ — HU-51045427, Jan. 2022** > The Bolster team delivers a professional and reliable service to help with renovation goals. They get the NY co-op landscape and were able to help us navigate the system and delivered against our renovation goals. **★★★★★ — jessica lansdale, Nov. 2021** > When we decided to renovate our apartment my husband and I interviewed a few professionals and decided on Bolster because of their design-build capabilities. I’m an architect and had already done much of the design. Bolster took my ideas and turned them into a full set of construction documents along with a very detailed estimate. We really appreciated their transparency and clarity throughout that process. Once construction started we were impressed with their workmanship and attention to detail. Our 1927 prewar apartment turned out to be challenging (few plumb lines and right angles, aging pipes and electric wires), but the Bolster team found solutions to all the issues. They offered suggestions outside of our design that made excellent sense and we happily incorporated them into the design. Whenever we had questions we got immediate answers. We found everyone working for Bolster to be outgoing, friendly, and professional. We are happy to recommend them for projects large and small. **★★★★★ — HU-49143523, July 2021** > Bolster helped with my gut renovation. The results where extraordinary!!! Could not be happier Julieta my project manager and Michael the leading architect helped me every step of the way. Very professional team. **★★★★★ — scheep, June 2021** > We had heard horror stories about gut renovations in our building. Projects that took years to complete and costs that went way over. So we were very careful about who we selected to do our renovation. > Our experience with Bolster has been amazing, even taking into account the pandemic. They completed the job with only minimal delays (Covid-19 related) and stayed on budget with no surprises. The "Bolster Promise" is the real deal. Transparency and communication are bywords for them. We would recommend them to anyone doing a major renovation. **★★★★★ — Jeff Laretto, March 2021** > I used Bolster to renovate my studio apartment in the Flatiron. Prior to contracting with Bolster, I had already had plans prepared by an independent architect I had hired, and I had obtained approval by both my building and the NYC DOB. > > During my initial conversations with Bolster, they produced a comprehensive and detailed project cost sheet which I found remarkably thorough and analytical (down to the number of light bulbs of each type necessary for my project). The project scope was far more detailed than proposals furnished by other design+build shops I looked at, and factoring in their proprietary Bolster promise (a sort of insurance on cost-overruns and delays), I had much more confidence in proceeding with Bolster for the build. > > While I had planned to use them only for the build, during the gutting phase, Bolster identified a few deficiencies in my architect’s plans (e.g. measurements that were off, piping in different locations) – ultimately my plans required a post-effective amendment, and I used Bolster architects to efficiently close out that part of my project. They were far more responsive and thorough than my independent architect. > > Bolster was timely, professional, responsive, and thorough during the build-out. Until Covid-19 hit the city, my project was right on schedule and was coming along great. While my project did get stalled by Covid shutdowns, Bolster kept the lines of communication open and rolled out modern tools (like Slack) to coordinate matters. > > In the end, my apartment came out fantastic, and exceeded my expectations. Six months in and have had virtually no punch list items. Very pleased with the experience all around! **★★★★★ — H C, Oct. 2020** > Bolster team was excellent and navigated us through our renovation. High quality work and experience, and the team did a great job helping us work through COVID and get the renovation work done **★★★★★ — Jamila Jenkins, March 2019** > We met with countless architects and contractors, and all seemed to have varying relationships with the other, so we could never get a handle on exactly how or when our project would be completed. But when Bolster was recommended, all of that confusion melted away. After their initial inspection, we were offered 3 different gut renovation options to choose from, and there was literally no detail overlooked. > > The project ran seamlessly from the demo to the completion date -- hitting every price point on the nose, being flexible when we wanted to make changes, and always doing more than what was expected. The end result was flawless and we feel like we grew our family with the team that worked with us. We only wish we had more property that Bolster could work on, because that would be first and ONLY place we'd go. **★★★★★ — User, May 2018** > Bolster did a fantastic job with the renovation of our 2 bedroom apartment in Manhattan. Key highlights below: > > 1\) Price is set on stone on day one. You will not pay more than what's initially agreed on. > > 2\) Project will last no longer than what's agreed on day one as well. Monthly carry for apartments in NY is expensive. A project delay is therefore costly. Bolster eliminates extra costs arising from delays. > > 3\) Our contractor, Aaron Borenstein, was extremely responsive. Always made himself available. > > 4\) Their technology makes it easier to track progress and costs. > > 5\) High quality work and post-project warranty. > > If I had to do it again, I would definitely go with Bolster. **★★★★★ — Loruren, Feb. 2018** > As first time home owners, the hardest thing for us to parse is the per-se-foot fees set forth by architects and contractors. We understood that based on experience professionals would have these figures in their head, but they didn't help us in trying to create a budget to accomplish the changes and updates that we sough in our old landmarked townhouse. And we didn't want to sign on with someone based on an estimate that was prone to gross fluctuation. > > We also had trouble finding a fit with architects that seemed committed to us and what we thought was a very workable budget. This being Brooklyn, turns a budget that could easily have gotten us a house someplace warm and a house in the woods is a pittance to NY professionals. Then along came Bolster who for a small fee provided some sample drawings and some granularity to our budget so that we could make informed decisions about costs and determine our scope. And an on time and on budget guarantee sealed the deal. > > We met our architect and contractor along with our Bolster rep on site and they got what we wanted. They rendered the plans we dictated, but also came up with great ideas and suggestions based on their know how. We are still early in the process but the fact that we know our team up front is immensely comforting. They are always responsive and very clear about their process. We even had a water main burst and our contractor had a plumber there in 15 minutes. The fact that I always get a prompt response from the team is huge. Fingers crossed that the headache of Landmarks, demo and renovation prove to be small obstacles for Bolster, but for now they've been amazing at shepherding us green owners through this labor. ## Selected projects - [Upper West Side, Design-Build Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-west-side-design-build-renovation-pj-vj~7224070) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 11 - Description: Bolster's Upper West Side homeowners sought to lift up their W. 111th Street pre-war apartment with modern upgrades and contemporary charm. The work included necessary mechanical upgrades such as new electrical and plumbing, coupled with beautiful finishing touches such as herringbone floors, excellent choice of lighting fixtures and stone finishes, and custom millwork throughout the home. Their home touches on many chic 2023 trends, including black & white and a spa-like bathroom. Having a smal… - [Park Slope, Agile Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-slope-agile-renovation-pj-vj~7311991) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 8 - [Brooklyn Heights, Design-Build Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklyn-heights-design-build-renovation-pj-vj~7311396) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 11 - Description: Our Brooklyn Heights homeowners wanted to update the layout of their Henry Street apartment to create a more luxurious space for their family of three. The home was large but very dated with old wallpaper, carpet, flooring, and appliances. This beautiful apartment, which features sweeping views of Brooklyn and Manhattan, was a full gut renovation and required mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. The custom millwork package is extensive, as are all the handmade details throughout the home.… - [Bergen Street Townhouse Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bergen-street-townhouse-renovation-pj-vj~7163629) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 5 - Description: Our Brooklyn homeowners sought to update the first level of their home. They worked with NAINOA Architecture & Interiors to design a space that is open and inviting with striking design details, including bold wallpaper, eye-catching light fixtures, and a stunning fireplace, while Bolster executed the build phase of the project. - [West Village, Cosmetic Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-village-cosmetic-renovation-pj-vj~7188565) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 5 - [SoHo Design-Build Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soho-design-build-renovation-pj-vj~7069863) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 15 - [Astoria Townhouse Design-Build Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/astoria-townhouse-design-build-renovation-pj-vj~7006434) - Location: Queens, NY - Photos: 28 - Description: The primary goal of our Astoria homeowners was to transform this 36th Street home from a multi-family dwelling to a single family home. In doing so, they needed to remove the kitchen from the second floor of the original home which involved extensive layout changes. The homeowners wanted to create a more spacious and comfortable home that included an updated mudroom, terrace, and electrical work. Bolster also added new flooring, doors, windows, and millwork throughout the apartment, as well as n… - [Tribeca Design-Build Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tribeca-design-build-renovation-pj-vj~7006456) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 13 - Description: Our Tribeca homeowners wanted to update their Harrison Street home to better suit the needs of their young family. Their primary objectives were to update the layout of the home - specifically, the bathrooms, kitchen, and bedroom - while respecting the historical language of this unique townhouse. - [Park Slope Brownstone Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-slope-brownstone-gut-renovation-pj-vj~6016922) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: Beautiful renovation of a 3,600 Sq. Ft., six bed, three-and-a-half bath landmarked brownstone. The homeowners wanted to retain many of the home's original details from its original design and construction in 1903, including pier mirrors and stained glass windows, while making modern updates. A young family, they sought to make layout changes to better suit their lifestyle; significant and necessary infrastructure updates (including electrical and plumbing), and other enhancements such as new flo… - [Morningside Heights Agile Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/morningside-heights-agile-renovation-pj-vj~6842322) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 6 - [Harlem Brownstone Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harlem-brownstone-renovation-pj-vj~6890308) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 21 - Description: Our Harlem homeowners wanted to update the layout of their brownstone, which was originally organized as an owner’s duplex on the bottom and two separate units on top, as well as incorporate Passive House elements. This unique Harlem brownstone, which is only 14-ft-wide, required a new steel staircase as well as a gut renovation of the entire home, including a ground-level rental unit with backyard access. The renovated home features an owner’s triplex from the parlor level up, with a garden apa… - [5th Avenue Design-Build Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/5th-avenue-design-build-gut-renovation-pj-vj~6700224) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: Design-Build gut renovation of a Classic Six apartment on Manhattan's Museum Mile. - [Upper West Side \| Agile x Bolster Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-west-side-agile-x-bolster-renovation-pj-vj~6722700) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: Our homeowner is a registered architect. She reached out to Bolster with her own plans already in place, but didn't have the insurance that her 800 sq. ft. pre-war co-op required for her renovation. The Agile x Bolster model was perfect for her needs: The homeowner wanted another set of eyes to review her plans and suggest revisions before filing with the DOB and starting construction. In addition to renovating the bathroom and kitchen, the homeowners wanted to replace all windows and the fire e… - [Park Slope Townhouse Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-slope-townhouse-gut-renovation-pj-vj~6711047) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 15 - Description: This 4,000 sq. ft., 20-foot-wide townhouse, constructed in 1899, sat vacant for years before our homeowners bought it in 2019. Originally used as a two-family home, it required a full gut renovation to bring it up to compliance and to better suit the needs of this young family. With Bolster's Design-Build process, our homeowners prioritized significant and necessary infrastructure updates (including asbestos abatement, electrical, and HVAC); as well as new windows, re-leveled floors, a modern ki… - [Brooklyn Heights Loft Partial Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brooklyn-heights-loft-partial-renovation-pj-vj~5833239) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 12 - Description: Beautiful renovation of a 1,800 Sq. Ft., four bed, two bath pre-war loft apartment. The building was originally erected in 1845 and the homeowners wanted to preserve the layout and original features (including 7 ft tall sash windows and exposed brick walls) while updating the kitchen, bathrooms, staircase, flooring and HVAC system with exposed ducts. Bolster's homeowner had a Complete Project Spend of $406 PSF. Bolster scheduled 14 weeks for design and 31 weeks for build. The result was achieved… - [Flatiron Apartment Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flatiron-apartment-renovation-pj-vj~6365949) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 14 - Description: Renovation of a 1,200 sq. ft. two bedroom, two bathroom co-op apartment in the Flatiron neighborhood of Manhattan. The homeowners fell in love with this sun-filled apartment, which featured a versatile entryway, 11-foot ceilings, a large living-dining space, and a unique kitchen footprint with new appliances. The young couple desired to renovate both bedrooms and bathrooms, replace the flooring, and make electrical and plumbing updates prior to the birth of their first child. - [Upper West Side \| Agile Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-west-side-agile-renovation-pj-vj~6721992) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: This light-filled, corner classic six co-op was purchased by our renovators in 2020. They sought to update the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. They also replaced the floors throughout the home and installed a new kitchen which features custom stone and millwork. The floors in this apartment were in really good condition, since they had rarely been sanded and refinished. The homeowners chose a slightly lighter stain than the average pre-war apartment, giving it a very Parisian feel.… - [Midtown East Design-Build Gut Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midtown-east-design-build-gut-renovation-pj-vj~6747715) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 11 - Description: This condo had been used as a rental apartment for many years and thus needed significant upgrades to bring it up to the standards of our homeowner, who is an interior designer. The home was in terrible condition after a flood from the tenant ruined the floors. After addressing the apartment's asbestos problem, our homeowner trusted Bolster to bring her vision to life: A sophisticated and functional home that boasts custom Italian details, millwork, and tiling throughout. - [Upper West Side - Cosmetic Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-west-side-cosmetic-renovation-pj-vj~6792327) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Each year, Bolster donates painting services to a charity fundraiser auction that benefits the education system in NYC. The homeowner who bid and won this year’s services had heard good things about Bolster, and took the opportunity to increase her scope of work above and beyond the auction cost. Bolster provided cosmetic renovation services for this warm and inviting 6,000 sq. ft. brownstone on the Upper West Side, which included Level 4 paint on the walls, trim, and molding throughout the home… - [Downtown Brooklyn Condo Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/downtown-brooklyn-condo-renovation-pj-vj~3002364) - Location: Brooklyn, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: Cosmetic renovation of a modern, 1,150 Sq. Ft., two bed, one bath apartment in Brooklyn. The project included redoing all of the floors, one of the bathrooms, installing a new Henry Built kitchen, and painting the entire apartment. Bolster's homeowner had a Complete Project Spend of $214PSF. Bolster scheduled 11 weeks for design and 10 weeks for build. The result was achieved with a Price Variance of 0% and a Schedule Variance of +1.2%. Read more about this project here: https://bolster.us/bolst… [See all 31 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/bolster-pfvwus-pf~563314159) ## Ideabooks - [Kitchen Meets Living Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105849415/list/kitchen-meets-living-spaces) — 6 ideas - [Bathroom Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105847903/list/bathroom-inspiration) — 7 ideas - [Practical Countertop Advice](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34963758/list/practical-countertop-advice) — 6 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bolsterdotus) ## Community Q&A **Q: What vanity are you using here?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The vanity is custom designed and built. **Q: Great Rug** *(in Photo Questions)* Where is this rug from? Thanks! A: This rug is actually a custom design. **Q: ceiling light fixture** *(in Photo Questions)* Where is that from? A: The ceiling light fixture is from Artemide Logico **Q: We are remodeling a hundred year old log/shingle style country club.** *(in Design Dilemma)* We will be updating a home that has been added on in the 30's and again in the early 90's. We want to maintain the majestic beauty of the vast lodge/club house feel while making it our home. We take ownership in early March and we plan on gutting the 90's kitchen, make a small gathering space and remodel the master bath while updating the entire house cosmetics. A: Looks like a great property! See my ideabook on countertops, hopefully some practical tips there. As for backsplash and flooring I suggest asking an interior designer / architect for their input. When you are ready, my company has a free service that reviews your contractor's bids and provides you with expert recommendations and a guide price all in one simple report. It helps you get the project you expect at a fair price. It's currently a free service while we improve it's accuracy. **Q: 100 year old prairie style farmhouse remodel** *(in Design Dilemma)* I am getting ready to remodel and renovate a 100 year old prairie style farmhouse and I need some suggestions with countertops in the kitchen. Soapstone, marble, granite, other? The style I am leaning towards is more casual, comfortable home. I have two small rough boys. Appreciate your suggestions. Thank you A: Granite (~$200\*/sf) - extremely durable which can make it more expensive, its also difficult to cut. Italian is usually more expensive than Chinese. As a surface it's less likely to be damaged by things like tomato sauce and other acidic spills. It is more difficult to polish though, so re-polishing can be more expensive. Marble (~$175/sf) - beautiful, natural but softer and so stains more, especially with anything acidic. Scratches more easily and often too. If you cook a lot not a good bet. If you have to go marble choose honed (satin smooth surface finish with little or no gloss) and low absorption rate. And keep paper towels handy. Caeserstone (~$175/sf) - engineered made of quartz. non porous and scratch and stain resistant. It also have a simplified fabrication and installation process that makes it more cost-effective, certainly than marble (because it's synthetic and needs to be manufactured). Silestone (~$175/sf) - similar to Caeserstone in durability (it's 90% quartz) and price but has anti-bacterial properties which is why its frequently used in healthcare and kitchens. Soapstone(~200/sf) - very soft and easily fabricated but requires maintenance (oiling and buffing). It's not as heat resistant as granite though it is resistant to acid etching. It dents a scratches a lot and can be sanded away. Also it's color darkens with age (which may be a plus given your description of farmhouse). Concrete (~$300/sf) - counterintuitive but true - more expensive than granite. Lots of flexibility but requires a lot of maintenance. Its prone to cracking so expansion joints may be required to avoid cracks in larger surfaces. Installation is tricky and must be done with professional. Like marble it needs to be sealed but once sealed can stand up to heat just as well as granite. \*prices include labor too. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*