How a project works
Seven steps from first call to final walkthrough. Each one ends with something you can see and keep.
Tell us about your project
What happensCall, text or email us, or prepare a consultation request on this website and send it to us. Photos help.
What you getA reply from Grandstone Group and a time to talk.
Consultation
What happensWe talk through your goals, the space, materials, timing and budget.
What you getA clear sense of whether the project is a fit, and what comes next.
Site evaluation
What happensWe look at existing conditions: walls, floors, plumbing and electrical locations, masonry, and your building’s rules. For most projects this happens at the property.
What you getMeasurements and notes the proposal is built on.
Scope and proposal
What happensWe write up the scope, materials (with make and model where they matter), price, payment schedule and estimated dates.
What you getA written proposal. Under New York City law, you’re also entitled to a written estimate on request.
Project planning
What happensPermits, building approvals, material orders and the schedule.
What you getWritten notice of any permits before you sign, a signed contract, and a start date.
Construction
What happensThe work proceeds as the contract describes. Any change is made by a written change order signed by both of us, showing its cost.
What you getUpdates at milestones, and whenever something changes.
Final review
What happensWe walk through the finished work with you and list anything to correct.
What you getCompleted work, reviewed together.
Your protections under New York City rules
These rules apply to home improvement contractors in New York City.
- You can ask for a written estimate.
- Before you sign, you get written notice of any permits the work needs: what they are, who obtains them, the estimated fees, and how to check their status.
- The contract must be in writing, in plain English, and signed by you and the contractor. If it’s negotiated in another language, you also get a copy in that language.
- The contract includes estimated start and completion dates, and the contingencies that could change them.
- You can cancel within three business days of signing, without penalty, and no work starts until that period has passed.
- Changes to the work require a written change order, signed by both of you, showing the cost.
- Payments made before the work is complete must be deposited as New York’s Lien Law requires, or covered by a bond or contract of indemnity.
- Before work begins, you receive a copy of the contractor’s workers’ compensation insurance certificate, or proof of exemption.
- You’re never asked to sign a completion certificate before the work is actually complete.
A summary for general information, not legal advice. For the full rules, visit the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (opens in a new tab).
How long will it take?
It depends on the project, and we won’t guess on a website. Every proposal includes estimated start and completion dates and the contingencies that could change them, such as permits, building approvals, material lead times and weather.
Tell us about your project
Request a consultation or call (718) 866-3350. We’ll talk through what you have in mind and what the space needs.