PRICING
At Hoppler Design & Build we specialize in high-end, bespoke apartment renovations across Manhattan. Every project is different — different building rules, different existing conditions, and different design ambitions.
Because of that, listing one-size-fits-all prices online would be misleading. Instead, we provide transparent, itemized proposals after assessing the real scope of work. This approach ensures:
- Accurate budgets based on real conditions, not guesswork.
- Clear expectations about deliverables and timeline.
- Fair pricing for both client and contractor — no surprise change orders where possible.
What your renovation estimate is made of — detailed cost components
A. Pre-construction & Design
- Site survey / existing conditions assessment — measuring, documenting structure, utilities, finishes.
- Architectural and interior design fees — concept design, floor plans, 3D visuals, finish boards.
- Engineering & structural work — required when walls, loads, or building systems change.
B. Permits, Approvals & Building Compliance
- NYC permits and DOB filings — permit fees, expeditor costs, required documentation.
- Coop/condo board approvals — submission packages, meetings, and revisions.
- Special inspections & testing — asbestos/lead surveys, structural inspections if needed.
C. Demolition & Site Preparation
- Selective demolition — carefully removing finishes, keeping protected elements when required.
- Debris removal & disposal — chutes, covered hoists, municipality fees where applicable.
- Temporary protections & dust control — to protect neighboring units and common areas.
D. Core Construction & Trades
- Framing and carpentry — new walls, custom cabinetry, built-ins.
- Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) — reroutes, upgrades, HVAC solutions.
- Insulation and soundproofing — often required in Manhattan to meet code and comfort expectations.
E. Finishes & Specialist Work
- Flooring, tile and stone — material choice (engineered wood vs oak vs stone) impacts cost dramatically.
- Cabinetry and millwork — semi-custom vs fully bespoke.
- Countertops, fixtures, and appliances — brand and spec choices.
- Lighting and bespoke details — custom fixtures, integrated lighting control.
F. Project Management & Overhead
- General contractor fees — site supervision, subcontractor coordination, scheduling.
- Insurance, bonds and warranties — builder’s risk, liability, and finished-work warranties.
- Jobsite administration — deliveries, logistics, building liaison.
G. Contingency & Allowances
- Contingency reserve — unforeseen conditions (hidden damage, code issues) — standard practice to avoid cost surprises.
- Allowances — placeholder sums for items to be selected later (e.g., tile, faucets). Final pricing updated after selections.
H. Time, Access & Logistics Modifiers
- Work phasing & schedule — rush timelines or phased living-in-place work can raise costs.
- Access constraints — elevator reservations, limited loading zones, or night work restrictions.
- Union vs non-union labor — in some cases this affects pricing and scheduling.
How we build an estimate — methodology & the role of the calculator
We want potential clients to understand how numbers are produced and why an on-site visit matters. To be transparent:
How an Estimate is Calculated
- Scope definition — what rooms, finishes, structural changes, and systems are included.
- Quantity takeoff — measured areas, linear feet, unit counts from drawings or site measurements.
- Unit pricing — labor rates and material unit costs pulled from our vendor pricing and past project data.
- Assemblies & scheduling — how work groups interact, which affects staging and overhead.
- Allocations — allowances for finishes and a contingency percentage for unknowns.
- Final review — our team vets the estimate for feasibility and compliance with NYC building rules.
About the On-Site Cost Calculator on Our Site
The calculator is a helpful preliminary tool for visitors to gauge ballpark budgets and compare scopes.
It is indicative only — it uses assumptions and averages and cannot replace a professional survey.
Because it remains an approximation, final proposals are always issued after a site visit or an in-office review with measured drawings and confirmed selections.
We recommend using the calculator as a first step — but expect the estimate to be refined after the consultation.
Design & Architecture Services
Apart from construction, we also provide architectural and interior design services. These stages are billed separately because they involve different specialists, deliverables, and workflows.
Architectural Services
Architectural work focuses on the technical side — layout, functionality, and building compliance.
Our architects handle:
- Measuring and documenting the existing space
- Creating technical drawings and floor plans
- Coordinating with engineers when structural work is needed
- Preparing documents for NYC permits and building approvals
How it’s priced:
Architectural fees are usually based on project scope — either as a flat rate for small projects or as a percentage of total construction cost (typically 5–10%, depending on complexity).
Interior Design Services
Design work is about the look and feel — finishes, furniture, lighting, and overall atmosphere.
Our designers work on:
- Moodboards, concepts, and style direction
- 3D visualizations and renderings
- Finish and material selection
- Furniture layout and sourcing
How it’s priced:
Design fees can be charged per room, per hour, or as a package depending on scope. Small consultations start from concept-level pricing, while full design packages are customized after our initial meeting.
Both teams — design and architecture — collaborate closely to ensure the final result is both beautiful and buildable.
Next steps: on-site visit vs in-office consultation (what we need and what you get)
To move from idea to a reliable proposal, we offer two main pathways depending on the project status:
A. Existing Unit — On-site Visit (Preferred)
Why on-site is best:
- We verify exact conditions (hidden pipe locations, existing structure, built-ins).
- We measure and photograph, which reduces unknowns and tightens the estimate.
- We can discuss neighbors, building access, and any management requirements in real time.
What to expect:
- Site walk-through with a project manager + estimator (and designer when needed).
- Quick photo documentation and preliminary notes.
- High-level verbal estimate (ballpark) and timeline discussion.
- Follow-up: detailed written proposal within the agreed timeframe, including line-item costs, allowances, and a recommended contingency.
B. New Project / Concept Stage — In-office Design Consultation
When an on-site visit is not possible or the project is conceptual:
- We meet in our office to review inspiration, lifestyle needs, and preliminary plans.
- You’ll bring photos, sample finishes, or building documents (if available).
- We discuss budgets, typical assemblies, and realistic timelines for Manhattan projects.
What to expect:
- Design briefing with our lead designer and a project manager.
- Example cost ranges for comparable project types and finishes.
- Next steps: either proceed to a site visit (recommended) or commission schematic design so we can prepare a more accurate estimate.
How to book a consultation
We make the first step easy:
Call: +1 (212) 470-1144
Email: info@hopplerdesignbuild.com
Or use our online contact form to request either an on-site visit or an in-office consultation. Please mention whether you prefer on-site or in-office and include the building address (if available).
FAQ
1. Can you give a per-square-foot price?
Per-square-foot figures are useful as very rough benchmarks, but they
can be misleading in Manhattan where finishes, structural work, and
permitting needs vary. We prefer itemized proposals.
2. How long after the site visit will I receive a proposal?
Typical turnaround is [company standard — insert your usual timeframe],
depending on project complexity. (You can add your typical days here.)
3. Does Hoppler handle permits and condo/co-op approvals?
Yes — we manage NYC permits, DOB filings, and coop/condo board
submissions as part of our servic
