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Everything NYC homeowners want to know before picking up the phone.

FAQ

COMMON QUESTIONS

Pricing & Estimates
How much does apartment painting cost in NYC?+
Apartment painting in NYC typically ranges from $3–$7 per square foot depending on prep work needed, ceiling height, number of colors, and condition of existing surfaces. A 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,200–$2,500; a 2-bedroom $2,000–$4,000. We provide a free, itemized estimate within 48 hours — no surprises, ever.
How much does venetian plaster cost in NYC?+
Venetian plaster in NYC typically ranges from $12–$22 per square foot depending on the finish type (venetian, roman clay, limewash), number of coats, and surface preparation needed. Most single-room applications cost $2,500–$6,000. We provide sample panels before full application so you can approve the finish first.
How much does custom millwork cost in NYC?+
Custom built-ins and millwork in NYC vary widely based on size, material, and complexity. A standard floor-to-ceiling bookcase runs $3,500–$8,000; a full home office built-in $5,000–$15,000; an entertainment wall $6,000–$20,000+. We provide a detailed design proposal and fixed quote before any work begins.
Are there any hidden fees?+
Never. Our estimates are line-by-line and fixed. Materials, labor, prep, cleanup — everything is itemized and agreed upon before we start. The number you see is the number you pay. If anything changes in scope, we discuss it with you first.
What are your payment terms?+
We typically work on a 50/40/10 structure: 50% deposit to schedule and procure materials, 40% at project midpoint, and 10% upon your final walkthrough approval. We accept check, Zelle, and ACH. No cash required, no pressure.
Co-ops & Condos
Do you handle co-op and condo board requirements?+
Yes — the majority of our work is in NYC co-ops and condos. We're fully familiar with board alteration agreements, insurance certificate requirements, and building-specific work-hour restrictions. We handle all required documentation and have never had a board rejection in 12 years.
What insurance documentation do you provide for boards?+
We carry $2M general liability insurance and workers' compensation for all employees. We provide Certificates of Insurance (COI) naming your building as an additional insured, same-day upon request. We can customize the certificate to match your board's exact requirements.
How do you protect hallways and common areas?+
We fully protect all common areas with floor runners, wall padding, and elevator padding — exactly as required by your building's house rules. We coordinate all material deliveries and removal with building staff and always respect posted work hours.
Venetian Plaster & Decorative Finishes
What is venetian plaster and how durable is it?+
Venetian plaster is a wall finish made from slaked lime and marble dust, applied in thin layers and hand-burnished to a silky, luminous finish. It's extremely durable — lasting decades — naturally mold-resistant, breathable, and can be re-polished if scratched. It performs especially well in NYC's humid summers and is perfect for pre-war apartments with original plaster walls.
What's the difference between venetian plaster, roman clay, and limewash?+
Venetian plaster is the most polished — a glossy, marble-like finish burnished smooth. Roman clay has a matte, earthy, dimensional texture — modern and organic. Limewash is chalky and aged-looking, very European, with a softly faded quality. All three are lime-based and breathable. We provide sample panels so you can choose the right finish for your space.
Can venetian plaster be applied over existing painted drywall?+
Yes — with proper surface prep. Existing paint must be in good condition (no flaking, cracking, or moisture issues), and the surface needs to be primed with a specialized adhesion primer before plaster application. We assess every surface during our free consultation and include all prep in our quote.
Custom Millwork & Built-ins
How do you handle NYC's irregular apartment dimensions?+
That's our specialty. We take precise measurements of every surface, accounting for out-of-plumb walls, unlevel floors, and irregular ceiling heights — all common in NYC pre-war buildings. Every piece is custom-built to your exact dimensions, not adapted from a standard box.
What materials do you use for built-ins?+
We typically use paint-grade MDF for painted built-ins and solid hardwood or veneer plywood for stained or natural finishes. We work with maple, oak, walnut, and other hardwoods. All hardware is sourced from quality suppliers — Blum drawer systems, Richelieu hardware. Materials are selected and approved before fabrication begins.
Process & Timeline
How long does an NYC apartment renovation take?+
A cosmetic renovation (painting, plaster, trim, and millwork) for a 2-bedroom typically takes 2–4 weeks. A full gut renovation runs 6–14 weeks depending on scope. We provide a detailed day-by-day schedule before any work begins so you know exactly what to expect and when.
Do we need to leave the apartment during work?+
For painting and plaster projects, most clients stay in the apartment — we work room by room and protect all furniture and belongings. For larger renovations involving dust-producing work (plaster repair, carpentry), we recommend being out during active construction, though you can return each evening. We discuss logistics during our consultation.
What hours do your crews work?+
We work within your building's posted work hours — typically Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm. Some buildings allow Saturday work; we'll confirm your building's specific rules during our consultation. We never work outside approved hours without explicit permission from both you and your building.
General Questions
Are you licensed and insured in New York?+
Yes. The Saucy Roller holds a valid NYC Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license, carries $2M general liability insurance, and maintains workers' compensation coverage for all employees. We provide certificates of insurance same-day on request.
Do you offer color consulting?+
Yes — every painting project includes a complimentary color consultation. We work with Benjamin Moore, Farrow & Ball, and Fine Paints of Europe. We'll help you select the perfect palette for your specific light conditions, furnishings, and architectural style — and provide large paint chips to test on your walls before committing.
What neighborhoods do you serve?+
We serve all five NYC boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island — covering 85+ neighborhoods. See our full neighborhoods page for the complete list. If you're in NYC, we're there.
Do you do commercial work?+
We focus primarily on residential — apartments, co-ops, condos, brownstones, and townhouses. We do take select small commercial projects (boutiques, offices under 3,000 SF) on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss your project.

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