Upper West Side Galley Kitchen Renovation

The challenge

The homeowners had lived with a dim, cramped galley kitchen for years — limited counter space, outdated cabinets, and lighting that made the room feel smaller than it was. This Upper West Side galley kitchen renovation had to stay on existing plumbing and gas: typical of a pre-war co-op, wet-over-dry rules and riser locations locked the sink and range. The building restricted work to weekday hours with elevator reservations for deliveries, requiring tight sequencing from demolition through cabinet install. Board approval took six weeks; the project could not afford loose scheduling or a contractor unfamiliar with co-op alteration agreements. The honest scope was a same-layout NYC galley kitchen: maximize storage and light inside the aisle the board would approve, not a dream layout over the neighbor's bedroom.

Scope of work

• Full kitchen demolition per co-op alteration agreement
• Custom white cabinetry with pull-out pantry systems
• Quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash
• Recessed and under-cabinet LED lighting
• Updated plumbing and electrical within existing locations
• New appliance package — refrigerator, range, dishwasher
• NYC DOB permits, inspections, and sign-off
• Floor and elevator protection throughout construction

Timeline

Approximately 4 months (board approval through completion)

• Co-op board approval6 weeks
• Permits and material lead time2 weeks
• Construction8 weeks

The outcome

The finished galley kitchen renovation delivers bright white cabinetry, quartz countertops, recessed and under-cabinet lighting, and a new appliance package — all within the original footprint. Pull-out pantry systems and shallow-depth uppers maximized storage without widening the aisle. Permits closed on schedule and the board completed its review. Photos on this page are the finished kitchen; the sink and range sit where the stacks already were.

Board and building notes

• Complete contractor packet before demolition — licenses, insurance naming the building, written scope.
• Wet-over-dry rules locked the sink and range; we did not chase a layout the board would reject.
• Weekday work hours only, with elevator reservations for cabinetry and stone.
• About six weeks of board review, then eight weeks on site after materials landed.