Frequently Asked Questions

Many homeowners know they want to improve their space but aren't sure where to begin. Whether you're planning a full renovation or simply exploring ideas, we're happy to discuss your goals, answer questions, and help you determine the best next steps.

The best way to get started is to complete our Client Intake Form so we can learn more about your property, goals, budget, and timing.

We provide residential and commercial renovation services throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.

Our services include kitchens, bathrooms, carpentry, drywall, painting, flooring, tile, doors, trim, commercial build-outs, repairs, and general renovations.

If you're unsure whether your project is a good fit, we'd be happy to discuss it with you.

We primarily serve Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.

Depending on the size and scope of the project, we may also work in other areas of New York City. For projects outside our usual service area, email us at info@alphadognyc.com to discuss the location and scope.

Yes. We provide free estimates for most renovation and construction projects.

We almost always schedule an on-site visit so we can see the space, discuss your goals, take measurements, and better understand the scope of work. For very small or straightforward jobs, we may be able to prepare an estimate based on photographs and detailed information instead.

To get started, please complete our Client Intake Form and provide as much information as possible about your project, preferred timing, budget, and property. Photos, plans, inspiration images, and building requirements are also helpful.

An estimate provides a general idea of pricing based on the available information.

A proposal is a formal document that outlines the agreed scope of work, pricing, payment schedule, exclusions, and project terms. Once accepted and signed, it becomes the basis for your project.

Renovation costs vary widely depending on the size of the project, the condition of the existing space, material selections, and the complexity of the work.

During our estimate, we'll discuss your goals, priorities, and budget so we can recommend the best approach for your project.

Before purchasing a property that needs renovation, it's important to understand the potential scope of work, renovation costs, building requirements, and any limitations that may affect your plans.

Whenever possible, it's helpful to speak with an experienced renovation professional before closing so you can make a more informed decision and avoid unexpected surprises after purchase.

Choosing a contractor is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your renovation.

We recommend considering:

• Experience with similar projects

• Communication and responsiveness

• Licensing and insurance

• References and reviews

• Detailed written proposals

• Overall professionalism—not just the lowest price

The lowest estimate isn't always the best value. A well-planned project with clear communication often saves both time and money in the long run.

Yes. We’re happy to answer a few basic questions and offer limited guidance as part of the estimating and construction process.

For clients who need more extensive support, we’ll soon be offering paid design-assistance services. These may include:

• Layout ideas

• Finish selections

• Material recommendations

• Paint and color consultations

• Mood boards

• Shopping assistance

• Overall project planning

These services are intended for clients who want more help developing a cohesive, practical plan that suits their space, style, and budget.

We can answer basic questions and provide limited guidance related to the materials included in your project.

For more extensive help, we’ll soon be offering paid material-selection and design services. These may include guidance on:

• Tile

• Flooring

• Cabinetry

• Countertops

• Fixtures

• Hardware

• Paint

• Other finish materials

Recommendations can be based on your style, budget, maintenance needs, durability requirements, and overall project goals.

Color is an important part of how a space comes together. We can also help coordinate paint colors with flooring, tile, cabinetry, furnishings, lighting, and other finishes to create a palette that feels thoughtful and cohesive.

Absolutely.

We're happy to work alongside your architect, interior designer, engineer, or other professionals to help keep your project moving smoothly.

Our schedule varies throughout the year, but we are typically booked about two weeks in advance.

Once your proposal is approved and we receive your signed agreement and deposit, we reserve your place on our schedule.

If you have an emergency or need expedited scheduling, we may be able to accommodate your project for an additional expedited scheduling fee, depending on availability.

Your project start date is reserved once we receive:

• Your signed proposal

• The required deposit

Until both are received, we cannot guarantee scheduling availability.

After you submit our Client Intake Form, we'll review your project information and contact you to discuss the next steps.

Depending on your project, we may schedule a site visit before preparing your proposal.

Permit requirements depend on the type of work, your building's requirements, and New York City regulations.

During the estimating process, we'll discuss whether permits are likely to be required. Unless specifically stated in your proposal, permit fees and filing services are not included.

It depends on the size and scope of your renovation.

Many smaller projects allow homeowners to remain in the home, while larger renovations—especially kitchens or full apartment remodels—may require temporary relocation.

Some projects can also be scheduled while you're away on vacation, minimizing disruption to your daily life. We'll discuss the best approach during the planning process.

Depending on the scope of the project, we may be able to coordinate work around your business hours, scheduled closures, or vacations to help minimize disruption.

Email us at info@alphadognyc.com to discuss your business hours, planned closure, and opening deadline.

very kitchen is different.

A simple cosmetic update may take only a few weeks, while a full renovation involving plumbing, electrical work, cabinetry, inspections, and custom materials can take considerably longer.

We'll provide a realistic timeline based on your specific project. Building requirements, inspections, approved change orders, and material lead times can all affect scheduling.

A change order is a written agreement that modifies the original scope of work after your project has started.

Common reasons include:

• Adding additional work

• Changing materials or finishes

• Client-requested revisions

• Hidden conditions discovered during construction

We'll always discuss any changes with you and obtain approval before proceeding with additional work.

Changes happen, and we're happy to discuss them.

If your requested change affects the project scope, schedule, or cost, we'll prepare a written change order outlining the revised work before moving forward.

Renovation projects occasionally uncover conditions that couldn't be seen during the initial estimate, such as water damage, structural issues, outdated wiring, plumbing problems, or code-related concerns.

If this happens, we'll explain what we've found, discuss your options, and provide pricing for any additional work before proceeding.

Smaller projects may require a deposit followed by final payment upon completion.

Larger projects are typically billed in stages as work progresses. Progress billing allows payments to reflect completed work rather than waiting until the end of the project.

Our preferred payment method is Zelle. We also accept PayPal, Venmo, other electronic payment methods, and credit cards (processing fees may apply).

It depends on the project.

We'll let you know what should be removed before work begins. Protecting personal belongings and clearing the work area helps keep the project running efficiently.

In many cases, yes.

If you would like to supply certain materials or fixtures, we'll discuss whether they're appropriate for your project and how they may affect scheduling, warranties, or installation.

Communication is an important part of every project.

We'll keep you informed throughout the renovation, discuss any unexpected issues promptly, and work with you to keep your project moving as smoothly as possible.

Yes.

Alpha Dog Enterprises is fully licensed and insured in New York City.

We're happy to provide proof of insurance when required by your building or property manager.

Your project will be managed by Alpha Dog Enterprises under the leadership of Izzy, who has more than 25 years of construction experience in New York City.

We believe a successful renovation is built on planning, communication, craftsmanship, and trust.

Our goal isn't simply to complete your project—it's to make the renovation process as smooth, transparent, and stress-free as possible while delivering quality work we're proud to stand behind.

Yes. We complete renovations, repairs, build-outs, and improvements for restaurants, retail spaces, offices, and other commercial properties.

We understand that construction delays and extended closures can be extremely costly for a business. Alpha Dog has a proven track record of completing work around tight opening deadlines and coordinating projects around planned closures and operating schedules.

We’ll work with you to develop a realistic plan that minimizes downtime whenever possible.

• Complete our Client Intake Form on our website.

• Email us anytime at info@alphadognyc.com.

• Text us at (347) 201-0443 and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Alpha Dog was inspired by our rescue dogs, who remind us every day that loyalty, hard work, and taking care of your pack matter.

Those same values guide how we treat our clients and every project we take on.

Yes. Color selection is one of our strengths.

We’re happy to answer a few basic color questions as part of a renovation or painting estimate. For clients who need more extensive help, we’ll soon be offering paid paint and color consultation services.

We can help coordinate paint colors with your flooring, tile, cabinetry, furniture, lighting, and the overall feeling you want for the space. We stay informed about current color and interior trends, but we’ll focus on what works best for your property, personal style, and long-term goals.

Upon request, we can also order large peel-and-stick samples so you can view colors in the actual room and under different lighting conditions before making a final decision.

We’re happy to work with any paint brand you prefer, and clients may also supply their own paint when agreed upon in advance.

Our preferred brand is Sherwin-Williams. Our crew likes the way its paint formulations handle and perform, and Sherwin-Williams provides us with strong product and color support.

They offer a wide range of coatings for different applications. For high-traffic hallways, commercial spaces, and other surfaces that receive frequent contact, we may recommend a more durable product such as Scuff Tuff, depending on the surface and project needs.

We’ll always recommend the product and finish that make the most sense for the specific room, surface, and level of use.

Yes. Sherwin-Williams can create a highly accurate match from an existing painted surface or physical sample.

The color can be matched very closely, but the paint formulation and finish may not be exactly the same as the original product. Because of that, there may still be a slight visible difference, especially with small touch-ups.

Yes. Sherwin-Williams has matches for many colors from brands such as Benjamin Moore and Farrow & Ball, as well as Pantone colors.

The color can be matched very closely, but the Sherwin-Williams paint formulation and finish may differ from the original product.