Whole-Home Remodeling in Katonah, NY

Westchester Whole-Home Remodeling Service Serving Katonah

Complete renovations of Katonah homes, including houses in the historic district, with Bedford permits and Historic District Review Commission filings handled by Guardian.

A Hamlet That Was Moved

Katonah has an unusual history. When New York City built a reservoir in the 1890s, the old village was condemned, and around 55 buildings were rolled to the new site on soaped rails. The new village followed a plan associated with the Olmsted firm. Many of those houses, and many built soon after, are what Katonah homeowners are renovating today.

Renovating them well means respecting what is already there: old framing, plaster, trim profiles and porches that give the streets their character.

Exterior Work Under Review

The siding and wood front entry doors in this photo are Guardian work. In the Katonah Historic District, a siding change like this needs a Certificate of Approval from the Historic District Review Commission, which holds a public hearing. Roofing and paint are excluded from that review.

We prepare the drawings and material samples the Commission needs and build the hearing into the schedule.

Inside an Older Katonah House

Kitchens opened up without losing the house’s original character
Bathrooms rebuilt, with new plumbing run by licensed subcontractors
Wiring updated, which old houses often need
Floors repaired or replaced, and trim matched where it can be
Insulation added where walls are opened

Bedford Permits

The Town of Bedford Building Department, at 425 Cherry Street, asks on its application whether the house is in a historic district, near wetlands or on a particular road. Plans for work over $20,000 or any structural change must be sealed. We file the application, coordinate any Commission approval and meet the inspectors at each stage.

Guardian Remodeling Corp

Since 1980, five brothers and our father have built Guardian into a full-service remodeling company. We hold Westchester County HIC #WC-38383-H24, carry insurance and give a one-year workmanship warranty. Payment by check, credit card, Zelle or cash, and HFS Financial financing is available.

Katonah Whole-Home Remodeling FAQs

Where are permits filed for a Katonah house?

Katonah is a hamlet in the Town of Bedford, so permits go to the Bedford Building Department at 425 Cherry Street in Bedford Hills. The application asks whether the property is in a historic district.

Does the Katonah historic district cover siding?

Yes. In the Katonah Historic District, major exterior changes need a Certificate of Approval from the Historic District Review Commission after a public hearing. Siding is included; roofing and paint are excluded.

Do I need an architect?

Bedford requires sealed plans for work over $20,000 or any structural work, which covers most whole-home renovations. We have several architects we can recommend depending on the house.

Why are some Katonah houses older than the hamlet's current site?

In the 1890s, New York City’s reservoir project condemned the original village, and about 55 buildings were moved to the present site on rails. Some of those houses still stand.

More Guardian pages for Katonah and nearby.

Plan a Katonah Renovation

Call 914-912-0385 or send the form, and tell us if the house is in the historic district. Read our Google Reviews.

Guardian Remodeling Corp · 143 Lake Shore Dr W, Carmel, NY 10512 · 914-912-0385 · Frank@guardianremodelingcorp.com