Carpentry · NYC & Long Island
Interior carpentry contractor in NYC and Long Island
Framing, partitions, soffits, ceilings, doors, and trim for commercial and residential interiors. Elite’s carpenters work on the same schedule as every other trade on your job.
- Commercial and residential
- One foreman for every trade
- $2M liability + $5M umbrella
- NYC & Long Island
In short: Interior carpentry covers the framing and finish work that shapes a space: partitions, soffits, ceilings, doors, and trim. In NYC, how much wall you can remove without a permit is set by 1 RCNY 101-14, and any load-bearing or fire-rated wall needs a DOB permit. Elite quotes every job after a free site walk. Elite works across New York City and Long Island, where permits and licensing follow town and county rules.
NYC wall rules
What you can change without a permit
The Department of Buildings sets clear limits on partition work. These are the ones that come up most.
Homes: a small opening only
In residential (Group R) spaces, you can permanently remove a non-load-bearing, non-fire-rated partition up to 50% of the wall or 45 square feet, whichever is less, without a permit (not in certain special districts or SROs).
Offices and stores: 50 linear feet
In Group B, M, and S-1 spaces in Type I or II buildings, up to 50 linear feet of non-load-bearing, non-fire-rated partitions can be removed without a permit.
Structural or fire-rated work needs a permit
Cutting load-bearing or fire-rated walls, floors, or roofs, or altering beams and structural supports, requires a DOB permit.
Exits are protected
Removing, changing, or closing a required exit always needs a permit.
45 sq ft
Most partition you can permanently remove in a residence without a permit, or 50% of the wall if less.
Source: NYC DOB, 1 RCNY 101-14
50 linear ft
Partition removal allowed without a permit in Group B, M, and S-1 spaces in Type I or II buildings.
Source: NYC DOB, 1 RCNY 101-14
Always a permit
For load-bearing or fire-rated walls, structural supports, and required exits.
Source: NYC DOB, Do I need a permit?
Pricing
How we price carpentry
Elite does not publish prices. Material and labor costs change often, so every job is quoted after a free site walk. These factors move the price most.
| Price factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Scope of framing | New walls, rooms, soffits, and ceilings. |
| Doors and hardware | Number and type of doors, frames, and hardware. |
| Trim and detail | Base, casing, crown, coffers, and panel work. |
| Permits | Work beyond the 1 RCNY 101-14 limits needs a filing. |
| Building rules | Work hours and access affect the schedule. |
What’s included
Rough and finish carpentry
Framing and partitions
New walls, offices, and rooms framed to your layout.
Soffits and ceilings
Soffits, bulkheads, and coffered ceilings.
Doors and frames
Interior doors, frames, and hardware installed and adjusted.
Trim and moldings
Base, casing, crown, and panel details.
Blocking and backing
Backing for TVs, shelving, and fixtures set before the walls close.
How it works
How carpentry fits into your project
- Site walkWe check walls, ceilings, and what is load-bearing or fire-rated.
- Line-item estimateA written estimate by trade.
- Permits if neededWork beyond the 1 RCNY 101-14 limits is planned with a filing before demo.
- Frame and finishFraming, then sheetrock, then trim, on one schedule.
- Punch listWe walk the work with you and close every item.
FAQ
Common carpentry questions
Can I remove a wall in my apartment without a permit?
Only within limits. In a residence, 1 RCNY 101-14 allows permanent removal of a non-load-bearing, non-fire-rated partition up to 50% of the wall or 45 square feet, whichever is less. Load-bearing or fire-rated walls always need a permit, and co-ops usually need board approval. See the full wall-removal rules.
How do I know if a wall is load-bearing?
You need someone qualified to check the structure and drawings before any wall is opened. Treat every wall as load-bearing until it is confirmed otherwise.
How much does carpentry cost?
It depends on scope, doors, trim, and building rules, and costs change often. Call (845) 721-2515 or book a free site walk for a quote.
Do you do finish carpentry and trim?
Yes: doors, frames, base, casing, crown, and panel details.
Free site walk & estimate
Moving walls or adding rooms? Let’s walk it.
Call for a quote, or request a free site walk and a written, line-item estimate.