Kitchen Remodeling in Forest Hills, Queens
Forest Hills is one of the most architecturally distinctive neighborhoods in Queens. The Tudor-style homes of Forest Hills Gardens, the grand pre-war co-ops along Austin Street and Queens Boulevard, and the mix of attached brick homes throughout the neighborhood give Forest Hills a character you do not find anywhere else in the borough.
But character comes with remodeling complexity. Queens Kitchen Remodelling specializes in Forest Hills kitchen renovations — we understand the architecture, the co-op boards, and the expectations of Forest Hills homeowners.
Forest Hills Building Types and Kitchen Challenges
Forest Hills Gardens Tudor Homes
The landmarked Forest Hills Gardens is one of the most prestigious residential areas in Queens. The Tudor, Colonial Revival, and English Garden-style homes were built in the early 1900s by the Russell Sage Foundation. These homes have architectural significance — and renovation restrictions to match.
Kitchen considerations:
- Many kitchens are original or last renovated in the 1960s–1980s
- Homes are under Forest Hills Gardens Corporation oversight — exterior changes and some interior work require approval
- Plaster walls, hardwood flooring, and period details should be preserved or complemented
- Electrical systems often need full panel upgrades to support modern kitchen loads
- Gas line work requires careful planning around older piping
Our approach: We design kitchens that respect the home’s architectural character while delivering modern function. Shaker-style or inset cabinetry in classic finishes, natural stone or quartz countertops, and period-appropriate hardware choices.
Pre-War Co-ops on Austin Street and Queens Boulevard
The large co-op buildings along Austin Street, Continental Avenue, and Queens Boulevard are Forest Hills landmarks. Built in the 1920s through 1950s, these buildings feature generous apartment layouts but kitchens that were designed for a different era.
Common kitchen issues:
- Closed-off galley layouts separated from dining rooms by walls
- Original plaster and lath construction
- Radiator pipes running through kitchen walls and floors
- Limited counter space despite large apartment footprints
- Co-op boards with detailed renovation requirements
Common projects:
- Opening the kitchen to the dining or living area (requires structural assessment and DOB permit)
- Full gut renovation with modern layout
- Adding islands or peninsula counters where space allows
- Upgrading to quartz countertops from original tile or laminate
- Installing modern lighting to replace single overhead fixtures
Post-War and Newer Construction
Forest Hills also has post-war brick buildings, garden apartments, and some newer construction near the LIRR station area. These kitchens are more straightforward to renovate but still benefit from professional design and execution.
Kitchen Remodeling Costs in Forest Hills
Forest Hills tends toward higher-end renovations given the neighborhood’s demographics and housing values:
| Project Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic update (countertops, hardware, paint, lighting) | $15,000 – $28,000 |
| Mid-range remodel (new cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances) | $35,000 – $65,000 |
| Full gut renovation with layout changes | $65,000 – $100,000 |
| High-end renovation in Gardens home | $90,000 – $150,000 |
Forest Hills-specific factors:
- Forest Hills Gardens Corporation oversight may add review time for certain projects
- Larger apartment kitchens in pre-war co-ops mean more linear feet of cabinetry and countertop
- Homeowners in this neighborhood typically select mid-to-premium materials
- Co-op alteration deposits in Forest Hills buildings commonly range from $5,000 to $30,000
Working With Forest Hills Co-op Boards
Forest Hills co-op boards are thorough. They expect complete documentation and professional contractors. We provide:
- Full architectural drawings and scope of work
- Detailed construction schedule with daily activity descriptions
- All required insurance certificates with the building named as additionally insured
- Contractor references from previous Forest Hills projects
- A dedicated project manager who communicates with the board and super throughout
Buildings along Queens Boulevard, 108th Street, and the Austin Street corridor each have their own management companies and approval processes. We have experience with most of them and know what to expect.
What Makes Forest Hills Kitchens Different
Forest Hills homeowners tend to prioritize quality and longevity over trends. The kitchens we build here reflect that:
- Cabinetry: Semi-custom and fully custom with inset doors, soft-close everything, and classic finishes (white, navy, natural wood tones)
- Countertops: Quartz and natural stone dominate — marble for those who appreciate the aesthetic and accept the maintenance
- Layout: Open concepts are popular in co-op renovations, but many Gardens homeowners prefer defined kitchen spaces that complement the home’s period architecture
- Details: Crown molding, glass-front upper cabinets, brass or satin nickel hardware, under-cabinet lighting, and wine storage are common requests
Neighborhoods Within Forest Hills We Serve
- Forest Hills Gardens — Landmarked Tudor homes with unique renovation considerations
- Austin Street corridor — Commercial core with large pre-war co-ops above and adjacent
- Queens Boulevard co-ops — Grand pre-war buildings with spacious apartments
- Forest Hills South — Attached homes and smaller co-ops near Yellowstone Park
- Rego Park border — Transition area with mixed housing, more cost-effective renovations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have experience working in Forest Hills Gardens?
Yes. We have completed kitchen renovations in Forest Hills Gardens homes and understand the oversight requirements. We work within the Corporation’s guidelines and coordinate approvals as part of our process.
Can you open up my galley kitchen in a Forest Hills co-op?
In most cases, yes. Removing or modifying the wall between a galley kitchen and the adjacent room requires a structural engineering assessment and DOB permit. We handle both. Not all walls can be fully removed — some are load-bearing — but partial openings with headers are almost always possible.
What countertop material do you recommend for Forest Hills kitchens?
For most Forest Hills homeowners, we recommend quartz — it offers the widest range of looks (including convincing marble alternatives), requires zero maintenance, and holds up to heavy family use. For those who want the real thing, honed marble is a beautiful choice if you accept the patina it develops over time.
How long will my Forest Hills kitchen remodel take?
Plan for 3 – 5 months total: 2 – 6 weeks for co-op board approval, 2 – 4 weeks for permits, and 6 – 10 weeks for construction. For Gardens homes without co-op board requirements, the timeline is typically 2 – 3 months.
Start Your Forest Hills Kitchen Renovation
Call (347) 308-7637 for a free in-home consultation at your Forest Hills home or apartment. We will assess your kitchen, discuss design options that suit your building type, and provide a detailed fixed-price estimate.