Testimonials
“We gave them 4 stars for affordability just because it is possible to find cheaper contractors in absolute terms, but Nest’s quality and reliability deserve 6.”
Nest did a total renovation of most of our house in NYC, down to the studs and subfloors, including electrical and a new staircase. This was our 3rd project with them.
They worked 6 days a week for 4 months and took great care with every little detail. One example: they counted the number of sandpaper passes to the edges of the new stairs so that they would be smooth enough to go up and down barefoot but still provide enough traction.
They kept to the original deadline even as we faced the materials shortages of 2021 and the unexpected things one invariably finds when opening walls in an old house.
We gave them 4 stars for affordability just because it is possible to find cheaper contractors in absolute terms, but Nest’s quality and reliability deserve 6.
The whole team is a pleasure to work with: they are polite, reliable, careful, and clean.
We felt that they were invested in our house and the improvements they were doing.
“The final product that we have been left with is nothing short of breathtaking. It is exactly what we wanted in a kitchen and far more beautiful than anything we could have imagined. It has completely changed the character of our apartment and has given us the functionality we have always dreamed of.”
For the past year we have been carefully planning a renovation of our kitchen. After a thorough vetting process we decided to go with Nest after they pitched us their design ideas. We couldn’t feel more fortunate that we did.
Renovations in the current climate are extremely fraught. Community and city rules can be draconian and supply chain issues can snarl the best laid plans. Through it all the incredible staff at Nest performed above and beyond. We worked with Steve initially who walked us through the design phase and helped us navigate the gauntlet of approvals and permits we needed to move forward.
At every turn Steve and Mimoza received our ideas with thoughtful consideration and an open mind. The design we landed on perfectly combined our needs and wants with their beautiful aesthetic. Once we were able to move forward with the project, we worked with Mike who was exceptional. He guided the project with a steady hand and an eye towards the small details. No concern or issue was too small and Mike took it upon himself to ensure that quality was maintained at every turn. I cannot stress enough how impressed I was with Mike, Flavio and their team. Not only did they work tirelessly to solve every issue we experienced, but did so we a kindness and patience that was truly appreciated. When issues came up they were quick to report them and we were able to put our heads together to arrive at solutions that worked for all parties involved.
Additionally, we have two small children which further complicated the renovation process. However, the team at Nest were beyond respectful of the needs of our family. To be able to juggle our needs as well as the logistical difficulties of every team that needed access to our kitchen showed a level of communication and organization that should not be glossed over.
The final product that we have been left with is nothing short of breathtaking. It is exactly what we wanted in a kitchen and far more beautiful than anything we could have imagined. It has completely changed the character of our apartment and has given us the functionality we have always dreamed of. I cannot recommend Nest enough for your future home improvement project.
“Steve was easy to work with, responsive, communicative, and really understood me and what I was looking for.”
The team worked tirelessly until we achieved perfection and I am in love with my new kitchen. Steve was easy to work with, responsive, communicative, and really understood me and what I was looking for. I can’t wait for us to work on the other projects in my house!
“The entire team is professional and caring, and is always focused on delivering a product that we will be happy with for 20+ years.”
We can’t speak highly enough about the Nest team. Their attention to detail and unwavering dedication to providing the best final product is rare in New York City. The entire team is professional and caring, and is always focused on delivering a product that we will be happy with for 20+ years. They never once took a short cut or skimped on quality even with the difficulties the industry is facing obtaining supplies and labor. Nest is hands down the best partner for a project that anyone could ask for!!
“Working with the Nest them was about the easiest thing I’ve ever had to do. From the start of the project, they were responsive, enthusiastic, timely, communicative, excitable, and solution-oriented.”
I was never worried about any issues that may arise because they were on top of it. The ideas they brought to the table made my home beautiful and they transformed my space into something I don’t think I could have ever envisioned by myself. The entire team showed up on time every single day and were beyond kind to both me and my dog! They always had a smile on their face, were clean, and helped me move everything around my house (since I lived there during the renovation). The entire process was seamless and even with Covid delays, they made sure to keep me in the loop on any timing changes, any issues, etc and were always available to answer my questions.
“The project was completed on budget and earlier than we had planned —what more could we have asked for? This was our first time we worked with a contractor, and we are so lucky that we worked with such a great team. Couldn’t recommend them enough!”
From defining the project scope to getting the (onerous!) amount of paperwork AND the board approval of our project, Steve’s positive and professional attitude made all the difference. The project, once started, was done with utmost professionalism and care. Everybody on the project team, without a single exception, demonstrated the same level of care to our apartment. They really worked to make sure that we were happy with the choices we were making (not to mention patient!) and that we were happy with the results. The project was completed on budget and earlier than we had planned —what more could we have asked for? This was our first time we worked with a contractor, and we are so lucky that we worked with such a great team. Couldn’t recommend them enough!
“The best there is! Steve, Ben and team have a tight ship that is executed flawlessly.”
I’m a designer and only use them for my projects. You’ll be happy you hired these pros.
“Their whole team is pleasant/positive and was enjoyable having them around in your home setting. Trustworthy group.”
The Nest team is professional, responsive, and did high quality work in our apartment. They took on a renovation of our apartment, which included: powder room reno, full bathroom reno, bedroom reno (closed off a door, new closet creation). The crews are managed efficiently by Mike and they handled our apartment with great care. Steve has a good vision and was very helpful with some of the aesthetic choices and functionality required. Their whole team is pleasant/positive and was enjoyable having them around in your home setting. Trustworthy group. When we had questions and follow-ups at the end of the project, Steve, Mike and team were very responsive and helpful. We would love to work with them again.
“Steve and his team and associates were responsive, informative, resourceful and pragmatic, while also being upbeat and attentive to aesthetic details we wouldn’t even have noticed. And crucially, the project was done on time, on budget and so professionally that neighbors said the disruption was minimal.”
Nest Inc. transformed our aged, awkward kitchen into a highlight of our apartment, making a modest-sized and tricky space into a truly functional and beautiful room that integrates both kitchen and work-at-home areas. As new homeowners, we realized we’d need a contracting company that could not only do the construction but could guide us through design choices and the complexities of doing work in an NYC pre-war co-op.
“They are insightful, dedicated and some of the most skilled construction and interior design professionals around. Nest is simply the best and we would recommend them to anyone considering renovations here in NYC.”
When it comes to home renovations in NYC there is simply no better choice than Nest. Steve, Ben and their entire team (especially Mike T) went above and beyond to provide the most exceptional, timely and professional home remodeling experience we could have ever dreamed.
From the beginning you feel like family with Nest, and after this experience my wife and I (and our two-year old son) consider them to be exactly that, part of our family. By the end of our project our little one would literally run up to the guys jumping into their arms for hugs, knowing everyone’s names by heart.
At the end of last year we set out to completely gut renovate our pre-war two-bed two-bath apartment and the end result far and away exceeded any expectation we could have imagined. This was no easy job with multiple stages, involving architects, plumbing, electric, sound proofing, lighting, kitchen, bath, floor, you name it.
Literally every inch of our apartment was designed and built by them. Not only did they finish our project on time and within our budget, but Steve and Ben guided us through the entire process from beginning to end. They are insightful, dedicated and some of the most skilled construction and interior design professionals around. Nest is simply the best and we would recommend them to anyone considering renovations here in NYC.
“We’ve received nothing but compliments on our space and are extremely happy with the high quality workmanship and sheer beauty of our new rooms.”
I enthusiastically recommend Steve Friedson and his team at Nest Inc. Fine Interior Contracting for any remodeling or construction needs. We had the pleasure of working with Steve on a recent project and his work was outstanding. He and his team paid close attention to detail and frequently gave us ideas on how to handle a tricky issue.
Most importantly Steve is warm, friendly and an all-around great person. We had a major problem pop up right in the middle of our remodel unrelated to Steve’s project and not only did he help us solve the problem, he even comforted me because I was so upset! This despite the fact that he was about to lose time and possibly money given this new issue but he set that aside and worked with us to come to a solution
We’ve received nothing but compliments on our space and are extremely happy with the high quality workmanship and sheer beauty of our new rooms. Work with Steve – you won’t be disappointed.
“Ultimate gauge of performance? We just hired Nest for another 6wk kitchen project this month!”
“Steve and the Nest team undertook and excelled at a major, 8-wk renovation project in our 2bed/2bath condo in lower Manhattan.
Estimated Scope:
- Gut reno of master bath with custom cabinetry
- Counter and lighting refurb in 2nd bath
- Revamp all wood floors
- Custom carpentry and storage around HVAC units in 3 rooms
- Embedded ceiling lighting, requiring dropping full ceiling
- Additional (replace all baseboard moldings, full apt paint, drywall repairs, rerfurb dimmers, etc.)
Communication and Timeliness: A
- Nest team is incredibly communicative
- Generally on target with ~8wk schedule and sensitive to our moving back
- Exceptions were tracked/explained (ie – a rare fixture sourced from UK)
- Decision explained by cost-benefit vs aesthetics, with recommendation
- Painstakingly detail focused and always available for help after the job for any unanticipated adjustments
Cost/Value: “A”
- Compared several providers, with Nest being in the upper half of the bids
- Quality, workmanship. peace of mind well worth the cost
- Design recommendations: included without hard sell
Ultimate gauge of performance? We just hired Nest for another 6wk kitchen project this month!”
“The work they did was super high quality and they actually finished AHEAD of schedule.”
“We did a big project with Nest—three bathroom renovations, mudroom renovation, and new moldings and painting throughout the house. The work they did was super high quality and they actually finished AHEAD of schedule. They kept the job site super clean and tidy throughout and the communication was excellent. It was a friction-free process and we’re so pleased with the results. Very highly recommend!”
“I can’t say enough good things about Mike and on-site team – they were knowledgeable, very detailed-orientated and went above and beyond.”
“Nest worked with us on a backyard renovation in Brooklyn, NY where they created a beautiful deck juxtaposed with Bluestone pavers, constructed a sturdy awning, and gave us a contemporary horizontal fencing around the yard. They were very communicative and collaborative throughout the process from beginning to end and it was a pleasure working with Steve and Ben. I can’t say enough good things about Mike and on-site team – they were knowledgeable, very detailed-orientated and went above and beyond. Our backyard was a jungle and they turned it into an oasis that my family can now enjoy. I would work with Nest again for any of my future home renovations.”
“They made it super easy, communicating with us often, staying within budget, and offering us advice on things we hadn’t thought of. Most of all, their work is beautiful.”
“Steve and the Nest team were amazing to work with. I have low tolerance for managing home improvement projects and they made it super easy, communicating with us often, staying within budget, and offering us advice on things we hadn’t thought of. Most of all, their work is beautiful. We went with Nest because of their attention to detail and they really delivered.”
“Steve and his team at Nest approached the job with thoroughness and professionalism that never left me in doubt that we would get the laundry room we wanted.”
“Our co-op hired Nest to upgrade a very grungy, common laundry room in our basement. The existing room was never well built, riddled with years of quick fixes, and in violation of many building codes. The building infrastructure serving the room (water, electric, gas) were also in very bad shape. Steve and his team at Nest approached the job with thoroughness and professionalism that never left me in doubt that we would get the laundry room we wanted. It took a while, but most of the time was spent dealing with City red tape—which Steve’s team also dealt with well. When issues arose, Nest always had a proposed solution. I highly recommend them.”
“I highly encourage you to consider Steve for your renovation needs! His positivity and honesty are a breath of fresh air.”
“I have worked with and known Steve for over 1 year—he has been a great partner to me and my company (our companies work together on residential construction projects). His enthusiasm is unparalleled. I highly encourage you to consider Steve for your renovation needs! His positivity and honesty are a breath of fresh air.”
“Owner Steve Friedson and his team brought qualities that we highly prize.”
We used Nestinc.NYC to upgrade our living space and gut renovate the kitchen on the upper east side. Owner Steve Friedson and his team brought qualities that we highly prize.
As first-time NYC apartment renovators, we sought out a team who would respect our ideas and input, act with the utmost professionalism in our building, and would be flexible as our ideas evolved. Steve was great. He always listened to our ideas and, with a good design eye, made suggestions that were spot on. His team always arrived on time and cleaned up before they left every day. In fact, one of the handymen remarked without prompting how polite and clean Steve’s team was.
We had many changes along the way and Steve’s team was always flexible. As an example, the kitchen configuration was problematic, limiting the size of appliances. However, we had our heart set on a large oven and, somehow, Steve’s team made it work. In another example, we asked Steve to retrofit a corner wall of bookshelves rather than build new ones. They did a wonderful job.
I would happily recommend Steve and his team for any renovation project!
“Everyone at Nest takes a lot of pride in the quality of their work—Mike, the foreman, told me more than once that he couldn’t live with a less than perfect result—and the result is so fantastic.”
“Steve and his team helped me realize the kitchen and bathroom I’d been dreaming about for years. They were enthusiastic partners in the decision-making process, and were almost as thrilled as I was when my choices came together.
I had to travel for work the day the demolition started. Nest was fantastic at keeping me up to date when I was away, working through issues that arose on calls, explaining everything that was going on and how it was going. The renovation was not quite done when COVID hit, but as soon as they could, they came back and finished safely. Everyone at Nest takes a lot of pride in the quality of their work—Mike, the foreman, told me more than once that he couldn’t live with a less than perfect result—and the result is so fantastic. If I have to be stuck in my apartment during quarantine, I’m glad I’m stuck in one Nest renovated!”
“I always go with Steve because of the quality, professionalism, and genuine care that he dedicates to every project.”
“Steve is wonderful. My husband and I have renovated multiple apartments, and there is no contractor who I trust more than Steve. I think at times he is very very slightly more expensive than other contractors, but ultimately in my own home I always go with Steve because of the quality, professionalism, and genuine care that he dedicates to every project. He is worth it. Also, he is a genuinely good person. He cares about you and your happiness. If he tells you it will be done within a set time frame he will meet the deadline. At one point in my last renovation there were heavy materials that needed to have delivered and Steve allowed me to deliver them all to his own home so that we didn’t have to deal with moving them. That’s just the kind of guy that he is.
In terms of design, Steve is wonderful. He has a great sense of style but he totally accommodates your own personal ideas and suggestions while meeting practical needs and budget. He has my very highest recommendation.
Best of luck with your renovation!”
“From the get-go, we had a really good feeling about Steve.”
He was immediately communicative and friendly— like a guy you’d want to hang out with. The last thing we wanted was a contractor who we couldn’t get ahold of — with Steve, we knew we’d be eliminating that variable. Steve presented a couple of solid design layouts for our kitchen, and together we whittled them down to the one that made the most sense. He encouraged us to take design risks—extending a wall of cabinets a bit farther than we originally thought possible—and was supportive of our choices for finishes, fixtures, and overall look. Throughout the process, he was clear about how various requests would change or add scope, and was continually in touch with us with updates.
Steve was also patient with us as we worked to get condo board approval (a real pain). Once the process finally started, he and his crew were great. They tried to make the process as least disruptive as possible, they did the work quickly, and they proved obsessive about details. You can tell that he stands by his work —he favors quality and things that are done right. (To that end, he got us a great price on real wood cabinets, and discouraged us from cheaping out.)
As construction went on, Steve would be continually checking in to make sure everything looked in order. He also helped achieve some design solutions for tricky things, including a last-minute revision to the original layout (not a huge deal), a challenging desk area with a wood top, and lighting on a particularly weird ceiling. Overall, we’re thrilled with the results and we plan on hiring Steve to do our bathroom renovation down the line.
“Steve’s honesty was refreshing, we made no mistake in choosing Nest Inc.”
We hired Steve Friedson and the Nest Inc. team to redesign, build our kitchen, two bath-rooms, and our living room/media center. Not being adept at construction, we figured it should take 5-6 weeks. A few other contractors that we interviewed, but did not hire, indicated “it was doable”. Steve gently pulled us out of the dream world that other contractors encouraged us to remain within, and fully explained the extent of the work we desired, the NYC permitting process, and the reality that what we wanted would most likely take eight to ten weeks to complete – with us still living in our condo. Steve’s honesty was refreshing, we made no mistake in choosing Nest Inc. The completion of the work took a little over eight weeks.
Steve’s crews cleaned up after themselves each and every day, so we could live in our home during the work. The results were spectacular, to say the least!
Steve designed the fixtures and cabinetry to “soften” the contemporary and give my wife the old world bath feel she wanted. I actually like the traditional touches. The living room & media center is a palace of high tech and comfort that somehow blends the comfort of a family’s common living area with the feel and sound of a performance hall – all at the flick of a few switches and using some very creative tablet apps to control everything.
We had been warned about cost overruns from a neighbor who had experienced a budget nightmare when he redesigned his condo. He did NOT recommend his contractor, and was astonished when we informed him that Steve completed our projects within 8% of our initial estimates. AMAZING!!! We are now considering a complete renovation of our summer cottage up in Orange County. We are getting only one bid for that project … and it will be from Nest Inc. We could not be more pleased with this company and with Steve Friedson.
“From beginning to end, Steve was extremely professional, personable, responsive, honest and committed to completing our project on time and within budget.”
Steve and his team recently completed a variety of projects in our new condo including building closet, installing a new kitchen, pantry, new closet doors, all new drywall, re-framing and painting. From beginning to end, Steve was extremely professional, personable, responsive, honest and committed to completing our project on time and within budget. He was quick to notify us of any potential changes in the work plan cost and always provided helpful options and suggestions as we made our decisions. During construction, Steve and his team were very respectful of our space always leaving the work area tidy and clean as we were living through the project with 2 small children. If you are looking for a contractor who is committed to providing excellent service and quality work product, I would highly recommend using Steve!
“Resolved with smart and efficient solutions; fraction the cost of other GC’s.”
Having Steve and Ben on your side, there is no need to worry. I thought I needed to replace the entire showroom ceiling because it was caving down – but these guys devised the solution to prop up the ceiling instead and repair the faulty suspensions. Resolved with smart and efficient solutions; fraction the cost of other GC’s.
“I love his attention to detail and could not be happier with the finished product! I think I may be cured of my PCSD (Post Contractor Stress Disorder) as long as I continue to work with Steve on future projects.”
As a single woman, I have been traumatized by unscrupulous contractors many times in my 20 years of homeownership. Working with Steve and his team on my deck project was like therapy! Because of my previous experiences, I took my time and had several meetings with Steve before deciding to work with him. He was extremely patient with me, answered my questions, provided design suggestions and resources, and is incredibly responsive via text. I love his attention to detail and could not be happier with the finished product! I think I may be cured of my PCSD (Post Contractor Stress Disorder) as long as I continue to work with Steve on future projects.
“Come back and I’ll have tons of clients for you here !”
When are you coming back to Paris !!!!! Zut ! I can’t find a Nest Inc. over here !
Come back and I’ll have tons of clients for you here ! Or set up a French Nest Inc. Paris office s’il vous plait !!!
“Their team of workers was always professional and communicative. Unlike other contractors they were there to get the job done.”
Steve and his team were responsive and got to work right away. They always showed up and were willing to talk through difficult hurdles in the way of getting the project done. Their team of workers was always professional and communicative. Unlike other contractors they were there to get the job done.
We had a difficult situation with a few unforseen problems. Steve’s guys were really responsive and helpful when the time arose. They were accommodating and did their best to alleviate the issue at hand. One such problem was a previous, persistent leak. We remedied the problem only by putting our heads together and doing a bit of process of elimination. It took patience, time, and persistence but we were glad to have them on our side”
“He is extremely collaborative, helpful and dedicated to providing the highest standard of work.”
We have had a great relationship with Steve since the first day he came to provide an estimate on our apt renovation. He is extremely collaborative, helpful and dedicated to providing the highest standard of work. Even once his team had completed the work in our apartment I felt like i could call him when we needed minor fixes on our crown molding and closet door more than a year later. He came and provided repairs quickly. His dedication to his relationships with his clients is really admirable, so much so that we’ve always felt like we were doing business with a friend. I would highly recommend working with him.
“He was quick to notify us of any potential changes in the work plan cost and always provided helpful options and suggestions as we made our decisions. “
Steve and his team recently completed a variety of projects in our new condo including painting, building closet shelves, building and installing sliding pantry shelves and installing new closet doors involving drywall re-framing and painting.
From beginning to end, Steve was extremely professional, personable, responsive, honest and committed to completing our project on time and within budget. He was quick to notify us of any potential changes in the work plan cost and always provided helpful options and suggestions as we made our decisions.
During construction, Steve and his team were very respectful of our space always leaving the work area tidy and clean as we were living through the project with 2 small children. If you are looking for a contractor who is committed to providing excellent service and quality work product, I would highly recommend using Steve.
“The quality was superb—and we are perfectionists ourselves.”
Steve’s professional, fair, and detail-oriented. He delivered the completed work earlier than planned! The quality was superb—and we are perfectionists ourselves. I cannot recommend his services enough.
“He’s not happy until it’s absolutely perfect.”
Steve’s a perfectionist. He’s not happy until it’s absolutely perfect. That’s the person I want to work on my home!
“Steve and his men literally saved my home in Long Beach after Hurricane Sandy.”
Steve and his men literally saved my home in Long Beach after Hurricane Sandy. From my heart, thank you.
