Awards

What Our Clients Are Saying

House Colorful

“Rusk Renovations served as the GC on our 7400 sq ft renovation on our home on the UES in Manhattan. After working with several high-end GCs over the years, Rusk sets the gold standard. Smart, responsive, and totally professional–the Rusk team are truly craftsmen. It starts with John Rusk, but the project manager and the site super were equally fantastic and we had very few bumps in the road (and for a project this size, that’s very rare, particularly for an older building). The ultimate product is fantastic and the continuing support and service has been strong. I do feel that the original estimate on timing of completion was somewhat unrealistic, but as anyone who has done a renovation in New York City knows, it always takes more time than one expects.

A few other details:

1. The apartment was very clean throughout demolition and the renovation. 
2. The subs Rusk used were very good.
3. They always worked with me to keep costs low.
4. Great at problem solving.
5. Rarely missed weekly walk-throughs.
6. Kept me abreast of all problems as they arose.”

“We found Rusk’s work top of the top, detail to the extreme. They were both on time and on budget for our apartment remodel with an LA based architect/designer. We would hire them again without hesitation. Compared to other contractors we have used in the past, they are the best.”

Patina

“In our experience, the Rusk Renovations organization, people and processes are a reflection of its Principal, John Rusk. Rusk and team completed an apartment combination and renovation for our family in Manhattan. They are honest, meticulous with details and have extremely high standards of craftsmanship. John is always involved and adds value at every iteration. Rusk provides bespoke service alongside detailed planning which resulted in exceeding our high expectations on both schedule and budget. Additionally, the team is very experienced with all phases (zoning, building boards, permitting) and trades that are required for a large scale renovation. Additionally, we found out during our work that the subcontractors put their best talent on Rusk projects. We would use them again in a flash.”

Chelsea Loft

“We did a gut renovation of an apartment in a pre-war New York building, and Rusk Renovations was our general contractor. They did an outstanding job! We had very sophisticated and exacting architects, and Rusk executed their design, with its many challenging details, superbly. The Rusk team met with us regularly to anticipate and resolves issues quickly and ensure good communications. They worked well with everyone, fostered cooperation across the project, and delivered a very high quality product on budget. We were very pleased with our experience.”

Anonymous

“Rusk was an incredible partner in our construction project, which consisted of 5 floors and about 30,000 square feet converting a warehouse space to an open modern office environment. The whole team was extraordinary. Their work was top quality but equally important they led us through the process with expertise, knowledge, contacts, and thoughtfulness. We could not have done this renovation without them. They will certainly be our partners in any additional work we do. Top management was with us the whole time and that meant a lot. I would recommend them to anyone seeking a best in class contractor.”

Ruder Finn

“We have renovated five homes and have a good basis for comparison. This job was a complete renovation from bare bones of a 1250 square feet two bedroom apartment. Rusk Renovations was a pleasure to work with in every stage. Our confidence in their professionalism, ability to come in on budget, deliver very high quality work on schedule increased almost daily. They were conscientious, very committed to understanding and meeting our needs and true to their word in every way. The ongoing dialog was very low stress and we are thrilled with the outcome. We would not have any reservation in recommending Rusk Renovations, based on our experience on this job with a $600,000 budget. We believe our architect had a similarly positive experience.”

Animal kitchen—Birch

“Rusk is the kind of service provider that makes one want to find a project for them to work on. Ours was on the smaller side of what they do–gut renovations of a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a powder room in a 2000 sq ft midtown penthouse–but from our initial meeting with John through to the very end, we have been treated like a special client. They worked extremely well with our building, our local project designer and cabinet maker as well as our long-time out of state designer and a second, non-local cabinetmaker. The quality of work was exemplary and dealing with all their workers a pleasure, even through the occasional small bump in the road. They also carried out small projects in the rest of the apartment that were not part of the major renovation but really added everyday convenience. What made me want to write this review, however, is that more than 2 years after the main renovation, Rusk was available for follow-up, not only with a few small fixes, whether or not they were related to earlier work, but also to support the installation of a closet by our cabinetmaker. Even the best professionals move on, but Rusk stands out as a company that gives a totally satisfactory experience and product and then goes a step beyond.”

Anonymous

“Rusk Renovations was the contractor for a large renovation combining two apartments on the UWS. They did a wonderful job. They were organized, responsive to all our requests, understand quality, completed the project on time, always found a solution to working out tricky details, and worked smoothly with the building management.”

Upper West Side Classic 6

“A complete joy to work with- Rusk firm is thoughtful, intelligent, generous, trustworthy, clean. Consummate professionals! Great problem solvers. Rusk helped to make this gut renovation a completely enjoyable experience.”

Anonymous

“We hired Rusk to completely renovate an Upper West Side pre-war apartment. The apartment had not been touched in a few decades and we completely redesigned it. Rusk’s work is nothing short of incredible – their service, craftsmanship, knowledge and attention to detail are second to none. Honestly – I would never use anyone else ever again! I cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Sandy’s Deadline

What Our Colleagues Are Saying

“Elskop Scholz’ work is always technically demanding. Our clients expect flawless process and execution and our reputation depends on it. Since the early days of their company, Rusk Renovations have delivered a seamless construction experience for a successful architecture project. Their formula involves outstanding communication with client and architect, speedy service, creative solutions to the unexpected challenges that arise in renovations, all while staying true to the architect’s vision and their client’s needs.”

Elskop Scholz

“As an interior designer I would highly recommend Rusk Renovations. Their professionalism and quality is exactly what you would seek for when working on high residential projects. They are incredibly responsive and aim to please and their attention to detail is fantastic!”

Scott Sanders LLC

“I worked with Rusk Renovations on the renovation of a pre-war apartment building in NYC. The project came in extremely close to the bid price (very few change orders other than design related changes) and on schedule. The project team was incredibly informed, skilled, enthusiastic, respectful, and a pleasure to work with. My project manager was a real problem solver, the site superintendent was a construction genius, and the carpenters were an amazing asset to the project. Their finish standards are very high, as high as I have ever experienced. John Rusk himself is wonderful with clients, building management, architects, and pretty much everyone because he listens to and respects the people he engages with, offers great advice, and really aspires to build a sense of team. He personally helped the project navigate some complicated situations. I also appreciate the ethos of his company: Rusk clearly values their employees and puts much energy into their training and advancement. They also put an effort into researching new technologies and methods, perfecting them, and then implementing that knowledge on projects. I can honestly say that my experience working with Rusk Renovations changed my expectations of the contractors that I have worked with subsequently. I highly recommend Rusk Renovations to anyone given the opportunity to work with them.”

Matthew Baird Architects

“We enjoyed each collaboration with Rusk Renovations on our projects. The attention to detail and willingness to work with everyone to achieve the projects goals are outstanding. It’s when Contractors and Architects work together well a project excels. We highly recommend Rusk Renovations.”

Haute Architecture

“This is the second project I’ve worked on as an Interior Designer with Rusk Renovations within the last 5 years. John Rusk is a very knowledgeable, smart, personable, experienced general contractor. He runs a first class company with smart, ambitious project managers, supers and tradesmen. The sub-contractors who did all the woodworking, plaster work, electric, etc. on this job supplied 1st class product. We had a very short work window and Rusk met the deadlines. Plus all the people he employs are available, good communicators, neat, clean, respectful as well as being very hardworking professionals.”

Ilene Wetson Art & Design, Inc.

“I worked with Rusk on the design and construction of the adaptive re-use of a century old warehouse on the east side of Manhattan. As the architect I was so pleased with the level of ingenuity and creativity they brought to the project. It was truly a team effort and the client was so happy with the results.  Looking forward to working with them again.”

Lynn Fritzlen Architect

“Rusk Renovations is an excellent company dedicated to the very best of craftsmanship and client care. They work hard to make sure they interface with the client, architect and sub-contractors to guarantee a high end delivery. John personally works on each project and his mastery of construction, details and the complexities of the process are very evident. This is an excellent company run by Mary and John that delivers everything you need to have a satisfied owner and a project to be proud of.”

George Ranalli Architect

“As a consultant I worked with hundreds of construction companies over the years. Without a doubt Rusk Renovation is one of the best. Their professionalism sets a new standard for the industry. There is nobody better at condos in Manhattan. They work well with architects and clients and create an amazing team so the client always gets exactly what they want on time and on budget, I highly recommend Rusk Renovations.”

Paul Sanneman