When a Manhattan penthouse owner approved a $1.2M mechanical renovation — replacing all HVAC, plumbing, and electrical — the general contractor faced a critical challenge: protecting $3.8M worth of installed finishes from construction damage.
The Stakes
- Italian Calacatta marble in the foyer and master bath ($185/sqft installed)
- White oak herringbone parquet throughout living spaces ($65/sqft installed)
- Custom walnut millwork and built-in cabinetry ($450,000 total)
Our Protection Plan
We designed a comprehensive multi-layer protection system:
- Marble areas: Hard surface film + breathable protector + seam tape
- Hardwood areas: Breathable protector only (prevents moisture trapping)
- Millwork: Edge guards on all exposed corners and edges
- Elevator: Full cab protection for the private elevator
Results
After 4 months of heavy construction — jackhammering, pipe threading, duct installation — all original finishes emerged in perfect condition. Zero damage claims. The total protection cost was $12,000 — less than 1% of the finish material value it protected.
