The Heart of Home: A Legacy of Design and a Passion for Transformation

For Justin Schlenger, the founder of JSM Custom Remodels, a home is more than just a structure; it’s the canvas for life’s most cherished moments. It’s the quiet morning coffee in a sunlit kitchen, the laughter-filled gatherings in a welcoming living space, and the tranquil retreat of a perfectly designed bathroom. This profound understanding of a home’s emotional core isn’t just a business philosophy; it’s a legacy, a passion inherited and nurtured over a lifetime, beginning at the side of his grandmother, a revered interior designer whose career spanned an incredible sixty years.

Justin’s journey into the world of interior design and remodeling began in 2008, not in a classroom, but in the vibrant, creative world of his grandmother. She was a master of her craft, a visionary who could see beyond walls and floor plans to the soul of a space. For her, design wasn’t about fleeting trends; it was about creating timeless environments that reflected the unique stories of the people who inhabited them. From a young age, Justin was her shadow, absorbing every detail with wide-eyed fascination. He spent countless hours surrounded by fabric swatches, paint chips, and architectural drawings, learning the intricate dance of color, texture, and light.

Under her mentorship, he learned the foundational principles that would become the bedrock of his career. He knew that great design is a conversation, a collaborative process between designer and client. He watched her listen intently, not just to what her clients said they wanted, but to the unspoken desires for comfort, functionality, and beauty. She taught him that trust is the most valuable material in any project, earned through honesty, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He learned to appreciate the nuances of quality craftsmanship, to recognize the difference between a house and a home, and to understand that the most successful projects are those that feel deeply personal and authentic.

This immersive apprenticeship instilled in Justin a holistic view of the remodeling process. He saw firsthand that a brilliant design concept was only as good as its execution. The disconnect he often witnessed between designers and contractors fueled his desire to create a more integrated and seamless experience for homeowners. He envisioned a company where inspired design and meticulous construction were not separate entities, but two halves of a single, unified process. In 2015, this vision came to life with the founding of JSM Custom Remodels.

JSM Custom Remodels was built on the very principles his grandmother had championed: a client-centric approach, a deep respect for craftsmanship, and a passion for creating spaces with lasting beauty and function. Justin set out to bridge the gap in the industry, offering a comprehensive design-build service that guides clients from the first spark of an idea to the final, stunning reveal. His approach eliminates the stress and miscommunication that can often plague renovation projects, ensuring a single point of responsibility and a cohesive vision from start to finish.

Specializing in high-end residential renovations in the unique architectural landscape of New York City, Justin has carved a niche in transforming homes with a blend of modern sensibility and timeless appeal. He has a particular affinity for the city’s iconic pre-war apartments, respecting their inherent character while infusing them with contemporary functionality and style. He understands that a Manhattan renovation requires a specific skill set; a mastery of space planning, an innovative approach to storage, and an unwavering attention to detail.

At the heart of Justin’s work is a passion for transforming the most vital areas of a home: the kitchen and the bathroom. He believes these spaces are more than just utilitarian; they are sanctuaries. A custom kitchen, in his view, is the epicenter of family life, a place for connection and creation. He excels at designing kitchens that are not only beautiful but also intuitively functional, where every cabinet, countertop, and appliance is placed with purpose. Similarly, he approaches bathroom remodeling, intending to create a personal oasis, a space to decompress and rejuvenate. He masterfully combines luxurious materials, sophisticated lighting, and smart design to turn ordinary bathrooms into spa-like retreats.

What truly sets Justin apart is his genuine love for the process and the people he works with. Clients consistently describe him as more than a contractor; he is a trusted partner, a creative force, and a calming presence. He is personally invested in every project, ensuring that the client’s voice is heard and their vision is realized. His dedication is evident in the glowing reviews and the lasting relationships he builds, with many clients returning for subsequent projects and wholeheartedly recommending him to friends and family.

Justin Schlenger’s story is one of passion passed down through generations. It’s a story of a deep and abiding love for turning houses into homes. The legacy of his grandmother lives on in every meticulously planned layout, every perfectly executed detail, and every client’s joyful reaction to their newly transformed space. For Justin, the ultimate reward is not just in the beautiful result, but in the knowledge that he has created a backdrop for a lifetime of memories, continuing a family tradition of designing with heart, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the art of home.