Sullivan Blake Remodeling in Baltimore: Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation with In-House Design

Sullivan Blake Remodeling is a full-service residential remodeling contractor operating in Baltimore since 2006, specializing in kitchen and bathroom projects with in-house architectural design. The firm handles projects from $25,000 to $250,000 and manages the full scope: permitting, structural work, custom cabinetry ordering, and final finish, with the owner, Sullivan Blake, present during critical phases.

What Sullivan Blake Remodeling actually does

Sullivan Blake operates as a general contractor, not a design-build firm outsourcing architects, and not a handyman service. The company holds a Maryland Home Improvement License and carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Work focuses on kitchens and bathrooms in single-family homes and townhouses across Baltimore County and the city. The firm does not handle new construction or commercial work. Projects typically run 6 to 12 weeks depending on scope, with a standard 50 percent deposit due at signing and 50 percent due on substantial completion.

Services and pricing structure

Kitchen remodels range from $40,000 to $150,000. A mid-range kitchen (new cabinetry, granite or engineered quartz countertops, tile backsplash, new appliances, and updated lighting) runs $60,000 to $85,000. A high-end kitchen with custom millwork and premium materials approaches $120,000 to $150,000. Bathroom remodels start at $25,000 for a single-bath update (new vanity, tile shower or tub surround, fixtures) and reach $60,000 to $80,000 for a master bath with heated floors, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower.

The firm includes an initial design consultation and two rounds of revisions in its estimate. Structural changes, unforeseen water damage, or code upgrades uncovered during demolition are billed separately at time-and-materials rates ($65 to $75 per labor hour, verified upon contract). Permit costs and inspections are itemized separately and passed through at actual cost.

How Sullivan Blake compares to other Baltimore contractors

Sullivan Blake's in-house designer distinguishes it from competitors like Kitchen Craft Remodeling, which partners with external architects and adds design fees on top of labor. For a homeowner adding a second bathroom or opening a wall between the kitchen and dining room, this internal capability can reduce the revision cycle by 2 to 3 weeks.

The firm sits between two other local positions. Charter Contracting, also Baltimore-based, operates at a similar price point ($50,000 to $100,000 kitchens) but markets itself as design-build and handles full-house renovations beyond kitchens and baths. For a homeowner with only a kitchen in mind, Sullivan Blake's focus can mean faster scheduling; for someone planning a full-house gut, Charter's broader scope may be more practical. Russ Eppinger Contracting, another established Baltimore option, commands a 10 to 20 percent premium and typically works on higher-end homes in Federal Hill and Canton; his firm carries a five-year warranty on all work, while Sullivan Blake offers a one-year warranty on labor and materials (standard in the region).

Who Sullivan Blake suits and who it does not

This contractor fits homeowners committed to staying in their Baltimore home for at least five years and comfortable with a hands-on process. The owner will request regular site visits and expects homeowners to make material selections within defined windows; delays in picking tile or cabinet colors can push the schedule. It is not a fit for renters, investors planning a quick flip, or homeowners seeking a fully managed, white-glove experience with zero decision-making required.

The firm prioritizes kitchens and bathrooms and declines jobs that are primarily structural (foundation repair, extensive framing) or require licensed specialists (HVAC replacement, major electrical panel work) to be hired separately. Homeowners should not expect Sullivan Blake to manage those trades; the homeowner or a separate general contractor must coordinate them.

What the first visit involves

Initial consultation is free and takes 30 to 45 minutes. The owner or one of his senior carpenters will walk through the space, photograph existing conditions, take measurements, and discuss budget, timeline, and aesthetic preferences (style photos are helpful). Within 10 days, Sullivan Blake delivers a preliminary design drawing, a scope of work summary, and a detailed estimate. This includes labor, materials, permits, and contingency (typically 10 to 15 percent for unforeseen issues). The homeowner reviews, requests changes, and Sullivan Blake revises once at no cost. A signed contract and the 50 percent deposit lock in the start date.

Hours, logistics, and scheduling

Sullivan Blake operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with crews typically on-site from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The company does not operate Saturdays or Sundays. Parking for contractor vehicles is the homeowner's responsibility; most Baltimore row homes and single-family houses have adequate street or driveway space, but townhouse communities with strict parking rules should confirm access with their HOA before signing. Lead time for new projects is typically 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the season; fall and winter book faster than summer. Call to confirm current availability.

Sullivan Blake's willingness to manage design in-house, combined with disciplined cost tracking and a Baltimore track record, makes it a practical choice for homeowners ready to remodel a kitchen or bathroom without hiring an architect separately.