Renovating an apartment in New York City is a major investment, and the cost can vary dramatically depending on the building type, scope of work, and level of finishes. Between navigating co-op and condo board requirements, securing permits from the Department of Buildings, and managing multiple trades in tight spaces, NYC renovations require careful planning and realistic budgeting.
This guide breaks down costs by trade, room, and building type, explains the soft costs unique to NYC, and compares gut vs. cosmetic renovations so you can make informed decisions.
Key takeaways: NYC apartment renovation costs
- Full apartment renovations in NYC typically range from $250 to $600+ per square foot, with ultra-luxury projects exceeding $800 per square foot.
- Co-op and condo renovations often include $5,000-$30,000 in soft costs for alteration agreements, architectural plans, permits, special inspections and insurance requirements.
- Building type and age significantly impact budget, pre-war and landmarked buildings generally cost more to renovate
- High-end finishes, custom millwork, appliances, and luxury fixtures can increase costs considerably
- Using design-build firm like Chapter streamlines communication, reduces delays, and improves budget control.
Trade-by-trade cost breakdown
Demolition
- $8-$15 per sq. ft.
- Increases for walk-ups, strict waste rules, or asbestos abatement.
Carpentry & framing
- $40-$60 per sq. ft. for new framing, blocking, and subfloors.
- Custom carpentry or complex layouts: +$10,000-$30,000.
Plumbing
- $1,500-$3,500 per fixture for replacement.
- Moving plumbing lines: $8,000-$20,000.
Electrical
- $6,000-$15,000 for basic rewiring in a 1-bedroom
- Add $1,500-$2,500 for recessed lighting or smart systems.
HVAC
- $10,000-$50,000 depending on system type and ductwork.
- Some co-ops prohibit central AC retrofits.
Flooring
- Pre-finished hardwood: $15-$25 per sq. ft. installed
- Refinishing: $7-$12 per sq. ft.
- Soundproofing underlayment (required most buildings): $10 per sq. ft.
Tile & stone
- Ceramic/porcelain: $25-$50 per sq. ft. installed.
- Natural stone/marble: $50-$150 per sq. ft.
Painting
- $6-$12 per sq. ft. for standard finishes.
- Specialty finishes can exceed $25 per sq. ft.
Millwork & cabinetry
- Stock: $600-$900 per linear ft.
- Semi-custom: $1,000-$1,500 per linear ft.
- Custom: $1,500-$2,000+ per linear ft.
Windows & doors
- Interior doors: $500-$1,500 each installed.
- Windows (if allowed): $1,500-$2,500 each.
Fixtures & hardware
- Plumbing: $500-$5,000 each.
- Lighting: $250-$2,500 each.
Appliances
- Kitchen appliance packages: $8,000-$25,000 (mid to high-end)
- Built-in espresso machines, wine fridges, specialty appliances: +$3,000-$15,000
- Laundry appliances: $3,000-$7,500 depending on brand and capacity
Room-by-room cost examples
- Mid-range: $50,000-$80,000
- High-end: $100,000-$150,000+
- Appliances: typically 20% of kitchen budget
- Standard: $35,000-$50,000
- Luxury: $60,000-$90,000+
- Flooring replacement: $15,000-$20,000 for a 1,000 sq. ft. space
- Built-ins and specialty millwork: $30,000+
Building type and layout impact
Pre-war co-ops
- Higher costs due to plaster walls, outdated plumbing/electrical, and strict board rules.
Post-war condos
- Typically easier to renovate but may have modern building systems requiring certified trades.
Landmarked buildings
- Special permits and material requirements increase cost and timeline.
Gut vs. cosmetic renovations
Gut renovation
- Cost: $250-$600+ per sq. ft
- Includes demolition to studs, all new systems, and layout changes.
- Pros: Complete customization, better long-term systems.
- Cons: Higher cost, longer timeline.
Cosmetic renovation
- Cost: $100-$200 per sq. ft.
- Focuses on finishes (paint, flooring, fixtures) without major layout changes.
- Pros: Lower cost, shorter timeline.
- Cons: Limited functional improvements.
Timelines and value
- Pre-construction (design, permits, approvals): 3-4 months
- Construction: 4-8 months depending on scope and building restrictions
- A full gut renovation often increases property value, especially in high-demand neighborhoods.
Soft costs in NYC renovations
- Architectural Drawings & DOB Filing: $8,000-$20,000+
- Interior Design Services: $5,000-$15,000+ (included with Chapter)
- Permits & Filing Fees: $2,000-$5,000
- Co-op/Condo Alteration Agreement Fees: $2,000-$10,000
- Engineering Reports: $1,500-$5,000
- Expediting Services: $1,500-$3,50
- Temporary Housing: $3,000-$10,000+/month
Sample budget for a 1,000 sq. ft. gut renovation (10% increase applied)
FAQs about apartment renovation costs in NYC
What does a kitchen renovation cost in NYC?
Mid-range kitchens typically cost $50,000-$80,000, with appliances making up 20-30% of that budget. Luxury kitchens can exceed $150,000
How much more does a gut renovation cost vs. a cosmetic update?
Gut renovations start at $250 per sq. ft., while cosmetic updates are $100-$200 per sq. ft.
Do building types affect renovation cost?
Yes. Pre-war and landmarked buildings generally cost more due to outdated systems, specialty materials, and strict approvals.
What's a realistic appliance budget?
$8,000-$25,000 for a full kitchen package, plus $3,000-$7,500 for laundry.
Is a gut renovation worth it for resale value?
In high-demand neighborhoods, yes, especially when it modernizes outdated systems and layouts.
Which NYC Renovation Partner Should You Choose?
The best renovations happen when design, construction, and project management work together seamlessly. Chapter's design-build model keeps everything under one roof, from plans to final inspection. Our proprietary Client Portal gives you 24/7 access to updates architectural, photos, budgets, and schedules, ensuring clarity every step of the way
If you want expert craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and a stress-free renovation, Chapter is your best choice.