If you’ve Googled “NYC renovation cost 2026” and felt sticker shock, you’re not alone.
Renovating in New York City is a completely different animal than renovating almost anywhere else in the country. Between labor costs, permits, co-op boards, inspections, and strict building codes, NYC renovation pricing lives in its own universe — something every experienced NYC renovation contractor knows well.
This guide is a reality check, not a sales pitch. We’ll break down realistic 2026 renovation costs, explain why NYC pricing is higher, and help you decide whether your budget actually works before you start calling a remodeling company or general contractor.
NYC Renovation Costs at a Glance (Quick Look)
| Apartment Size | Cosmetic Renovation | Gut Renovation |
| Studio | $40k – $80k | $100k – $200k |
| 1 Bedroom | $60k – $120k | $200k – $350k |
| 2 Bedroom | $90k – $160k | $350k – $500k+ |
NYC vs. National Average:
National renovation averages are often 40–60% lower than NYC. Labor alone accounts for a huge chunk of that gap, especially when you’re working with licensed trades under a qualified general contractor.
Renovation Cost by Apartment Size in NYC
Studio Apartment Renovation Costs
Typical range: $100,000 – $200,000 (gut)
Studios are small, but not cheap. Why?
- Same permits as larger apartments
- Tight layouts = higher labor difficulty
- Kitchens and bathrooms still dominate costs
Common trap: Owners assume fewer square feet = cheaper renovation. In NYC, fixed costs don’t shrink much, a reality most renovation contractors explain upfront.
One-Bedroom Apartment Renovation Costs
Typical range: $200,000 – $350,000
This is the most common NYC renovation type, and where budgets often break.
- Kitchens + bathrooms eat 60–70% of the budget
- Co-op rules frequently increase labor hours
- Plumbing or electrical moves = big jumps in cost
Co-op vs. condo: Co-ops usually cost more due to stricter work hours and approval timelines, something every seasoned NYC remodeling company plans for.
Two-Bedroom Apartment Renovation Costs
Typical range: $350,000 – $500,000+
Costs rise fast when you add:
- Multiple bathrooms
- Structural changes
- Electrical upgrades for modern loads
At this level, design and planning mistakes get very expensive, especially without a detail-oriented general contractor managing scope and sequencing.
Cost Per Square Foot (PSF) Benchmarks in NYC
Cosmetic / Non-Gut Renovations
$100 – $200 per sq ft
- Painting, flooring, fixtures
- No plumbing or electrical reconfiguration
⚠️ Watch out: PSF pricing breaks down in small apartments.
Mid-Range Gut Renovations
$350 – $600 per sq ft
- Full kitchen and bath replacement
- New electrical and plumbing layouts
- Code compliance upgrades
This is where most NYC “full renovations” land when working with a licensed renovation contractor.
High-End & Luxury Renovations
$600 – $800+ per sq ft
- Custom millwork
- Premium finishes
- Pre-war or landmark buildings
Room-by-Room Renovation Cost Breakdown
Kitchens — The Biggest Budget Driver
- Cosmetic: ~$20,000 – $40,000
- Mid-range: $60,000 – $90,000
- High-end: $120,000 – $150,000+
Reality check: $10,000 kitchens in NYC are mostly cosmetic refreshes, paint, hardware, maybe refacing. Any remodeling company promising a full gut at that price is cutting corners.
Bathrooms — Standard vs. Luxury
- Standard: $15,000 – $30,000
- Mid-range: $35,000 – $60,000
- Luxury: $70,000 – $90,000+
Tile labor, waterproofing, and fixtures add up fast, especially in older NYC buildings.
Dry Spaces (Living Rooms & Bedrooms)
- Flooring: $20–$35 per sq ft
- Painting & lighting upgrades
- Closets and storage
This is where budgets can be controlled, if kitchens and bathrooms don’t spiral.
Hidden & NYC-Specific Renovation Costs
Permits & Required Inspections
- Plumbing permits: $2,000 – $5,000
- Electrical permits: ~$900
- Asbestos inspection: $500 – $1,500
Co-Op & Condo Board Requirements
- High insurance thresholds
- Limited work hours
- Approval delays that extend timelines
These are costs most inexperienced contractors underestimate.
Design & Professional Fees
- Architects/designers: 10–20% of project cost
- Design-build can reduce friction, but not cost entirely
2026 NYC Renovation Market Factors
Labor Cost Increases (6–9% Expected)
- Licensed trade shortages
- Overtime premiums
- Longer project timelines
Code Updates & Material Pricing
- Electrical upgrades required in older buildings
- Ongoing material price volatility
Renovation Timelines — How Long NYC Projects Take (2026)
- Cosmetic: 4–8 weeks
- Partial gut: 3–5 months
- Full gut: 6–10+ months
Board approvals and inspections can add weeks or months before work even starts, something a qualified general contractor plans around.
Budgeting Tips & Contingency Planning
- Always carry 10–20% contingency
- Layout changes = budget explosions
- Cheap bids often ignore permits, insurance, or real labor costs
If a bid feels too good to be true, it usually is.
ROI & Value Impact of NYC Renovations
- Kitchens and bathrooms deliver the strongest resale value
- Over-customization rarely pays off
- ROI varies heavily by neighborhood and building type
Renovate for livability first, resale second.
FAQs About NYC Renovation Costs
Can you renovate a kitchen in NYC for $10,000?
Only cosmetically, no layout or plumbing changes.
Is $30,000 enough for a NYC kitchen remodel?
For a modest refresh, yes. For a gut remodel, no.
Why are NYC renovations so expensive?
Labor, permits, insurance, codes, and logistics.
Do co-ops cost more to renovate than condos?
Almost always, due to restrictions and approvals.
Next Steps — Planning Your NYC Renovation
Before you get estimates, gather:
- Building rules
- Floor plans
- Clear priorities (must-haves vs. nice-to-haves)
Working with an experienced local renovation contractor like Grace General Construction Corp helps you avoid costly surprises, unrealistic budgets, and timeline blowups, especially in NYC’s demanding renovation environment.
Thinking about renovating in the Bronx or anywhere in NYC? Call (718) 775-8519 or schedule a consultation to get a realistic, NYC-specific estimate.
Have a budget in mind? Drop your apartment size and renovation goals, we’ll tell you if it’s realistic before you waste time or money.
