So, you’re thinking about giving your NYC home a total makeover? A gut renovation isn’t just slapping on fresh paint—it’s stripping everything down to the studs and rebuilding your space from scratch. The cost to gut and remodel a house in NYC can feel overwhelming, but understanding what drives those numbers makes all the difference. Let’s break down the investment you’re looking at.
The Real Numbers Behind NYC Gut Renovations
In the Big Apple, you’re looking at $350 to $450 per square foot for a solid mid-range gut renovation. Planning something more upscale? High-end projects climb to $450 to $800 per square foot, while ultra-luxury renovations can push past $800 per square foot.
For a 1,800-square-foot apartment, that translates to roughly $630,000 to $850,000 with quality materials—or over $1.4 million if you’re going all-out with custom finishes.
Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown
Where does all that money actually go? Let’s walk through each space and what you’ll spend.
Kitchens: The Big Spender
Your kitchen will likely command the biggest slice of your budget. A typical 150-200 square foot kitchen renovation runs $50,000 to $80,000 with semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, and quality appliances. Luxury kitchens with integrated appliances and custom millwork can hit $90,000 to $150,000.
Bathrooms: Small Space, Big Investment
Don’t let the square footage fool you—bathrooms pack a punch. Expect to spend:
- $35,000 to $50,000 for a standard bathroom with mid-range finishes
- $60,000 to $90,000 for luxury upgrades like heated floors and custom vanities
- Additional costs for layout changes like tub-to-shower conversions
Living Areas
Living rooms and bedrooms offer more budget flexibility. Flooring alone runs $20 to $35 per square foot installed. Removing a non-structural wall? Plan for $5,000 to $10,000. Load-bearing walls jump to $20,000 to $30,000+ with engineering requirements.
