Starting a renovation in New York City? I bet you are wondering if you will be living in a construction zone for weeks or months. Sadly, apartments in New York City are in a world of their own, influenced by co-op boards, historic building codes, and the occasional surprise lurking behind your walls. But let’s dig deeper into what you should expect when changing your space.
Kitchen Renovations: Where Time Flies (Or Crawls)
Your kitchen timeline depends heavily on the scope. If it is a cosmetic refresh that includes new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, it will take about 4 to 6 weeks in a standard building. If it is a complete gut renovation, then we are looking at least 8 to 12 weeks minimum.
Pre-war buildings add extra time:
- Outdated plumbing requires careful upgrades (2-3 additional weeks)
- Electrical panels often need complete overhauls
- Asbestos remediation can pause work for 1-2 weeks
Moderate renovations typically cost between $25,000 and $75,000, while high-end renovations can exceed $100,000. Co-op and condo boards typically require 2-4 weeks for approval before construction can begin.
Bathroom Transformations
Bathrooms are deceptively complex in NYC apartments. An average renovation normally takes 3-5 weeks for simple and minor touch-ups. If you plan on moving bathroom fixtures or have to deal with cast-iron plumbing, stuff like that can take 6-8 weeks for a full renovation.
Modern high-rises usually move faster since plumbing is more accessible and standardized. In older buildings, be prepared to deal with outdated systems and potential tile surprises. Budget $15,000-$40,000 for a full bathroom renovation, with luxury finishes pushing past $60,000.
Living Spaces & Bedrooms
Good news for these spaces is that they are quicker to do! Cosmetic updates like flooring, painting, and built-ins take 2-4 weeks. More time-intensive structural updates, like removing walls, adding closets, or installing new windows extend timelines to 5-8 weeks.
Building type matters significantly:
- Doorman buildings: Expect strict delivery windows (adds 1-2 weeks)
- Walk-ups: Faster material delivery but challenging logistics
- Landmark buildings: Landmark Preservation Commission approval adds 4-8 weeks
Costs range from $10,000-$30,000 for cosmetic work, while structural changes start at $50,000.