Full-Gut Apartment Renovation Cost in NYC: Pricing for Electrical, Plumbing & New Layouts

So, you’ve decided to turn your NYC apartment into something spectacular. A full gut renovation is no walk in the park, but in the end, it’s the most rewarding. If you are ripping everything in the apartment down to the studs and rebuilding, you are creating your dream home. There is just one big question to answer: how much is this going to cost?

Breaking Down the Big Three

When doing a gut renovation of your apartment in New York City, there are three major systems that, when combined, will eat a huge chunk of your budget. Knowing this will help you budget better and avoid those heart-stopping surprise expenses.

Electrical Work: Powering Your Vision

Your electrical system is the nervous system of your apartment, and in a full gut, it will need a complete overhaul. NYC’s strict electrical codes mean you’ll need licensed professionals who know their stuff inside and out.

Expect to budget:

• Basic rewiring: $8,000–$15,000 for a standard one-bedroom
• Panel upgrades: $2,000–$4,000 (often required in older buildings)
• Recessed lighting: $150–$300 per fixture installed
• Smart home integration: Add another $2,000–$5,000

Here’s the reality: cutting corners on electrical work is like playing Russian roulette with your safety and your building’s approval process. The department of buildings isn’t messing around, and neither should you.

Plumbing: Where Things Get Wet and Wild

Ah, plumbing, the unsung hero of your renovation. Moving a kitchen or bathroom? That’s when costs start climbing faster than rent in Manhattan.

Budget breakdown:

• Bathroom plumbing rough-in: $3,000–$6,000 per bathroom
• Kitchen plumbing: $2,500–$5,000
• Fixture installation: $500–$2,000 per bathroom
• Water line replacements: $1,500–$3,500

Moving plumbing in NYC isn’t just expensive—it’s complicated. You’ll need permits, inspections, and sometimes approvals from your building’s board. Some co-ops have restrictions on plumbing relocations, so check before you fall in love with that kitchen-in-a-different-spot idea.

New Layouts: Walls, Floors, and Everything Between

This is where your apartment transforms from “meh” to “magnificent.” Demo, framing, and reconstruction create the bones of your new space.

What you’re looking at:

• Demolition: $3,000–$8,000 (depending on apartment size)
• Framing and drywall: $10–$20 per square foot
• Flooring: $8–$25 per square foot (material dependent)
• Painting: $3,000–$6,000 for quality work

The Grand Total Reality Check

For a complete full-gut renovation of a 700-square-foot one-bedroom in NYC, you’re typically looking at $150,000–$300,000. Yes, you read that correctly. Location matters too—a Chelsea apartment will cost differently than one in Astoria, thanks to contractor availability and permit complexity.

Factor in 15-20% for contingencies because old NYC buildings love surprises: hidden water damage, outdated wiring nightmares, or structural issues that pop up mid-demo.

Building Your Dream Space

Full-gut renovations in NYC demand expertise, patience, and a realistic budget. The electrical, plumbing, and layout work form your project’s foundation—literally and figuratively. While the costs might make you gulp, the result is an apartment customized exactly to your lifestyle, in a city where perfect spaces are rarer than rent-controlled units.

Make your renovation dream a reality. When you’re planning to invest this much in your NYC home, you need contractors who understand the city’s unique challenges. Visit Zicklin Contracting to connect with experienced professionals who’ll guide you through every phase—from permits to that final, gorgeous reveal.