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
