What You Can and Can’t Change in a Co-op Renovation (Walls, Plumbing, Electrical)

Now that you’ve landed a co-op in the city, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Here’s the catch that surprises a lot of rookie co-op owners, though. You can’t just start tearing walls out like you are on a home renovation show. Co-op boards have rules, and you have to follow them. Let’s go over what you can and cannot do in your co-op renovation.

The Wall Situation

Walls are a ‘complicated’ matter in co-op land. More often than not, you can keep the same walls and just paint over them, add shelving, or hang some decorations. Thinking of knocking out that wall between the kitchen and living room to get an open-concept kitchen going? Pump the brakes.

You CAN:

• Paint any color your heart desires (yes, even that bold emerald green)
• Install non-permanent fixtures like floating shelves
• Hang pictures, mirrors, and artwork
• Add decorative molding or wainscoting

You CAN’T:

• Remove load-bearing walls (big no-no)
• Demolish walls without board approval and proper permits
• Make structural changes that affect neighbors

Expect to pay $5,000 and $15,000 for non-structural wall modifications and the finishes. If you have load-bearing walls, costs shoot to $20,000+ because you will need engineers and permits.

Plumbing Adventures

Plumbing in co-ops is like a game of Jenga. If you make one wrong move, it will affect everyone. The plumbing in your building is all interconnected, so major changes require serious scrutiny.

What’s Allowed

Minor updates like replacing fixtures are usually fine. Swapping out that avocado-green sink from 1974? Go for it. Basic fixture replacements run $500-$2,000 per fixture.

What Needs Approval

Relocating your kitchen or bathroom is major surgery. You’ll need board approval, licensed plumbers, and permits. Moving plumbing fixtures costs $3,000-$10,000 depending on complexity. Installing a new bathroom? Budget $15,000-$35,000 minimum.

The golden rule: If water flows through it and you’re moving it more than three feet, expect paperwork and professional oversight.

Electrical Upgrades

Outdated electrical systems are common in older co-ops, but upgrading isn’t as simple as calling your cousin who “knows electrical stuff.”

Most boards require:

• Licensed electricians only (no DIY heroes)
• Permits for anything beyond replacing outlets
• Certificate of Occupancy updates for major work

Minor changes like adding outlets or upgrading lighting fixtures cost $200-$800 per change. 

Major upgrades, including panel replacements, run $2,000-$5,000. 

Rewiring an entire apartment? Brace yourself for $8,000-$15,000.

The board will absolutely want documentation proving everything meets code. Smart home installations usually fly under the radar, but always check your building’s alteration agreement first.

Your Co-op Renovation Game Plan

Every co-op board is different, but one thing’s universal: communication is everything. Submit your alteration agreement early, hire licensed professionals, and maintain insurance. Most boards require $1-2 million in liability coverage during renovations.

The approval process typically takes 2-8 weeks, so patience is your friend. Fighting the board? That’s a battle you won’t win.

Make Your Co-op Dreams Reality

Renovating a co-op doesn’t have to feel like navigating a bureaucratic maze. With the right team, even complex projects become manageable. Whether you’re updating fixtures or tackling a full gut renovation, professional guidance makes all the difference.

Looking to renovate your co-op the right way? The experts at Zicklin Contracting specialize in navigating co-op boards, permits, and regulations while delivering stunning results. Let’s turn your co-op into the home you’ve been dreaming about—without the headaches.