D & G Remodeling LLC

According to general contractors, the typical price range for an entire home remodel in NYC is $100 to $200 per square foot (psf).

These estimated costs for the entire home (including materials) averaged across both “wet” spaces (Bhats and Kitchen), and “dry” spaces (living rooms, bedrooms, offices, etc).

Here’s a more specific breakdown of typical NYC home renovation costs:

• Full-home renovation in NYC: $100—$200 psf
  • Dry spaces: $30–$50 psf
  • Wet spaces: Baths start at $400 psf; kitchens start at $300 psf
• Gut remodel with stock materials: $100–$200 psf
• Non-gut remodel with stock materials: $100 psf
• Gut remodel with customization: $200–$300 psf
• Non-gut remodel with customization: $200 psf
• Structural changes, extensive customization: $300 psf and up
• Plumbing permits: From $2,000)–$5,000
• Electrical permits: $2,500
• Asbestos inspection: $500–$1,000

The cost for a gut renovation vs. a non-gut

In a gut renovation, interior walls are stripped down to the studs or knocked out entirely.

A gut will start at the higher end of the $100 to $200 psf range, while a renovation in which you redo the space within the existing walls will be on the lower end. For example, in a 700-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment, a renovation will come in around the $50,000 to $70,000 range, while a gut renovation will likely exceed $100,000.

The non-gut renovation may involve a new kitchen and bath, as well as refinishing flooring, replastering and painting, plus upgrades in materials and finishes. The gut renovation will include the above as well as replacing the walls and flooring, and possibly installing new piping and wiring systems and moving doorways.

Basic costs for an NYC home renovation

When estimating price per square foot, the scope of work usually includes the following:

• Basic demolition
• Framing: the skeletal, load-bearing structure to which the interior walls and other systems are attached
• Insulation and drywall
• Wiring, including outlets and switches
• Plumbing
• Heating/cooling systems
• All visible materials and fixtures in kitchens and baths (described below)

This doesn’t include appliances. Also bear in mind that the choices you make for visible materials—tile, flooring, millwork, paint, lighting fixtures, electronics, and more—can significantly affect the price of your renovation.

At the $100 to $200 psf range:

• Materials are generally prefabricated or stock items and in finishes that are available at common retail outlets.
• Cabinets in this price range are typically MDF (medium-density fiberboard).
• Tiling will run under $10 psf.
• Lighting will be standard but solid basics.
• Solid wood floors may be shorter, narrower planks made of less expensive woods.
• The work will be careful, clean, and well-installed at this level with higher quality labor and skillsets at the upper end of the range.

At $200 to $300 psf range:

• Some customization on details such as joints, millwork, and hardware
• Cabinets are custom or semi-custom and can include built-ins. 
• Countertops in natural stone or high-quality manufactured materials.
• Solid, wide-planked hardwood flooring
• Projects at this price point are not usually gut renovations, but rather remodels that focus on the space within the existing walls.

One thing to note: While Sweeten contractors attempt to explore all avenues to stay competitive, it is an industry that is affected by trade. The prices you’re quoted at any given time may not be the same six months or a year from now. Prices on labor and materials fluctuate and this will be reflected in your overall quote.

What you’ll get for $300 per square foot and higher:

• $300 psf or above will usually pay for layout changes or structural work, such as combining apartments.
• Moving walls, adding staircases, shifting gas and plumbing, and electrical rewiring all contribute to a higher per-square-foot cost, as well as add to the behind-the-scenes expenditures (more on that below).
• Since pricing for kitchens and baths runs higher than other rooms, more of those equal a higher price per square foot. For example, renovating a 1,000-square-foot apartment that has three bathrooms will be more expensive than an apartment of the same size with just one bathroom.

At this level and beyond, you can expect to see more extensive customization, fine finishes, and luxurious materials. This includes handmade tile, exotic wood grains, natural stone, and custom millwork details that complement the home’s architecture. You might also see custom door casements and extensive lighting details.

1. Design

Depending on your general contractor and your level of involvement in the project, you may also want or need professional design services.

• You may need an architect. Architect approvals are required any time you make changes to the structure or to plumbing or gas lines. D&G Remodeling general contractor can refer architects for your project.

2. Building and city requirements

If you live in a co-op or condo building, you’ll likely need to submit your plans drawn by an architect to your building’s board. Co-ops are generally stricter about renovations than condo buildings, though many condos are now adopting more stringent rules as well. Buildings may also have minimum requirements for construction insurance. 

Some alteration agreements require a security deposit to cover potential damage. They may also include the fees incurred by the condo or co-op board to review and approve your plan. You may find that contractors who can afford to work in buildings with more extensive specifications have higher rates in order to meet higher insurance requirements.

The NYC Department of Buildings requires that you obtain permits and inspections for many types of construction work, including plumbing, electrical, and structural. Permits can add up. An electrical permit can run close to $900, plumbing permits can cost from under $2,000 to $5,000, and an asbestos inspection can be $500.