Every contractor in New York City has a different number for the same job, and most of them won't tell you what's actually behind theirs. This guide is our attempt to fix that: honest 2026 price ranges for the renovations we do every day, what drives each number, and how to compare quotes without getting burned. These are real ranges from real jobs across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island — not national averages that mean nothing here.
Kitchen remodeling: $15,000 – $120,000+
A cosmetic refresh — paint, hardware, counters, keeping everything where it is — runs roughly $15,000 to $30,000. A mid-range full remodel with new cabinets, counters, appliances, tile, lighting, and flooring lands around $35,000 to $65,000, where most of our Brooklyn kitchen jobs fall. A high-end gut with custom cabinetry, layout changes, and premium finishes runs $70,000 to $120,000+.
Cabinets are the biggest line item (30–40% of the budget), and moving plumbing or gas lines adds $5,000–$15,000 before you pick a single finish. Read the full kitchen cost breakdown or see our kitchen remodeling service.
Bathroom remodeling: priced by scope
Bathroom costs swing on three things: tile scope (a fully tiled wet room costs far more than a tub surround), whether plumbing moves, and waterproofing — the step cheap contractors skip and expensive repairs later punish. A cosmetic refresh keeping the layout is a different project from a primary bath with custom tile, heated floors, and relocated fixtures. We price every bathroom from a real walkthrough, in writing, with materials specified — call (917) 251-9318 for a firm number on yours. See our bathroom remodeling service.
Full gut renovation: $200 – $400+ per square foot
A true NYC gut — stripped to studs and slab, all new electrical, plumbing, kitchens, baths, floors, and finishes — runs roughly $200 to $350 per square foot. A 1,000 sq ft two-bedroom lands around $200,000 to $350,000. High-end finishes, custom millwork, structural work, or landmark-district requirements push it to $400+ per square foot.
Anyone quoting far below $200 a square foot for a real gut is either excluding things or planning change orders. Read the full gut renovation guide or see our gut renovation service.
Brownstone & townhouse restoration: priced per project
Brownstones don't fit neat per-square-foot math — structural surprises, Landmarks Preservation Commission rules, and facade work make every one different. Full townhouse renovations typically run into the high six figures and beyond depending on scope. If a contractor gives you a firm brownstone price off a phone call, get a second opinion. See our brownstone restoration service.
Waterproofing, roofing & exterior: scope-driven
These are diagnosed, not menu-priced: interior drainage systems, exterior excavation waterproofing, full roof replacements, and facade work each depend on access, square footage, and existing conditions. What we can promise is a real inspection and a firm written number before any work starts — not a range that doubles later. Waterproofing · Roofing · Exterior services.
What drives every NYC price (that suburban estimates ignore)
Three things inflate New York renovation costs versus anywhere else: permits (DOB filings and expediting, $1,000–$3,000+ on typical jobs), board approvals (co-op/condo alteration agreements, fees, mandated work hours), and building logistics (elevator deposits, protection, debris removal in buildings with no driveway). Any quote that doesn't account for these isn't a real NYC quote.
How to compare quotes without getting burned
Get every quote in the same format: line-item scope, materials specified by brand/grade, permit and filing fees listed separately, and a payment schedule tied to milestones — not dates. The cheapest quote in NYC is almost never the cheapest project; the difference usually shows up as allowances (fake low numbers for items priced later) and exclusions buried in fine print. Ask every bidder: "What exactly is excluded?" and compare those answers, not just the bottom line.
Common questions
- Why do NYC renovation costs vary so much between contractors?
- Because quotes measure different things. One contractor includes permits, board filings, and building logistics; another leaves them out and adds them later as change orders. Compare line-item scopes and exclusion lists — not bottom lines.
- What is a realistic kitchen remodel budget in NYC for 2026?
- Most full kitchen remodels land between $35,000 and $65,000. Cosmetic refreshes run $15,000–$30,000; high-end custom work runs $70,000–$120,000+. Layout changes involving plumbing or gas add $5,000–$15,000.
- How much does a full apartment gut renovation cost per square foot?
- Roughly $200–$350 per square foot for standard work in 2026, $400+ for high-end finishes or landmark-district requirements. A 1,000 sq ft apartment typically lands around $200,000–$350,000.
- Do I really need permits for a renovation in NYC?
- If you are moving plumbing, gas, or electrical, or doing structural work — yes, DOB permits are required, plus co-op or condo board approval in most buildings. Budget $1,000–$3,000+ for filing and expediting on a typical job.
- How do I know if a quote is too good to be true?
- Watch for allowances instead of fixed material prices, missing permit fees, no payment schedule tied to milestones, and pressure to sign fast. A legitimate contractor puts scope, materials, and exclusions in writing.
Related guides: Kitchen Remodel Cost in Brooklyn · Full Gut Renovation Guide
Related services: Kitchen Remodeling · Bathroom Remodeling · Full Gut Renovation · Brownstone Restoration · Waterproofing · Roofing · Commercial Construction · Exterior Services