Before & After: Real NYC Apartment Renovations (Cost, Scope, Timeline, and Final Results)
Renovating an NYC apartment is like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while blindfolded—fun, difficult, and occasionally maddening. But when those “after” photos finally come through? Pure magic! Let’s dive into three real NYC transformations that prove your cramped, outdated space has serious potential.
The Chelsea Studio: Small Space, Big Impact
First, there was a 450 square feet studio apartment that looked like it hadn’t been renovated since the 80s. The brown wall paneling, fluorescent lighting, and carpet that told too many stories.
The Scope:
- Knocked down a non-structural wall to open up the kitchen
- Installed custom floor-to-ceiling storage
- Replaced all flooring with wide-plank hardwood
- Upgraded electrical and plumbing systems
Timeline: 6 weeks
Cost: $48,000
The result? A new airy space that looks and feels like it belongs in the pages of a design magazine. The owner now hosts dinner parties in her studio, and the Murphy bed design freed up 60 square feet of living area.
Upper West Side Family Overhaul
This pre-war three-bedroom unit had ‘good bones,’ but it needed modern structural updates. The family of four felt cramped with all of the closed-off rooms and a kitchen built for one person.
This transformation involved taking everything down to the studs. We changed the layout to have an open concept living space while maintaining the original crown molding and the herringbone floors. You can’t mess with pre-war charm!
Major Updates:
- Removed the wall between the kitchen and the dining room
- Added a primary suite with a walk-in closet
- Created a dedicated home office nook
- Installed central air conditioning (a rare luxury!)
Timeline: 12 weeks
Cost: $135,000
The family went from stepping on Legos in dark hallways to enjoying Sunday brunches in their sun-drenched kitchen. The kids actually use their updated bedrooms instead of camping out in the living room.
East Village One-Bedroom: Budget-Friendly Refresh
Not every renovation requires selling a kidney. This East Village one-bedroom proves that strategic updates can completely transform a space without emptying your savings account.
The tenant-turned-owner inherited worn laminate floors, builder-grade everything, and a bathroom straight out of a horror film. Instead of a full gut renovation, we focused on high-impact changes.
Key Changes:
- Refinished existing hardwood floors (they were hiding under that laminate!)
- Painted cabinets and added new hardware
- Retiled bathroom with subway tiles
- Upgraded lighting fixtures throughout
Timeline: 3 weeks
Cost: $22,000
This project proves you don’t need six figures to create an Instagram-worthy home. The owner’s favorite change? Swapping the dated brass fixtures for matte black—it’s amazing what hardware can do.
The Reality Check
Here’s what these projects taught us: every NYC renovation comes with surprises (hello, mystery pipes!), requires patience with building board approvals, and costs about 20% more than you initially budgeted. But seeing your morning coffee taste better in a renovated kitchen? Priceless.
Your Turn to Transform
Whether you’re dreaming of a complete overhaul or a strategic refresh, your NYC apartment deserves better than “fine.” These real transformations show what’s possible when you combine vision, planning, and the right renovation partner.
Take the first step toward your dream space. Visit nycrenovation.com to schedule a consultation and start planning your before-and-after story. Your future self (and your Instagram followers) will thank you.
