Brooklyn Apartment Renovation Cost 2025: Full Breakdown by Room (Bathroom, Kitchen, Living Room)
Getting your Brooklyn apartment renovated doesn’t have to be as confusing as it may seem, especially when you know what to expect cost-wise. Dreaming of a spa-like bathroom, or a show-stopping kitchen that will make your Instagram followers envious? Understanding the 2025 price landscape helps you plan smarter. Here is a breakdown of each room’s expected cost.
Bathroom Renovation: Where Luxury Meets Necessity
Bathroom renovation can range from $8,000 to $25,000, but can go higher or lower depending on the vision and the size of the space.
Here’s what influences your bottom line:
- Basic refresh (new fixtures, paint, tiles): $8,000-$12,000
- Mid-range upgrade (quality materials, layout tweaks): $15,000-$20,000
- High-end transformation (heated floors, rainfall showers, custom vanities): $25,000+
Labor typically eats up 40-50% of your budget, while materials and fixtures claim the rest.
Pro tip: Brooklyn’s older buildings sometimes surprise you with hidden plumbing issues, so keep a 15-20% contingency fund handy for unexpected plumbing or structural surprises.
Kitchen Renovation: The Heart Gets a New Beat
Kitchens are the heavyweight champions of renovation costs, typically running $15,000 to $50,000 for a full overhaul.
Budget breakdown by tier:
- Economy refresh: $15,000-$25,000 (new cabinet doors, countertops, appliances)
- Mid-tier makeover: $30,000-$40,000 (custom cabinets, quality countertops, upgraded appliances)
- Premium transformation: $45,000-$75,000+ (high-end everything, possible layout changes)
Cabinets alone can consume 30-40% of your budget, while appliances take another 15-20%. Need to save money? Keep your existing layout. Moving gas lines and plumbing in Brooklyn’s old buildings is expensive.
Living Room: Where Comfort Costs Less
Good news! Living rooms are typically the most budget-friendly renovations, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
What you’re looking at:
- Cosmetic refresh: $5,000-$8,000 (paint, flooring, lighting)
- Moderate update: $10,000-$15,000 (built-ins, electrical work, quality finishes)
- Complete overhaul: $18,000-$25,000+ (structural changes, custom features)
Flooring typically runs $3-$15 per square foot, depending on materials, while electrical upgrades add $1,500-$3,000 to your total.
The Brooklyn Premium
Let’s be real—renovating in Brooklyn costs 15-30% more than the national average. Why? Building access challenges, strict co-op board requirements, permit fees, and the premium for skilled contractors who know how to navigate century-old buildings without causing drama with your downstairs neighbor.
Smart Money Moves
Want to stretch your renovation budget?
- Bundle rooms to reduce mobilization costs.
- Renovate in the off-season (late fall–winter) when contractors are less busy. This can yield 10–15% savings.
- Get at least three itemized quotes and compare the scopes of work carefully.
In Brooklyn — where every building is unique — planning ahead is the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one.
Making Your Brooklyn Dream a Reality
Renovating your Brooklyn apartment represents more than just updating spaces—it’s about creating a home that reflects your lifestyle while increasing your property value. With proper planning and realistic budgeting, your renovation journey can be exciting rather than overwhelming. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the smartest; quality work pays dividends through longevity and increased apartment value.
Ready to transform your Brooklyn apartment without the stress? Partner with experienced professionals who understand Brooklyn’s unique renovation challenges. Visit NYC Renovation today for a free consultation and detailed quote tailored to your specific needs and budget.
