Cost to Renovate a Brownstone Interior in Brooklyn: Flooring, Walls, Electrical, Bathrooms
Old Brooklyn Brownstones are architectural wonders with old-world charm, but they come with their fair share of quirks: old floorboards, outdated wiring, and bathrooms that last saw some love during the disco era. Hence, renovation costs can stack up faster than bagels at a Sunday brunch. But here’s the thing: knowing what you’re up against financially turns panic into planning. Let’s break down the costs that come with renovating your brownstone’s old interiors.
Flooring Costs
Your floors take a beating daily; so, investing here pays dividends in both aesthetics and durability.
Budget expectations:
- Hardwood refinishing: $3-$8 per square foot. If your original oak floors are salvageable, this is your most cost-effective route. For a 1,200 sq ft floor, expect $3,600-$9,600.
- New hardwood installation: $8-$25 per square foot. Going premium? That’s $9,600-$30,000 for the same space.
- Tile or luxury vinyl: $5-$15 per square foot installed. Great for high-traffic areas or kitchen updates.
Pro tip: Many brownstones hide gorgeous original hardwood under layers of carpet or linoleum. Before committing to new flooring, investigate what’s already there—you might strike gold!
Wall Work
Plaster walls in old brownstones tell stories, but those stories may involve cracks, water damage, and horrible paint choices from 1987.
Here’s what you’re looking at:
- Plaster Repair: $50-$100/hr for a skilled craftsman. Minor repairs run $500-$2,000 for a room. Extensive restorations can hit $5,000 or more.
- Drywall installation: $1.50-$3.50/sq ft. If replacing damaged sections, expect to pay $2,000-$6,000 for a mid-sized room.
- Painting: $3-$6/sq ft. Complete interior brownstone painting (2,500 sq ft) will run around $7,500-$15,000 for quality work.
One more thing: If the brownstone is built before 1978, add $8,000-$15,000 for safe lead paint remediation. It is definitely worth it.
Electrical Upgrades
Knob-and-tube wiring isn’t charming—it’s a fire hazard. Modern life demands modern electrical systems.
Investment breakdown:
- Panel upgrade to 200-amp service: $2,500-$4,500. Non-negotiable for running multiple appliances, central air, and modern conveniences.
- Rewiring entire brownstone: $8,000-$15,000 for a typical three-story building. Sounds steep? It’s cheaper than fire damage.
- Adding outlets and fixtures: $150-$300 per outlet; $200-$500 per light fixture installed.
Most Brooklyn brownstones need comprehensive electrical overhauls. Factor this into your budget early—it’s the skeleton supporting everything else.
Bathroom Renovations
Bathrooms blend beauty with function, making them pricey but worthwhile investments.
Expect $15,000-$35,000 per bathroom for mid-range renovations, or $40,000-$75,000+ for luxury overhauls with high-end fixtures, heated floors, and custom tilework. This includes new plumbing (often necessary in older buildings), fixtures, vanities, tile work, and waterproofing. Small powder room updates start around $8,000-$12,000, while primary suite transformations can exceed six figures if you’re going all-out.
The reality? Bathrooms pack maximum impact per square foot. Even modest upgrades significantly boost your home’s value and daily enjoyment.
Your Brownstone Deserves Better
Renovating a Brooklyn brownstone interior isn’t cheap—expect $100,000-$300,000+ for comprehensive work—but it’s an investment in both property value and quality of life. These historic beauties deserve craftsmanship that honors their past while embracing modern comfort. Smart planning, realistic budgeting, and experienced contractors make all the difference between renovation dreams and costly nightmares. Your brownstone’s next chapter starts now.
Stop guessing and start renovating with confidence. Visit NYC Renovation today for expert guidance, accurate estimates, and the skilled craftsmanship your Brooklyn brownstone deserves.
