How Long Does a Full Apartment Renovation Take in NYC? Timeline by Room and Borough
Renovating your NYC apartment feels like running a marathon through molasses — exciting but painfully slow. All of the daunting tasks, such as getting permits, getting approved by the co-op board, and dealing with contractors, make the dream kitchen feel eternally out of reach. The truth? It takes an average of 3-6 months to fully renovate an apartment. The timeline depends on the location, scope of work, and how fast the building’s management responds to emails.
Kitchen Renovations: The Heart Takes Time
Kitchen renovations take the most time because it is the most difficult room to renovate. It’s an 8-week-long process for a complete overhaul.
Timeline breakdown:
- Demolition and prep: 3-5 days
- Plumbing and electrical: 1-2 weeks
- Installation (cabinets, countertops, appliances): 2-3 weeks
- Final touches and inspections: 1 week
Manhattan renovations take longer and are more expensive due to stricter building regulations and limited work hours. Brooklyn and Queens renovations move faster and are more flexible with time. Expect to invest about $25,000-75,000 for a full kitchen renovation, with Manhattan commanding premium prices.
Bathroom Bliss: Faster Than You Think
A full bathroom renovation, in contrast to an apartment full remodel, takes a shorter time, typically 3-4 weeks.
What affects your timeline:
- Tile work complexity (intricate patterns add days)
- Custom fixtures versus off-the-shelf
- Building inspection requirements
- Access to plumbing lines
Bronx and Staten Island usually have smoother inspections, while Manhattan co-ops take longer because of their many rounds of approvals. Budget $15,000-$40,000 per bathroom, with luxury finishes pushing higher.
Living Spaces and Bedrooms: The Foundation
Renovating living and bedrooms takes about 2-4 weeks per room. These spaces go faster because they have less plumbing and electrical work. Flooring installation alone takes about 5-7 days, while the painting and finishing touches take about a week.
Borough-Specific Quirks
Manhattan’s pre-war buildings throw curveballs—think hidden plumbing nightmares and asbestos surprises that add 2-3 weeks. Brooklyn brownstones charm you with character but challenge you with outdated systems. Queens and the Bronx offer newer infrastructure and speedier approvals, potentially trimming 2-4 weeks off your timeline.
Cost expectations:
- Flooring: $8-$15 per square foot
- Painting: $3,000-$6,000 per apartment
- Electrical updates: $5,000-$12,000
The Permit Dance: NYC’s Special Torture
Here’s where borough differences really shine. Department of Buildings permits take 4-8 weeks in Manhattan versus 2-4 weeks in outer boroughs. Co-op and condo board approvals add another 2-6 weeks, depending on meeting schedules. Always factor in this administrative black hole when planning your timeline.
Full Apartment Timeline: Putting It Together
Combining everything? A complete apartment renovation spans 3-6 months from demolition to Instagram-worthy completion. Studio apartments lean toward 3 months, while three-bedrooms easily hit 6 months. Add 20% buffer time for inevitable delays—contractor scheduling conflicts, material backorders, or surprise structural issues that appear mid-project.
Smart scheduling means staggering rooms: finish your kitchen first, then tackle bathrooms while living in semi-construction chaos. Expect total investment between $100-$300 per square foot, with Manhattan claiming the highest prices and outer boroughs offering better value.
Your Dream Space Awaits: Take the First Step
Stop scrolling through renovation horror stories and start creating your success story. Every week you wait is another week living with that outdated kitchen or cramped bathroom. NYC apartment transformations demand expertise, local knowledge, and contractors who actually show up.
NYC Renovation connects you with vetted professionals who understand borough-specific requirements and deliver on promised timelines. Get your free consultation today and discover exactly how long your dream apartment will take—with real numbers, honest timelines, and zero surprises.
