A standard remodel updates finishes and fixtures within an existing layout. A gut renovation removes everything down to the studs and subfloor, allowing layout changes, full system replacement, and a completely rebuilt interior.
Gut Renovation Cost & Timeline by Project Size
| Project Size | Typical Cost Range | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom apartment | $80,000 – $150,000 | 3 – 4 months |
| 2–3 bedroom apartment | $150,000 – $250,000 | 4 – 5 months |
| Full-floor or combined units | $250,000 – $400,000+ | 5 – 7 months |
Gut Renovation Timeline by Phase
| Phase | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Design, planning & permitting | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Demolition & structural work | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) | 3 – 5 weeks |
| Finishes & installation | 6 – 10 weeks |
| Final walkthrough & punch list | 1 – 2 weeks |
WhiteStar General Contractors has completed full gut renovations across Manhattan and Brooklyn for over 20 years, from Tribeca lofts to Brooklyn Heights brownstones. Because a gut renovation touches every system in a home — structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical — it’s also the project type where an inexperienced or unlicensed contractor causes the most expensive problems. Below is exactly what the process looks like, what it costs, and how long it takes.
Signs You Need a Full Gut Renovation, Not a Partial Remodel
- The layout no longer fits how you live — closed-off rooms instead of open living space, a kitchen cut off from the rest of the home, or a missing primary bathroom
- Electrical panels, wiring, or plumbing are original to a pre-war building and haven’t been updated in decades
- Water damage, mold, or structural issues have been discovered behind walls or under flooring
- You’re combining two units or significantly reconfiguring room count
- Cosmetic updates alone (paint, fixtures) won’t solve underlying system or layout problems
What’s Included in a Gut Renovation
Full demolition — removal of existing walls (non-structural and, where engineered, structural), flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and finishes down to the studs and subfloor
Structural and layout changes — reconfiguring room layouts, removing or relocating walls with proper engineering sign-off where required
Electrical rewiring — new wiring, panel upgrades where needed, and updated outlet and lighting layouts to current code
Plumbing replacement — new supply lines, drain lines, and fixture rough-ins, especially important in pre-war buildings with original galvanized piping
HVAC updates — new ductwork, mini-split systems, or radiator updates depending on the building type
Insulation, drywall, and finishes — full rebuild of walls, ceilings, flooring, trim, and paint
Kitchen and bathroom installation — cabinetry, countertops, tile, and fixtures as part of the full renovation scope
Our Gut Renovation Process
- Free on-site consultation — we assess the existing condition, layout goals, and any building/board requirements before pricing anything
- Design & planning — floor plans, material selections, and a transparent, itemized quote with no hidden allowances
- Permits & board approval — we file necessary NYC DOB permits and prepare co-op/condo board application packages where required
- Demolition & structural work — full strip-out and any structural modifications, inspected before we move forward
- Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) — all new systems installed and inspected
- Finishes & installation — drywall, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, paint, and trim
- Final walkthrough — a detailed inspection with the homeowner before the project is considered complete
Gut Renovation Cost in NYC
Gut renovation costs in NYC typically range from $80,000 to $300,000+, depending on:
- Square footage — larger apartments and full-floor units cost more in materials and labor
- Building type — pre-war buildings often require more plumbing and electrical replacement than newer construction
- Finish level — standard finishes sit at the lower end of the range; custom millwork, natural stone, and premium fixtures push costs higher
- Structural scope — moving load-bearing walls or reinforcing joists adds engineering and construction cost
- Board or landmark requirements — co-op board approval processes and LPC-regulated buildings can add time and coordination cost
We provide a detailed, itemized estimate after a free on-site assessment — not a rough range based on square footage alone, since building condition affects cost more than most homeowners expect.
Gut Renovation Timeline
Most full gut renovations in NYC take 3 to 6 months, depending on:
- Apartment or house size and scope of structural work
- Co-op/condo board approval timelines (this can add 4–8 weeks before construction even starts)
- Building access restrictions (freight elevator scheduling, work-hour rules)
- Permit processing time with the NYC Department of Buildings
Where We Do Gut Renovations
We provide gut renovation services across Tribeca, Upper East Side, West Village, Park Slope, and Brooklyn Heights, along with the rest of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
