Apartment Renovation Contractor in New York City
MH Construction is your trusted apartment renovation contractor in New York City. We work with co-op owners, condo owners, and landlords across all five boroughs to transform apartments of every size — from studio updates to full-floor gut renovations. We know the process inside and out: alteration agreements, board approvals, DOB permits, insurance requirements, and the logistics of renovating in occupied buildings.
The NYC Apartment Renovation Challenge
Renovating an apartment in New York City is fundamentally different from renovating a house. You’re working within a shared building with strict rules about work hours, noise levels, material deliveries, and contractor access. Most co-ops and condos require a formal alteration agreement, proof of insurance ($1M–$2M liability depending on the building), and approval from the board before any work begins. Some buildings have seasonal blackout periods where no construction is allowed. None of this should scare you — but it requires a contractor who knows the system. That’s us.
Our Apartment Renovation Services
- Full gut renovations — strip everything to studs and rebuild: new kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, electrical, plumbing, and layout
- Kitchen and bathroom combos — the most popular apartment upgrade in NYC. We renovate both simultaneously to minimize disruption and save on mobilization costs
- Open floor plan conversions — remove non-structural walls to create modern, open layouts. Structural walls require steel beam installation with engineer-stamped plans and DOB approval
- Flooring throughout — hardwood refinishing, new hardwood installation, engineered wood over concrete slabs, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
- Electrical panel upgrades — many pre-war and mid-century NYC apartments have 60-100 amp panels that can’t support modern appliances. We upgrade to 150-200 amps with new circuit breakers
- Custom built-ins — shelving, closet systems, window seats, and storage solutions designed for NYC apartment living where every square foot matters
- Painting and finishing — walls, trim, crown molding, wainscoting, and decorative details
- Window and door replacement — new interior doors, pocket doors for space savings, and window replacements where building rules allow
Apartment Renovation Cost in NYC
Full apartment renovations in New York City typically cost $150–$300+ per square foot depending on scope and finishes:
- Studio/1-bedroom cosmetic update: $25,000 – $50,000
- 1-bedroom gut renovation: $75,000 – $150,000
- 2-bedroom gut renovation: $125,000 – $250,000
- 3-bedroom+ gut renovation: $200,000 – $400,000+
These ranges include labor, materials, permits, and typical building fees. High-end finishes, structural modifications, and Manhattan buildings with strict requirements push costs toward the upper end. Contact us for a detailed estimate based on your specific apartment and building.
The Alteration Agreement Process
Most NYC co-ops and condos require an alteration agreement before renovation work can begin. This typically involves submitting architectural plans, a scope of work, contractor insurance certificates, and sometimes a security deposit. The approval process can take 2–8 weeks depending on the building. We prepare all documentation and work with your building’s management company to get approval as quickly as possible.
Pre-War vs. Post-War Apartments
Pre-war apartments (built before 1945) often feature plaster walls, lath construction, cast iron plumbing, knob-and-tube wiring, and ornate details worth preserving. Post-war apartments typically have drywall, copper plumbing, and simpler layouts but may have asbestos-containing materials that require abatement. Our team has extensive experience with both building types and knows what to expect behind the walls.
Areas We Serve
Apartment renovation across all five boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.
Related Services
Kitchen Renovation · Bathroom Remodeling · Flooring Installation · Painting Services · Full Home Renovation
Planning an apartment renovation? Call (718) 207-7624 or get a free estimate. We respond within 24 hours.