A gut renovation means stripping your home down to the bare walls and floor – removing old drywall, wiring, pipes, and insulation – then building everything back new. You keep the outside shell, but everything inside becomes brand new. You need this when your home is over 50 years old, when your electrical or plumbing keeps failing, or when you want to change the entire layout of your space. Patching an old house year after year often costs more than doing a full gut renovation once. Our team handles the whole job – demolition, framing, new wiring and pipes, heating and cooling, floors, kitchen, bathroom, and final painting. One team, one contract, and one person to call. You get a home that is safe, comfortable, and built to last.
Gut Renovation Services
What's Included in the Full Gut Renovation NYC Cost?
Think of a full gut renovation as hitting the reset button on your home. The cost covers everything it takes to tear your place down to the bones and rebuild it fresh. We remove all the old drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures. We pull out every inch of outdated wiring and every foot of rusty pipes. Then we put it all back – new electrical, new plumbing, new HVAC, new insulation, new drywall, new floors, a whole new kitchen, a whole new bathroom, new doors, new trim, and fresh paint. We also take care of permits and city inspections so you don’t have to. So when you see the price, know that you’re paying for a complete fresh start – not just a facelift.
Approximate Cost of Gut Renovation
| Property Type | Average Size (sq ft) | Scope of Work | Typical Cost Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | 400–600 sq ft | Full gut – new electrical, plumbing, kitchen, bathroom, floors | $50,000 – $75,000 | 6–8 weeks |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 600–800 sq ft | Full gut – all systems, kitchen, bathroom, finishes | $65,000 – $95,000 | 8–10 weeks |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | 800–1,100 sq ft | Full gut – including some structural changes | $85,000 – $130,000 | 10–12 weeks |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | 1,100–1,500 sq ft | Full gut – possible wall removal, upgraded finishes | $120,000 – $180,000 | 12–14 weeks |
| Brownstone / Townhouse (one floor) | 800–1,200 sq ft | Full gut of one unit or floor | $90,000 – $150,000 | 10–14 weeks |
| Brownstone / Townhouse (full building) | 2,500–4,000 sq ft | Complete gut of all floors – new everything | $250,000 – $500,000+ | 4–8 months |
| Single-Family Home (Brooklyn / Queens / Bronx) | 1,200–2,000 sq ft | Full gut – all systems, kitchen, baths, finishes | $150,000 – $250,000 | 3–5 months |
| Luxury Gut Renovation (high-end finishes) | Any size | Custom millwork, marble, smart home, designer fixtures | $250 – $500+ per sq ft | 4–8 months |
| Basic Gut Renovation (builder-grade) | Any size | Simple finishes, standard materials, no layout changes | $75 – $120 per sq ft | 2–4 months |
Scope of Work – Full Gut Renovation
A full gut renovation is a big job, and knowing exactly what you’re paying for is the most important part of the process. This scope of work breaks down everything we will do – from the first day of preparation to the final walkthrough. We have organized the work into ten clear phases: preparation, demolition, structural work, rough mechanicals (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC), insulation and drywall, flooring and trim, kitchen installation, bathroom installation, finishes and fixtures, and finally cleanup and inspections. Each phase is explained in plain language so you know what to expect, when to expect it, and what is included. No hidden steps. No confusion. Just a complete, honest plan to turn your old home into something brand new.
Preparation & Protection
Before any demolition begins, we prepare your property to ensure safety and cleanliness. We start with a thorough site inspection to assess existing conditions and identify any hazards like asbestos, lead, or mold. We then file and obtain all necessary building permits from your local city department. Dust containment is set up using heavy plastic sheeting and zipper doors to seal off the work area from the rest of your home. Floor protection like ram board or plywood is laid down to protect any areas not being demolished. We also arrange for temporary utilities including power, water, and a portable toilet if needed. Finally, a dumpster is delivered to your property for efficient debris removal throughout the project.
Demolition
This is where we strip your home down to its bones. We remove all drywall from walls and ceilings down to the studs. Flooring including carpet, hardwood, and tile is torn out down to the subfloor. Any drop ceilings or plaster is completely removed. All kitchen and bathroom cabinets and vanities are taken out along with all fixtures like sinks, toilets, showers, and light fixtures. Interior doors, baseboards, and crown molding are removed. Old insulation is stripped from exterior walls and attics. We also remove all outdated electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, ducts, and radiators. Debris is hauled away daily to keep the site clean and safe.
Structural Work
If your renovation involves changing the layout of your home, structural work is required. We schedule a framing inspection with the city before covering any new work. New LVL or steel beams are installed to create open concept spaces by removing load-bearing walls. Floor joists are sistered or reinforced if they are sagging or damaged. New non-load-bearing walls are framed to create your desired room layout. Window and door rough openings are resized or relocated as needed. Any rotted or damaged sections of subfloor are cut out and replaced. If required by local code, shear walls are installed for seismic or wind rating.
Rough Mechanicals (Behind Walls)
This phase includes all the hidden systems that make your home function safely and efficiently. For electrical work, we upgrade your service panel to 150 or 200 amps and run new Romex wiring to all outlets, switches, and light fixtures. Outlet boxes are installed per code approximately every 12 feet and near countertops. Dedicated circuits are added for kitchen appliances, laundry, HVAC, and bathrooms. Hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed with battery backup. For plumbing, we replace all old supply lines with new copper or PEX pipes and replace drain lines with new PVC. If you are moving fixtures, we relocate sinks, toilets, and showers to their new locations. Shutoff valves are installed at every fixture and on the main line. For HVAC, we install new supply and return ductwork and add bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans that vent to the exterior.
Insulation & Drywall
Once rough mechanicals are approved by city inspection, we insulate and close up your walls. After passing the insulation inspection, we install fiberglass batts or spray foam insulation in all exterior walls and in the ceiling or attic. For interior walls like bedrooms and bathrooms, we add Rockwool soundproofing to reduce noise between rooms. A vapor barrier is installed where required by local code. Then we hang 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch drywall on all walls and ceilings. Three coats of joint compound are applied and sanded smooth. Finally, we apply texture if desired – options include orange peel, knockdown, or a smooth finish.
Flooring & Trim
With the walls finished, we move to the floors and trim work. First, we prepare the subfloor by screwing down any loose areas and patching low spots. Appropriate underlayment is installed based on your chosen flooring type. Then we install your new flooring – whether hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl plank, or laminate. After floors are complete, we install new baseboards throughout. Trim work continues with door casing around all interior doors and window casing around all windows. Crown molding is installed in any rooms you specify for a polished, finished look.
Kitchen Installation
The kitchen is the heart of your home, and we rebuild kitchen completely. We install base and wall cabinets, making sure they are leveled and securely fastened to the walls. Countertops are installed next – whether quartz, granite, marble, or laminate. A tile or stone backsplash is added behind the countertops. The sink is installed as undermount or drop-in style, followed by the faucet with sprayer and soap dispenser. All appliances are installed including refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave, and vent hood. Under-cabinet LED strip lighting is added for task lighting. Finally, a garbage disposal is installed and connected to the sink drain.
Bathroom Installation
We rebuild bathroom to be beautiful and completely waterproof. In the shower area, we apply a waterproofing membrane like RedGard or Schulter to prevent any leaks. Shower walls and floor are tiled with your chosen tile. If you have a tub, we install a drop-in or alcove tub. A new toilet is installed with a fresh wax ring. A vanity with sink and faucet is installed. We add a medicine cabinet or mirror along with a vanity light. An exhaust fan is installed and vented properly to the outside. Finally, accessories like towel bars, a toilet paper holder, and robe hooks are mounted.
Finishes & Fixtures
This is where your home starts to look complete. We apply two coats of paint to all walls and one coat to ceilings and trim. All specified light fixtures are installed. Outlet and switch covers are put on throughout the home. New door handles, hinges, and deadbolts are installed on all interior and exterior doors. Window blinds or shades are installed if included in your scope.
Final Work & Cleanup
The last phase ensures everything is perfect before you move back in. We schedule and pass all final city inspections. A punch list walkthrough is done with you to note any small fixes needed. We complete all touch-ups including painting, caulking, and grout sealing. A deep clean is performed to remove all construction dust – we wipe cabinets, vacuum floors, and clean every surface. The dumpster is removed and the exterior of your property is cleaned. We provide a final warranty walkthrough to explain your new systems and give you all warranty documents. Final payment is only due after you have signed off on the completed work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gut renovation?
A gut renovation means stripping a property down to its bare studs, joists, and subfloor – removing all drywall, insulation, flooring, old wiring, plumbing pipes, fixtures, and cabinets – and then rebuilding everything from the frame outward. You keep the outer shell of the building, but everything inside becomes brand new. It is the most complete type of home renovation available.
How much does it cost to gut renovate a house?
The cost to gut renovate a house typically ranges from 75to200 per square foot, depending on your location, the quality of materials, and the complexity of the work. For an average 1,500 to 2,000 square foot house, the total cost usually falls between 120,000and300,000. This includes demolition, new electrical, new plumbing, new HVAC, insulation, drywall, flooring, kitchen, bathroom, and finishes. Luxury finishes can push the cost to 300to500 or more per square foot.
How much to gut renovate a house?
This is the same question – and the honest answer is that it depends on several factors. A basic gut renovation with builder-grade materials might run 75to120 per square foot. A mid-range renovation with nicer finishes is usually 120to200 per square foot. A high-end gut renovation with custom cabinets, marble, and smart home features can cost 200to500 or more per square foot. The best way to get an accurate number is to have a contractor visit your property and give you a written quote based on your specific scope of work.
How much does a gut renovation cost?
On average, a full gut renovation costs between 75and200 per square foot. For a small 800 square foot apartment, that means roughly 60,000to160,000. For a 2,000 square foot house, you are looking at 150,000to400,000. The wide range comes down to three things: where you live (labor costs vary by city), what materials you choose, and whether you are moving walls or changing the layout. We always give a fixed-price contract so there are no surprises.
How much does a gut renovation cost in NYC?
Gut renovation costs in NYC are higher than the national average due to labor rates, permit fees, and building regulations. In NYC, expect to pay between 100and250 per square foot for a standard gut renovation. A 1,000 square foot apartment typically costs 100,000to200,000. A full brownstone gut renovation can run 250,000to500,000 or more. Luxury projects often exceed $400 per square foot. NYC also requires licensed trades and strict inspections, which adds to the cost but ensures safety and quality.
How much does it cost to gut renovate a brownstone?
Gut renovating a brownstone is one of the more expensive projects because brownstones are old, often have structural issues, and require full system replacements. For a standard 3,000 to 4,000 square foot brownstone in Brooklyn or Manhattan, expect to pay 250,000to500,000 or more. This includes full demolition, new electrical and plumbing throughout all floors, new HVAC, new kitchens and bathrooms on each floor, and all finishes. If you are also doing the basement, roof, or exterior work, the cost can go higher. Many brownstone gut renovations end up between 350,000and600,000 for a full building.
How long does a full gut renovation take?
A full gut renovation typically takes 8 to 16 weeks from the day demolition starts to the final walkthrough. A small apartment might take 6 to 8 weeks. A medium-sized house usually takes 10 to 14 weeks. A large brownstone or townhouse can take 4 to 8 months. The timeline depends on the size of the property, the complexity of the work, how fast permits are approved, and whether any surprises like rot, mold, or asbestos are found during demolition. We give you a realistic schedule and update you every week.
How long does a gut renovation take?
Same answer as above – most gut renovations take between 8 and 16 weeks. The demolition phase alone takes 1 to 2 weeks. Rough mechanicals (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) take another 2 to 4 weeks. Insulation and drywall take 1 to 2 weeks. Flooring, trim, and cabinets take 2 to 3 weeks. Finishes and final walkthrough add another 1 to 2 weeks. We build a small buffer into every timeline so unexpected delays do not ruin your schedule.