Factors That Affect NYC Apartment Combination Costs

Planning an apartment remodeling involves several aspects that will affect the total cost. Remodeling in New York City, for example, is costlier than doing it in many other places.

If you’re thinking about combining two apartments to get more space, it will cost almost exactly like gut-renovating an apartment, so expect to pay at least a few hundred thousand dollars to complete your renovation project.

These factors will figure into your total expenses:

Vertical vs. Adjacent

Apartment combinations fall under two types: vertical and adjacent. 

Vertical or duplex means you’re combining an apartment with another apartment that it’s sitting on. Adjacent means you’re combining two apartments that are sitting side by side.

Vertical combinations cost more and take longer because of the complexity of the work. You’ll probably spend more time negotiating with the building owner or manager, planning the work, and computing the cost of fireproofing, steel, and inspections. This involves some serious structural changes, including beams and a staircase.

Meanwhile, an adjacent apartment combination is simpler. It may only necessitate creating a hole in the wall and moving a few things around.

Kitchen Demolition

NYC apartments can only have one kitchen, according to the law. This means you’ll also be paying your remodeler to get rid of the second kitchen.

Plumbing and Gas

Dealing with the plumbing and gas lines takes time and expertise in apartment combination, just like in gut-renovating. In New York City, rerouting these lines is often not straightforward. Plumbing risers, for example, are not always movable for safety and architectural reasons. You and your renovation specialist will have to meet with the building manager to make this happen.

Miscellaneous Fees

This is by no means a complete list of factors that will affect your apartment combination, but it’s a good start. You’ll have to contend with some miscellaneous factors, as well. For example, to navigate the city bureaucracy, you’ll probably have to hire an expeditor. Then you’ll be paying for permits, as well as for asbestos inspections and removal if asbestos is found.

Most buildings will charge for the protection of doors, elevators, and hallways, as well as for shutting off the gas or water for the renovation. If your project exceeds the scheduled time, you’ll probably pay a daily penalty.

While these costs and more may discourage you from moving ahead with your apartment combination plans, bear in mind that it’s always better to be thoroughly prepared. Besides, a bigger NYC apartment typically has a very high resale value.

Get in touch with us at Knockout Renovation. We can help you with your apartment combination project. We also offer other services, including kitchen remodeling. Call us today at (212) 599-5060 or tell us about your project here. We look forward to working with you in Brooklyn or Manhattan, NYC, or in other areas around New York City.