Can You Renovate A Condo In NYC?

Table of contents

• The Importance of Material Choices in Renovations
• Sophisticated Materials for Stylish NYC Renovations
• Navigating NYC's Regulations and Requirements
• Top Tips for Making Informed Material Choices
• Working with a Design-Build Firm on Material Selection
• Conclusion

When strategizing ideas for our Design & Reno Blog, our goal with each potential post remains the same - educate our audience about various NYC-centric renovation topics. When everyone is informed, expectations are aligned and we can dial in even further when identifying unique renovation plans for our prospective clients. 

Sometimes this approach requires us to provide design tips or architectural suggestions to clients in the consideration phase. Other times, we’re answering very specific questions for those trying to finalize one last decision before hiring a renovation partner, as we did with our article, ‘Cost To Renovate A 2,000 Square Foot Apartment In NYC’.

In this case, we’re answering a question we get at least once a week, despite the answer being relatively obvious. ‘Can you renovate a condo in NYC?’ While the simple answer is a resounding yes, let’s explore the specifics surrounding renovating condos and co-ops in New York City. 

Specific Renovation Challenges In NYC Condos & Co-Ops

While renovations in New York City naturally warrant more minutia, renovating NYC condos and co-ops pose a variety of additional challenges to consider. Instead of letting them deter you though, dig in below to see how each obstacle can be overcome when handled with delicate care throughout the renovation process. 

Wet Over Dry Restrictions

One of the biggest challenges you’ll face with NYC condo renovations is wet over dry restrictions. Because you’ve got neighboring units, you often cannot move your wet spaces (bathroom, kitchen, anything with a sink) over their dry areas (bedrooms, living room, etc). This often dictates whether or not you can physically relocate a bathroom or kitchen. In certain instances, exceptions can be made. 

Plumbing Stacks

In NYC condo and co-op renovations, plumbing stacks pose significant challenges. These vertical pipes, which carry incoming and wastewater, are crucial to the building's plumbing system and are often enclosed within walls or columns. This can limit the ability to alter or open up those walls, particularly in kitchen areas. Renovations involving plumbing stacks typically require approval from the building’s board or management, adding complexity and cost to the project. The need to work around these stacks can constrain design options, making it crucial to consult with professionals who understand these constraints and can navigate the approval process effectively.

Co-Op Considerations

While condos themselves pose certain challenges when renovating, co-ops have even more stipulations to consider before your dream home plans can come true. 

Unique Ownership Structure Means Added Approvals‍

When buying into a co-op, you’re essentially purchasing a share of the building. This means any renovation to your residence will require approval from your co-op board. 

Strict Regulations

‍Because the board has their personal interests in mind (and rightfully so), the regulations put on most co-op renovations are quite a bit more stringent than condos, where owners generally have more freedom to modify their units. That doesn’t mean your renovation will immediately be turned down, but rather your request will likely require a lengthy and complex approval process that may result in a few adjustments in your plan. 

Longer Approval Process

‍Because of these added co-op considerations, navigating the approval process for co-op renovations often requires more time, patience, and thorough preparation to ensure compliance with the board's requirements and expectations. 

Alteration Agreement 

Both co-ops and condos typically require alteration agreements if you want to renovate your unit. In co-ops, this is crucial because the co-op board makes decisions on behalf of the building and needs to approve modifications to maintain the building’s appearance and structural integrity. In condos, while the process might be less stringent, alteration agreements are still often required to ensure compliance with building codes, condo rules, and to prevent any impact on common elements or other units. Always check with your building’s management or board for specific requirements.

The alteration agreement essentially guides how we approach the project. This involves the following, among other things:

• Plumbing Restrictions
• Who to Notify
• When Work Can Be Done
• Types of Materials
• Types of Construction Methods

For more specifics on alteration agreements in NYC, read: NYC Alterations Agreements: Everything You Need To Know.

Examples Of Our Condo & Co-Op Renovations In New York City

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Full Renovation Of Pre-War Co-Op In Manhattan | 1035 5th Avenue

Our recent renovation at 1035 5th Avenue found us in the middle of quintessential Manhattan. Overlooking Central Park, this beautiful Italian Renaissance Palazzo co-op is located on Fifth and 85th street, just down the street from The Met. When our client purchased this 4,000 square foot pre-war property, the space hadn’t been updated in more than 50 years. The vision for this renovation called for a complete design overhaul of the extensive space, while incorporating many of the prior architectural elements and elegant marble accents, while also creating an additional bathroom and powder room. While the results speak for themselves, the client’s glowing praise for our full-service approach went a long way. View the full renovation before and after.

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Manhattan Condo Renovation | 252 Seventh Ave

This sizable Manhattan renovation found us overhauling a previously-combined two-unit condo in The Chelsea Mercantile, an iconic 19-story pre-war building in Chelsea. Our clients, a couple with three small children, acquired the enlarged 252 Seventh Avenue residence with an aim to blend modern comfort with the charm of yesteryear.

With a growing family and an expanded unit as their canvas, their renovation aspirations welcomed a more open and functional layout, requiring outside the box structural planning. While redefining the kitchen's placement and converting a portion of the original living area into a new third bedroom were central to the renovation, considerable attention was also dedicated to fully upgrading three bathrooms. Every detail, including finishes, trims, lighting, and ceilings, underwent careful consideration to enhance the overall living experience. View the full condo renovation before and after.

Consider Design Build For Your Condo & Co-Op Renovation

Now that you’ve gotten the green light to renovate your condo, you’re probably wondering which route to go when choosing a renovation partner. For help there, read any of the following helpful articles from our Design & Reno Blog: 

• What Is The Right Approach For Your NYC Apartment Renovation?
• What Kind Of Architect Is Best For Your NYC Apartment Renovation?
• Design-Build: The Best Method For Your NYC Apartment Renovation

Considering a condo or co-op renovation in New York City? View our portfolio of NYC condo and co-op renovation before and afters, learn more about Gallery, or contact us today.

We are an award-winning design-build firm in New York City with a full-service approach to renovations in Manhattan and Brooklyn that includes everything from interior design and architecture services to board approvals/permits and construction site management. We’re experts in pre-war apartment renovations, apartment combinations, room creations, full gut renovations and all that falls in between. Let us bring your dream home to life.

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