You finally decide to renovate your apartment — maybe a condo in Midtown, a co-op on the Upper East Side, or a brownstone in Park Slope. You collect a few bids, compare “apples to apples,” and think you’ve got a handle on the numbers.

Then the real New York City renovation costs show up.

In neighbourhoods like Tribeca, the Upper West Side, or Williamsburg, the base construction estimate is only part of the picture. Buildings, boards, logistics, and city rules all add layers that are easy to underestimate if you haven’t renovated before.

Below are 9 hidden renovation costs homeowners regularly forget to include in their budget and how to plan for them.

1. Building & Board Fees

In many Manhattan and Brooklyn buildings, the first surprise shows up before any wall comes down.

Common extra charges include:

• Non-refundable or partially refundable renovation fees
• Security deposits held by the building
• Move-in / move-out fees for contractors and materials
• Freight elevator reservations and overtime elevator charges

Whether you’re renovating a condo in Manhattan or Brooklin, always ask your managing agent or super for a written list of building fees before you finalize the budget.

2. Architectural, Engineering & Design Fees

Homeowners often compare contractors’ numbers but forget to budget for the professionals who design and stamp the plans.

You may need:

• An architect for layout changes, DOB filings, and board submissions
• An engineer if you’re moving structural elements, plumbing risers, or gas lines
• An interior designer for finishes, millwork details, and lighting plans

Even a “simple” bathroom renovation can require drawings for your board and for the city. Those professional fees can be a few thousand to tens of thousands depending on project size.

With DNB Renovations, these pieces are planned together as part of a single, coordinated process. We scope the architectural, engineering, and interior design work up front and include them in one clear proposal, so you’re not chasing multiple vendors or getting hit with surprise fees later.

3. Permits & Filing Costs

NYC Department of Buildings permits and filings are another line item that can sneak up on you.

Hidden costs here include:

• Filing fees for Alt-1 / Alt-2 permits
• Special inspections (sprinklers, fire alarms, energy, etc.)
• Expeditor fees to move the paperwork along

If your renovation involves moving walls, reworking plumbing, or updating electrical, plan on a permit-related budget line from day one.

4. Temporary Housing & Storage

If you’re doing a full apartment renovation in a compact space — say, a one-bedroom in Soho or a family place in Carroll Gardens or Park Slope — living through the project might not be realistic.

Extra costs can include:

• Short-term rentals or hotel stays
• Storage units for furniture and personal items
• Movers for staging, packing, and re-delivery

This can add thousands to a renovation if you’re out of the apartment for several weeks.

5. Building-Mandated Upgrades

Older pre-war buildings in neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights, Clinton Hill, or the Upper West Side may require you to bring certain systems up to current code when you renovate.

Examples:

• Electrical upgrades: new panel, additional circuits, arc-fault breakers
• Plumbing upgrades: new shut-off valves, updated riser connections
• Fire safety: hard-wired smoke detectors, self-closing doors

These upgrades may not show up in a basic “kitchen and bath” estimate but become mandatory once the work starts and the building superintendent or board reviews the scope.

6. Delivery, Freight & Handling Charges

Everything has to get into your apartment somehow: through loading docks, freight elevators, and narrow hallways.

Hidden costs here can include:

• Freight delivery fees from suppliers
• White-glove delivery for heavy items like stone countertops or appliances
• Extra labor for walk-ups or tight staircases
• Charges for after-hours deliveries in busy Midtown or Downtown buildings

If you’re renovating in a dense area like Times Square / Theater District or Downtown Brooklyn, logistics can have a real impact on your budget.

7. Change Orders 

Once walls are open, it’s common to discover surprises: old wiring, uneven floors, aging plumbing, or previous DIY repairs.

Then there are the homeowner-driven changes:

• Upgrading to more premium finishes
• Adding extra lighting or outlets
• Extending the scope to an adjacent room

In neighborhoods like Astoria or Greenpoint, older housing stock often has quirks that only show up mid-project. A realistic renovation budget in NYC should include a 10–20% contingency for changes and surprises.

8. Appliances, Fixtures & Hardware Overruns

It’s easy to set an allowance for “appliances: $X” or “plumbing fixtures: $Y” — and then fall in love with options that blow the allowance out of the water.

Common culprits:

• Professional-style ranges and panel-ready dishwashers
• Designer fixtures and shower systems
• Custom cabinet hardware, pulls, and hinges

If you’re renovating a high-end kitchen, be honest with yourself about the level of finishes you want and price them early.

9. Time & Opportunity Cost

While not always listed in dollars, the time you spend on a renovation has a cost too:

• Time off work for deliveries, inspections, and board meetings
• Project-management hours spent coordinating vendors
• Delays caused by slow approvals or back-ordered materials

Working with a renovation company that handles permitting, scheduling, and building coordination across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens can reduce this “invisible” cost significantly.

How to Build a More Realistic Renovation Budget

To avoid nasty surprises:

• Start with a comprehensive scope that includes design, permits, and building requirements.
• Ask your building in neighborhoods like the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Dumbo, or Long Island City for all renovation rules and fees in writing.
• Add a contingency of 10–20% on top of the total for surprises and upgrades.
• Choose a contractor who regularly works in NYC apartments and understands the realities of co-ops, condos, and townhouses.

Planning a Renovation in NYC? DNB Can Help You Budget Smarter.

Whether you’re updating a bathroom in Brooklyn, opening up a kitchen in Midtown, or gut-renovating a pre-war co-op on the Upper East Side, DNB Renovations can walk you through the full budget — not just the obvious line items.

We factor in board approvals, permits, logistics, and realistic contingencies so you’re not blindsided halfway through construction.

Get in touch with DNB Renovations today to talk through your renovation plans and build a clear, transparent budget for your NYC home.