Bathroom Remodel NYC: $3,150 to $27,600 + DOB Permits (2026)

Angi's New York figures. DOB filing and permit costs are extra.

NYC home improvement contractor license: the $200 rule

In New York City, anyone doing remodeling or repair work on a residential building that costs more than $200 needs a Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Plumbing and purely electrical work are excluded; DOB licenses those trades. Check the license through 311 or nyc.gov/dcwp before you sign.

DCWP's tips for hiring say to get a written, signed contract with a separate Notice of Cancellation form, pay no more than 25% up front, and never pay in cash. Those rules make the deposit conversation simple: a contractor who wants half the job in cash up front is asking you to break the city's own advice.

DOB permits for bathroom plumbing and wiring

Plumbing permits in New York City must be obtained by a Licensed Master Plumber, and DOB says an electrical permit is required for most electrical work. That means the remodeler's crew can set tile and hang a vanity, but moving a drain or adding a circuit goes through a licensed plumber or electrician who files with DOB. DOB keeps public lookups for licensed plumbers and electricians and a Know Your Construction Professional directory. Plumbing-only jobs: plumber in New York City.

Lead paint in NYC bathrooms: Local Law 1

New York City's median home was built in 1952, the Census Bureau says, and 78.9% of housing units predate 1980. Under Local Law 1 of 2004, owners of buildings built before 1960 must presume the paint is lead-based. In a unit where a child under 6 routinely spends 10 or more hours a week, repair work that disturbs more than two square feet of lead or unknown paint must be done by certified workers using safe work practices, and the owner keeps the records, according to HPD. The EPA's federal rule also requires certified firms for pre-1978 homes. Ask the contractor for the firm's lead certification before demolition starts.

Permit, license and program facts for a bathroom remodel in New York City, from official city, county, state, utility and Census pages.

Kitchen remodel in NYC

A kitchen remodel in NYC follows the same DCWP license and DOB permit rules. We found no NYC-specific kitchen price; HomeAdvisor's 2026 national average for a kitchen remodel is $26,990, with most homeowners paying $14,591 to $41,617. See kitchen remodel cost.

Bathroom remodel in NYC: what to ask first

1. What is your DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license number?
2. Which Licensed Master Plumber and licensed electrician will file with DOB?
3. Is your firm lead-safe certified, and how will you contain dust?
4. Will the contract include a Notice of Cancellation and a deposit of 25% or less?

Leaks found during demolition: water damage restoration in New York City. National prices: bathroom remodel cost. Compare bathroom remodel in Philadelphia and bathroom remodel in Chicago. Calls to the remodeling line go to an independent company that serves your area and takes this kind of job (how calls work).