Brooklyn Kitchen Remodel: How Much Does It Cost?
Brooklyn kitchen remodel projects bring brighter cooking spaces, higher home value, and big family smiles—but they also raise a huge question: how much should we save? This 5th-grade-friendly guide answers it with real numbers, easy charts, and .gov facts:
- Quick snapshot of dollars, days, and key decisions
- Why Brooklyn costs run 25–40 % higher than the U.S. average
- 2025 cost table for cabinets, counters, permits, and more
- “Graph: Average Daily GHI” to show how sunlight affects bills
- Five ways kids can help Mom & Dad save money
1. Quick Snapshot: Dollars, Days & Decisions
- Median U.S. cost: $6 000 for a full kitchen redo (U.S. Census).1
- Brooklyn bump: Plan on 25–40 % extra for labor and permits.
- Permit tip: NYC Department of Buildings says moving plumbing or wires always needs a permit.2
- Material inflation: Cabinets and counters rose 2.4 % this year (BLS).3
- Common range: $7 500–$14 000 (basic) • $18 000–$30 000 (mid-grade) • $35 000–$65 000 + (custom)
2. Why Do Brooklyn Kitchen Remodel Costs Feel Higher?
2.1 Labor & permits
Licensed plumbers and electricians book up fast in NYC, and the filing fee for a Standard Alteration permit starts at $1 000.
2.2 Older buildings
Pre-war wiring and lead pipes need safe upgrades before new cabinets go in.
2.3 Apartment rules
Co-op boards often limit noisy work to 10 a.m.–3 p.m., stretching the calendar.
2.4 Material inflation
According to the BLS Producer Price Index, construction materials are up 2.4 %.3
3. 2025 Cost Breakdown – Mid-Grade Brooklyn Kitchen Remodel
| Item | % of Total | Low $ | High $ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 28 % | 5 000 | 8 500 |
| Counters | 12 % | 2 000 | 4 000 |
| Appliances (Energy Star) | 15 % | 3 000 | 6 000 |
| Plumbing & Electrical | 10 % | 2 000 | 4 000 |
| Flooring | 8 % | 1 500 | 3 500 |
| Backsplash & Paint | 5 % | 1 000 | 1 800 |
| Permits & Fees | 6 % | 1 200 | 2 500 |
| Design & Mgmt | 6 % | 1 200 | 2 500 |
| Contingency (10 %) | 10 % | 2 700 | 3 500 |
| Total | 100 % | 19 600 | 36 300 |
Tip: Keep a 10 % “oops” fund for surprise wires or hidden pipes.
4. Graph: Average Daily GHI in Different Locations
| Location | Average Daily GHI (kWh/m²) |
|---|---|
| Brooklyn | 4.21 |
| Manhattan | 4.17 |
| Queens | 4.20 |
| Staten Island | 4.23 |
| Long Island | 4.35 |
More sunlight means smaller electric bills—and an herb garden that actually grows!
5. Five Kid-Friendly Ways to Save Money
- Reuse good cabinets – sand and paint instead of buying new.
- Pick stock sizes – custom cuts cost extra wood and time.
- Use energy rebates – Energy.gov lists discounts for fridges and dishwashers.
- Keep the layout – moving the sink = new pipes.
- Hire licensed pros once – fixing DIY mistakes can double the bill.
6. Understanding Brooklyn Kitchen Permits
The NYC Department of Buildings requires permits for plumbing or electrical changes. Small cabinet swaps are fine without a permit, but landlords still want licensed contractors.
7. FAQ
How long does a remodel take?
Two weeks for a “facelift,” 8–12 weeks for a full gut job plus permit time.
Can we stay at home during work?
Yes for light jobs. For bigger work, plan lots of take-out or a short stay with friends.
Does remodeling raise apartment value?
Realtors say kitchens return 50–70 % of cost at resale—often more in prime Brooklyn ZIPs.
Ready to Start Your Brooklyn Kitchen Remodel?
Call 347-455-1741 or write info@renovationservices.com for a free in-home chat.
Need inspiration? See our Basement Mold Removal guide.
