Combining Apartments in NYC: The Complete Guide
From navigating co-op boards and the DOB to understanding costs and design possibilities, this is your start-to-finish guide for creating your dream home by combining apartments in New York City.
Schedule a Feasibility ConsultationIn a city where space is the ultimate luxury, combining apartments is the quintessential New York dream. It’s a way to create a custom, expansive home without leaving the building or neighborhood you love. But it’s also one of the most complex and expensive residential projects you can undertake, filled with unique challenges from co-op boards, the Department of Buildings (DOB), and even the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for anyone considering an apartment combination in NYC. We’ll explore the types of combinations, the grueling approval process, realistic 2025 costs, and the exciting design possibilities. With the right team and a clear understanding of the process, you can successfully navigate this challenging but rewarding journey.
Section 1: The First Question: Is a Combination Even Possible?
Before you even think about design, you need to determine if a combination is feasible. This depends on your building type, the location of structural elements, and the building’s rules.
Interactive Tool: Feasibility Quick Check
Answer these questions to get a preliminary idea of your project’s feasibility.
Section 2: The Gauntlet: Navigating the Approval Process
Getting approval for an apartment combination is a multi-layered process involving architects, engineers, your building’s board, and the NYC Department of Buildings. This is where an experienced contractor is invaluable.
Interactive Tool: Who’s On My Project Team?
Click a role to see why they’re essential for your project.
Section 3: Budgeting Your Combination: 2025 Cost Breakdown
The cost of combining apartments goes far beyond a standard renovation. You’re paying for architectural plans, structural engineering, complex plumbing and electrical work, and high-end finishes. A good starting point for a full gut renovation and combination is **$400 – $800+ per square foot**.
Interactive Tool: Combination Cost Calculator
Section 4: Design & Layout Possibilities
The best part of combining apartments is creating a layout perfectly tailored to your lifestyle. You can create distinct zones for public and private life, add dream features, and solve the storage problems inherent in city living.
Interactive Tool: Design Your Layout
How would you use the second apartment’s space?
Section 5: Project Timeline: From Dream to Reality
Patience is a virtue in NYC renovations, especially combinations. The design and approvals phase can often take longer than the construction itself. A realistic total timeline is **9 to 18 months** from start to finish.
Interactive Tool: Project Timeline
Drag the slider to see the phases of a typical 12-month project.
Section 6: Don’t Forget These “Hidden” Costs
Your construction budget is just one piece of the puzzle. Soft costs can add up quickly.
Interactive Tool: Soft Cost Checklist
Check off these common costs to remember for your budget.
Section 7: Structural & Mechanical Challenges
This is where a great engineer and contractor are essential. Combining units often involves cutting through concrete slabs, rerouting plumbing stacks, and upgrading electrical panels.
Interactive Tool: Common Challenge Solver
Select a common challenge to see the professional solution.
Section 8: Choosing the Right Contractor
For a project this complex, you need a general contractor with specific experience in NYC apartment combinations. Look for a firm that has a long history of working with co-op boards and the DOB.
Interactive Tool: Contractor Vetting Checklist
Does your potential contractor meet these critical qualifications?
Section 9: Case Study: Upper East Side Vertical Combination
A family on the UES purchased the apartment directly below them to create a spacious duplex. The project involved creating a new opening for a custom staircase, a full gut renovation of the lower level to create a kids’ wing, and a cosmetic update of the upper level.
Interactive Tool: Before & After
Drag the slider to see the transformation.
Ready to Create Your Dream NYC Home?
An apartment combination is a major undertaking. Let our experienced team guide you. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your project’s feasibility and potential.
