Why Manhattan Homeowners Are Choosing Bathroom Remodels Over Kitchen Upgrades

October 25, 2025 Brian Meyer

Walk into any pre-war Manhattan apartment, and you’ll likely find a kitchen that’s been gutted and redesigned within the last decade. Gleaming countertops, subway tile backsplashes, and stainless steel appliances have become the standard. But there’s a shift happening in how New Yorkers think about home renovations.

More homeowners are turning their attention to the bathroom. Not because kitchens aren’t important, but because bathrooms in Manhattan often get overlooked until they become impossible to ignore. Outdated fixtures, cramped layouts, and poor lighting can make even the most beautiful apartment feel uninviting. And with remote work changing how people use their homes, the bathroom has become more than just a functional space—it’s a retreat.

Bathroom remodeling in Manhattan isn’t just about swapping out a vanity or retiling a shower. It’s about maximizing every square inch in a city where space is precious, creating storage solutions that actually work, and designing a room that feels like a luxury hotel instead of an afterthought.

The Real Value of a Bathroom Remodel

Kitchens get all the glory when it comes to return on investment, but bathrooms aren’t far behind. A well-executed bathroom remodel can recoup up to 70% of its cost when it’s time to sell. But even if selling isn’t on the radar, the day-to-day benefits are hard to ignore.

A properly designed bathroom makes mornings easier. No more fighting for counter space or dealing with a showerhead that barely reaches your shoulders. Better lighting means actually being able to see what you’re doing. And when everything has a place, the space feels larger than it actually is.

Manhattan homeowners also appreciate that bathroom remodels tend to be less disruptive than kitchen renovations. A kitchen remodel can take months and leave you eating takeout for weeks. A bathroom project, while still a significant undertaking, usually wraps up faster and doesn’t impact daily life quite as much.

Making the Most of Limited Space

Space constraints define nearly every renovation project in Manhattan. Bathrooms are no exception. The average New York City bathroom is around 40 square feet—roughly half the size of a typical suburban bathroom. That means every design decision matters.

Wall-mounted vanities create the illusion of more floor space and make cleaning easier. Pocket doors save several square feet compared to traditional swinging doors. Glass shower enclosures keep sight lines open, preventing the room from feeling chopped up. Even something as simple as choosing a round mirror instead of a rectangular one can make a small bathroom feel less boxy.

Storage is always a challenge. Medicine cabinets recessed into the wall provide storage without eating into the room. Niches in the shower keep bottles off the floor. Custom vanities can be designed to fit awkward dimensions that standard units can’t accommodate.

Lighting also plays a huge role in how spacious a bathroom feels. Overhead lighting alone isn’t enough. Sconces flanking the mirror eliminate shadows and provide better task lighting. Adding a dimmer switch allows the space to transition from bright and energizing in the morning to soft and relaxing at night.

Navigating Co-op and Condo Regulations

Bathroom remodeling in Manhattan comes with its own set of challenges that don’t exist in most other places. Co-op and condo boards have strict rules about what can and can’t be changed, and getting approval for renovations requires patience and paperwork.

Some buildings require an alteration agreement before any work begins. This document outlines the scope of the project, the schedule, insurance requirements, and who’s responsible if something goes wrong. Board approval can take weeks or even months, depending on how often the board meets and how backed up they are with other requests.

Plumbing changes are particularly scrutinized. Moving a toilet or relocating the shower drain often requires approval from the board and sometimes from neighboring units, especially in older buildings where plumbing stacks are shared. Even something as seemingly simple as installing a new toilet can become complicated if it requires different plumbing connections than the existing fixture.

Then there’s the question of noise. Most buildings have rules about when construction can take place—typically weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Some buildings require contractors to use freight elevators and specific entrances. All of this needs to be coordinated in advance.

Working with contractors who have experience with Manhattan co-ops and condos makes the process smoother. They know what boards typically require, how to prepare alteration agreements, and which battles are worth fighting.

Choosing Materials That Last

Manhattan bathrooms take a beating. High humidity, constant use, and the inability to easily pop outside for fresh air mean materials need to hold up under pressure.

Porcelain tile is a go-to choice for floors and shower walls. It’s durable, water-resistant, and available in countless styles. Large-format tiles (12×24 inches or bigger) have fewer grout lines, which means less maintenance and a cleaner look. Rectified tiles with their precise edges allow for tighter grout lines, giving the room a more polished appearance.

Natural stone like marble and travertine looks beautiful but requires more upkeep. It needs to be sealed regularly and can stain or etch if acidic cleaners are used. Some homeowners love the character that comes with the patina; others prefer low-maintenance alternatives.

Quartz countertops have become popular because they offer the look of natural stone without the maintenance. They’re non-porous, resistant to staining, and don’t need sealing. For vanity tops in small bathrooms, they’re hard to beat.

Fixtures matter too. Chrome and brushed nickel finishes are classics for a reason—they’re durable and easy to clean. Matte black fixtures look striking but show water spots more easily. Oil-rubbed bronze can wear over time, developing a patina that some people love and others don’t.

The Timeline and Budget Reality

A full bathroom remodel in Manhattan typically takes six to eight weeks from demolition to completion. That timeline assumes no major surprises, which is optimistic in buildings that are 50, 75, or even 100 years old.

Opening up walls can reveal outdated wiring, old cast-iron pipes that need replacing, or structural issues that weren’t visible during the initial inspection. Each discovery adds time and cost to the project.

Budget-wise, expect to spend anywhere from $25,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on the size of the bathroom and the level of finishes. A basic refresh with new fixtures and tile might come in on the lower end. A gut renovation with custom cabinetry, high-end fixtures, and intricate tile work will push toward the higher end.

Labor costs in Manhattan are higher than almost anywhere else in the country. Contractors need to factor in parking permits, elevator reservations, and the extra time it takes to get materials into the building. All of that gets passed along to the homeowner.

One way to keep costs in check is to avoid moving plumbing if possible. Keeping the toilet, sink, and shower in their existing locations saves money on both labor and potential board fees. Focus the budget on finishes and fixtures that make the biggest visual impact.

Finding the Right Team

The success of any bathroom remodel hinges on hiring the right contractor. In Manhattan, that means finding someone who understands the unique challenges of working in the city—tight spaces, building regulations, logistics, and the need to work efficiently.

Ask for references from previous clients, especially those who live in similar buildings. Look at portfolios to see if their style aligns with what you’re hoping to achieve. Make sure they’re licensed, insured, and familiar with the alteration agreement process.

Communication is key. A good contractor will walk you through each phase of the project, explain what’s happening and why, and keep you updated on any issues that arise. They should also be willing to work with your board’s requirements without complaint.

Is It Worth It?

Bathroom remodeling in Manhattan delivers both immediate comfort and long-term financial benefits for homeowners. A thoughtfully designed remodel transforms a daily-use space into a private retreat that enhances convenience and relaxation. Beyond personal enjoyment, updated bathrooms significantly increase property appeal—helping apartments sell faster and at higher values by showcasing modern design, efficient layouts, and quality craftsmanship that resonate with discerning Manhattan buyers.

Bathroom remodeling in Manhattan requires careful planning, realistic budgets, and patience with the approval process. But the result—a functional, beautiful space that fits your lifestyle—makes it worthwhile.

Contact Info

Name: JSM Custom Remodels

Address: 205 Hudson St #730, New York, NY 10013

Phone: +13473055961

Email: info@jsmcustomremodels.com

Website: https://jsmcustomremodels.com/