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NYC Bathroom Remodel Permits & Timeline 2025

  • Richard Golding
  • Oct 13
  • 3 min read
Renovated NYC prewar bathroom with subway tile, hex floor, and sash window

Most NYC bathroom remodels file as ALT2 with separate LAA plumbing permits, plus electrical permits. Co‑ops and condos require a building alteration agreement and proof of insurance. Realistic timelines run 10–16 weeks from board packet to DOB sign‑off on a standard bath. Start now to avoid holiday and inspector bottlenecks. Book a site visit and we will confirm scope, filings, and elevator rules. New York City Government+2New York City Government+2


What “permit” actually means here

NYC has four construction-application types: NB, ALT1, ALT2, ALT3. ALT2 covers most kitchen and bathroom renovations that do not change use, egress, or occupancy. Plumbing work also needs a Licensed Master Plumber to file a Limited Alteration Application (LAA) in DOB NOW: Build. Electrical work files separately. New York City Government+2New York City Government+2

Typical filing stack for a bathroom

  • ALT2 plans by a PE or RA

  • LAA for plumbing fixture changes, relocations, or riser work

  • Electrical permit for new circuits, GFCI, or lighting

  • Asbestos investigation where required by scope and building policy

  • If your building asks, acoustic and waterproofing specs with test data

Plumbing permits are issued only to an LMP, who schedules pressure tests and inspections with DOB. New York City Government


Co‑op and condo approvals most blogs skip

Boards enforce alteration agreements that define work hours, insurance, sound, waterproofing, and waste routes. The agreement often requires stamped drawings, neighbors’ notices, and refundable deposits. Getting board sign‑off can take 2–6 weeks depending on meeting cadence. We package all documents to fit your building’s checklist. CooperBuild


Freight elevators, work hours, and prewar realities

In Harlem, Park Slope, and the Upper West Side, many buildings limit construction to 9–4 weekdays and require freight reservations. Prewar stacks are tight, so fixture relocation may trigger more LAA scope and riser coordination with the super. Planning these logistics early protects the schedule.


The 2025 schedule that actually holds

Below is a conservative plan for a standard 5×8 to 6×9 bath with a new tub‑to‑shower conversion, tile throughout, and updated lighting.

Weeks 1–2: Pre‑design and board packet

Measure, select finish targets, outline waterproofing, and draft board packet.

Weeks 3–4: Board review

Answer questions, issue revisions, provide insurance and license copies.

Weeks 5–8: DOB filings

Submit ALT2. LMP files LAA. If self‑certifiable, approvals can be faster; otherwise allow examiner cycles. Electrical permit prepped in parallel. New York City Government+1

Weeks 9–10: Procurement and elevator scheduling

Order long‑lead items: valves, shower glass, stone tops, specialty tile.

Weeks 11–14: Construction

  • Demo and protection

  • Rough plumbing and electrical

  • DOB plumbing inspection

  • Close walls, waterproof, tile, set fixtures

  • Paint, trim, punch

Weeks 15–16: Final inspections and sign‑off

Plumbing and electrical closeouts. ALT2 sign‑off.

DOB continues to post fall enforcement and schedule notes on its Service Updates page; we use that feed to avoid inspection surprises. New York City Government


Permit path: ALT2 vs LAA in plain English

  • ALT2 = the building permit tied to your plans. The PE/RA files through DOB NOW: Build. Most bathroom remodels use ALT2. New York City Government

  • LAA = the plumber’s permit for limited plumbing scope. It rides alongside ALT2 and is issued only to an LMP, who also schedules required tests and inspections. New York City Government+1


What affects the timeline most

  1. Board cadence and holiday blackouts

  2. Elevator access and building work hours

  3. Inspection availability during fall peaks

  4. Long‑lead materials like custom shower glass

    NYC bathroom materials board with tile, quartz, brass fixtures, and paint chips

Cost ranges you can actually budget

These ranges assume a 5×8 to 6×9 bath, with quality tile and mid‑range fixtures. They exclude luxury stone slabs and full riser replacements.

  • Code‑clean refresh (same locations): $28k–$45k

  • Mid‑range with tub‑to‑shower + lighting: $45k–$75k

  • High finish level or layout changes: $75k–$120k+

Recent NYC guides and homeowner reports cluster in these bands for 2025; we tailor scope to the building and unit. NYC Renovation Guide+1


Waterproofing, sound, and why the board cares

We specify a continuous waterproofing membrane with flood test where required, sound‑attenuating underlayment, and cove/band details at wall‑floor junctures. These details reduce neighbor complaints and speed board sign‑off because they match modern alteration‑agreement language.


Inspections you should expect

  • Plumbing: rough and final

  • Electrical: rough and final if circuits change

  • Special inspections only if triggered by scope

The LMP arranges plumbing tests and attends DOB inspections. New York City Government


Neighborhood notes

  • Harlem & UWS: freight elevator reservations and limited work windows are common.

  • Park Slope: walk‑ups mean extra protection and carry costs for stair carries.

  • Astoria & LIC: newer condos often require pre‑approved contractor lists.


Common pitfalls and how we prevent them

  • Missing alteration agreement pages → We preflight your packet against the building’s template.

  • Tile lead times → We lock selections before filing to protect schedule.

  • Unclear plumbing scope → Our LMP confirms whether LAA is enough or if full plan review is needed. New York City Government

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