The phrase “cost of adding a bathroom New York” gets thousands of searches each month, and for good reason. Space is at a premium, code requirements are strict, and labor rates can feel sky-high. CountBricks has analyzed hundreds of metropolitan projects, from loft conversions in SoHo to brownstone gut-renovations in Brooklyn, and we have distilled the key factors that shape your budget.
• Powder room (25–35 sq ft): $22,000 – $35,000
• Three-fixture bath (45–60 sq ft): $32,000 – $55,000
• Primary suite bath (80-120 sq ft): $50,000 – $90,000+
These numbers include demolition, rough carpentry, licensed trades, finishes, fixtures, NYC permits, and standard GC markup. Use them as a directional guide; CountBricks.com/services can generate a real-time line-item estimate tailored to your exact address.
1. Location within the home – converting a closet off an existing drain stack costs far less than carving space from the middle of a pre-war apartment.
2. Vertical plumbing runs – each additional floor you penetrate can add 10 %–15 % to rough-in costs.
3. Electrical load – GFCI outlets, dedicated lighting circuits, and vent fans must meet NYC code.
4. Structural work – bearing-wall alterations require an engineer’s sign-off and DOB filing.
5. Waterproofing system – membrane quality, slope, and inspection fees affect both price and longevity.
6. Finish level – subway tile, solid-surface panels, or imported marble? Material choices swing budgets up to 40 %.
7. Building rules – co-op alteration agreements often mandate union labor or off-hour work premiums.
8. Schedule – accelerated timelines can trigger overtime labor costs of 1.5x to 2x.
Labor (45 %–55 %)
• Licensed plumber: $140–$210/hr
• Licensed electrician: $130–$190/hr
• Tile setter & finisher: $75–$120/hr
Materials (30 %–40 %)
• Rough plumbing & electrical supplies: $2,500–$6,000
• Waterproofing & backer board: $800–$1,500
• Tile, vanity, fixtures: $4,000–$15,000+
Permits & Professional Fees (10 %–15 %)
• DOB filing & expedited reviews: $1,200–$3,500
• Architect/engineer of record: $2,000–$7,500
General Conditions & Overhead (5 %–10 %)
• Site protection, waste removal, insurance, and project management add predictability—and cost.
• Real-time voice conversations record field measurements and auto-populate line items so you never miss a flange, valve, or shut-off.
• AI compares your spec to historical NYC data, flagging over-spend on finishes before purchase orders are issued.
• Automated blueprint takeoffs sync with your supplier catalogs. Change the tile pattern and see cost deltas instantly.
New York City requires a licensed Master Plumber to file PAA forms for any new wet location. CountBricks pre-loads DOB form templates, so your paperwork is ready the moment you approve the estimate. Our compliance engine cross-checks:
• Fixture counts per occupant load
• Minimum ventilation CFM based on floor area
• Lead-free solder certification for potable lines
1. Schematic design & CountBricks AI estimate: 1–2 weeks
2. DOB filing and approval: 2–8 weeks (building type and self-cert influence speed)
3. Demolition & rough-in: 1–2 weeks
4. Inspections & close-in: 3–5 days
5. Tiling, fixtures, millwork: 2–3 weeks
6. Final walkthrough and punch list: 1 week
Total typical duration: 8–14 weeks
• Reuse existing drain/waste lines whenever possible
• Select large-format tile to reduce labor hours on grout
• Opt for prefabricated shower pans instead of custom mud beds
• Bundle other small renovations; mobilization costs drop when trades stay on site longer
Ready to turn a dusty closet into a revenue-boosting second bath? Start a voice session at CountBricks.com/consultation and receive a shareable PDF estimate within minutes—fully broken down by task, material, and labor class.
Project Snapshot
The owners of an 1890s Park Slope brownstone wanted to convert a fourth-floor linen closet into a compact three-fixture bath for guests. CountBricks handled estimating, DOB paperwork, and material procurement.
• 30 sq ft footprint with no existing wet lines nearby
• Balloon framing required engineered reinforcement around a new plumbing chase
• Co-op rules restricted noisy work to 10 AM–2 PM, extending the calendar
• The voice-driven walkthrough captured 47 measurement points in 12 minutes, generating a 14-page estimate on the spot
• Our AI suggested a wall-hung toilet, reducing floor joist cuts and saving $2,800 in structural labor
• Automated takeoffs synced finish schedules with a preferred supplier, locking in bulk pricing and shaving 7 % off material costs
• Compliance engine pre-filled PW1 and TR-1 forms; the DOB approved plans in 18 days under self-certification
• Budget at approval: $38,600
• Final cost: $39,450 (2.2 % variance, primarily due to unexpected
