Renovating in Queens offers a unique opportunity to create your ideal family home with a value proposition that's hard to find in other boroughs. From the historic Tudors of Forest Hills to the spacious single-family homes of Bayside and the vibrant multi-family properties in Astoria, Queens is a borough defined by its diverse housing and strong communities.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of 2025 renovation costs tailored to the Queens market. We'll cover the most popular projects and explain how your budget can go further here than in other parts of the city. To get a personalized estimate for your home, use our official NYC Renovation Cost Calculator.
Average Renovation Costs in Queens by Project Type
Costs in Queens are typically the most accessible in New York City, often 15-25% lower than in Brooklyn and 30-40% lower than in Manhattan. This is due to more straightforward logistics, a competitive labor market, and less regulatory overhead in non-landmarked areas.
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range (Full Gut) | What It Includes in a Queens Context |
|---|---|---|
Kitchen Renovation | $55,000 - $120,000+ | Often involves creating a large, open-concept kitchen/dining area for family living. More space allows for popular features like islands and eat-in nooks. |
Bathroom Renovation | $40,000 - $85,000+ | Gut renovating existing bathrooms or adding a new one, which is a popular project in larger single-family homes to accommodate a growing family. |
Full Home Renovation | $300 - $600+ / sq ft | A complete renovation of a single or multi-family home, including all new systems, windows, and finishes, tailored to modern family life. |
Basement Conversion | $90,000 - $180,000+ | Transforming a basement into a legal rental apartment or an in-law suite is an extremely popular way to generate income or create multi-generational living space. |
Queens Renovation Costs by Neighborhood Type
The sheer diversity of Queens means costs can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood's housing style, density, and property values.
| Neighborhood Type | Average Cost Per Sq Ft (Gut) | Example Neighborhoods | Key Cost Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
Urban & Transit-Oriented | $400 - $700 / sq ft | Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside | A mix of co-ops, new condos, and multi-family homes. Costs are higher due to proximity to Manhattan and density. |
Historic & Tudor Style | $350 - $650 / sq ft | Forest Hills Gardens, Jackson Heights | Landmark (LPC) rules can apply, requiring specialized labor for restoring historic details on Tudor or pre-war homes. |
Suburban-Feel Single-Family | $300 - $550 / sq ft | Bayside, Douglaston, Little Neck | Detached homes on larger lots offer easier logistics and more freedom for additions, providing the best overall value. |
Detailed Component Guides
Explore detailed cost breakdowns for specific Queens renovation projects:
The "Queens Advantage": Key Renovation Factors
Renovating in Queens offers several strategic advantages that can make your budget go further.
Diverse Housing Stock
The sheer variety of homes—from attached brick rowhouses to large detached Tudors and Colonials—provides a wide range of renovation opportunities that can be tailored to different budgets and lifestyles.
More Space, More Possibilities
Larger lots and more detached homes mean projects like rear and side additions are often more feasible and cost-effective than in the tighter confines of Brooklyn. There is literally more room to grow.
Logistical Ease
For much of the borough, wider streets, private driveways, and detached properties simplify the renovation process. Material delivery, debris removal, and parking for contractors are far less complex and costly.
Multi-Family Home Renovations
Queens is the epicenter of multi-family living in NYC. Renovating a two or three-family home to modernize units for rental income is one of the most popular and financially savvy projects.
Ready to Create Your Dream Home in Queens?
Queens offers the perfect canvas for creating a beautiful, spacious family home with a smart investment strategy. Whether you're modernizing a classic Tudor or converting a property for multi-generational living, the opportunities are immense.
Success starts with a clear budget and a partner who understands the local market.