🏠 Home›Property Management›Full Property Renovations›Unit Remodels
← Back

Unit Remodels

Select specific option

📋 About Unit Remodels for Rental Properties ▾

Unit remodels sit at the core of any serious [full-property renovation](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=property-management&subcat=full-property-renovations) strategy, transforming dated or damaged rental units into competitive, rent-commanding spaces that attract quality tenants and reduce vacancy cycles. Whether you're turning over a single apartment between occupants or overhauling an entire building floor by floor, a coordinated unit remodel touches nearly every interior surface — walls, floors, ceilings, cabinetry, fixtures, and mechanical rough-ins — and demands the kind of sequenced scheduling that separates profitable renovations from costly, drawn-out disasters.

Q: How long does a full unit remodel typically take for a one-bedroom apartment?
A full gut remodel of a standard 700–900 sq ft one-bedroom apartment — encompassing kitchen, bathroom, flooring, and paint — typically takes 6–10 weeks from demolition to final punch-list when trades are properly sequenced. Cosmetic-only scopes (paint, flooring, fixture swaps without tile or cabinet work) often complete in 2–3 weeks. Delays most commonly stem from permit processing (add 2–4 weeks in dense urban markets), back-ordered materials (cabinets and tile are frequent culprits), and unforeseen conditions like subfloor rot or outdated knob-and-tube wiring discovered during demo.
Q: Do I need permits for a rental unit remodel?
Yes, in virtually all U.S. jurisdictions, work that involves electrical panel or circuit changes, plumbing rough-ins or fixture relocations, structural wall modifications, or HVAC alterations requires a permit and inspection. Cosmetic work — painting, flooring over existing subfloor, cabinet replacement in the same footprint — typically does not. Unpermitted work can invalidate your property insurance, trigger fines during a future sale or refinance inspection, and expose you to liability if a tenant is harmed by uninspected mechanical work. Always confirm local requirements with your building department before starting work.
Read full guide ↓
Kitchen Renovations
→
Bathroom Renovations
→
Flooring Replacement
→
Interior Painting (full)
→

Unit Remodels Hiring Guide

📖 Overview

The scope of a unit remodel typically divides into four trade categories that must be coordinated in strict order: demolition and rough work first, then mechanical (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), then drywall and finishes, then cabinetry and fixtures last. Skipping that sequence — say, installing new luxury vinyl plank before a plumber rough-ins a new vanity drain — guarantees expensive do-overs. On a standard 800 sq ft one-bedroom apartment, a full gut-and-remodel engaging all four trades typically runs 6–10 weeks with a three-to-four-person crew, though ground-up coordination through a [general contractor](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=general-contractor) or dedicated [remodeling](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=remodeling) firm can compress that timeline significantly.

[Kitchen Renovations](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=property-management&subcat=full-property-renovations&subsubcat=unit-remodels&subsubsubcat=kitchen-renovations) are typically the highest-ROI component of any unit remodel. Replacing laminate countertops with 3 cm quartz (Silestone, Caesarstone, or MSI are workhorses at the rental price point), swapping builder-grade cabinets for semi-custom RTA boxes with soft-close hardware, and upgrading to stainless appliances — Whirlpool WRT311FZDW refrigerators and GE JBS60DKWW ranges are perennial landlord choices for durability-to-cost ratio — can lift achievable rent by $150–$300/month in most mid-tier markets while satisfying habitability standards that increasingly include functional exhaust ventilation under ASHRAE 62.2.

[Bathroom Renovations](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=property-management&subcat=full-property-renovations&subsubcat=unit-remodels&subsubsubcat=bathroom-renovations) demand close attention to waterproofing compliance — a detail that separates professional rental renovators from DIY operators. The Tile Council of North America's Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation specifies uncoupling membranes (Schluter Ditra is the standard) or sheet-applied waterproofing behind shower tile, and many jurisdictions require a licensed [plumbing](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=plumbing) contractor to pull a permit for any fixture swap. Budget-conscious landlords often prioritize a tub-to-tile conversion, new vanity, and LVT flooring over full gut work — a targeted approach that can deliver near-new aesthetics for $4,000–$8,000 per bath versus $12,000–$20,000 for a full gut.

[Flooring Replacement](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=property-management&subcat=full-property-renovations&subsubcat=unit-remodels&subsubsubcat=flooring-replacement) is almost always part of a unit remodel, since carpet and older vinyl bear the most visible evidence of tenant wear. Waterproof rigid-core LVP (Shaw Floorté, COREtec, LifeProof) has become the de facto rental standard, running $2.50–$5.00/sq ft installed over existing subfloor, versus $6–$12/sq ft for engineered hardwood and $8–$18/sq ft for porcelain tile. Jurisdictions with noise ordinances — common in multi-family buildings under local housing authority rules — may require underlayment with a minimum IIC rating of 50, which affects product selection and adds $0.30–$0.60/sq ft to installed cost. Always inspect the subfloor for soft spots or [water and mold remediation](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=water-mold-remediation) needs before any new flooring goes down.

[Interior Painting (full)](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=property-management&subcat=full-property-renovations&subsubcat=unit-remodels&subsubsubcat=interior-painting-full) closes out every unit remodel and is the single fastest way to change a unit's perceived condition — but rushing it, or using cheap flat-finish paint on rental walls, is a false economy. [Painting](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=painting) contractors working rental turnover typically spec Sherwin-Williams Emerald or Benjamin Moore Regal Select in an eggshell sheen for walls and semi-gloss for trim, both of which scrub clean without scuffing under normal tenant abuse. A full interior paint on an 800 sq ft unit — two coats on walls, one on ceilings, trim and doors — runs $1,200–$2,800 depending on prep intensity, region, and whether popcorn ceiling removal or [drywall](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=drywall) repairs are included in the scope.

Regulatory variance matters enormously in unit remodels. California's Title 24 energy code mandates insulation upgrades and LED-only lighting fixtures when more than 10% of a building's square footage is renovated. New York City's Local Law 97 may affect capital improvement strategies for large multifamily portfolios. Properties built before 1978 require EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) certified contractors for any scope that disturbs lead paint — coordinate with an [asbestos](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=asbestos) and lead testing professional before demo begins. Always pull permits for electrical, plumbing, and structural work; unpermitted renovations can void a property's insurance and complicate future sales that involve a [home inspector](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=home-inspector) or [title company](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=title-company).

When a unit needs only a single trade — a leaking faucet, a broken appliance, a cracked tile — a [handyman](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=handyman) or specialist subcontractor is the right call, not a full unit remodel. Remodels make economic sense when deferred maintenance has stacked across multiple systems, when a rent-to-value analysis supports a $15,000–$60,000 capital outlay, or when a vacancy provides the unoccupied access that multi-trade work requires. For emergency habitability failures mid-tenancy — burst pipes, [electrical](https://contractorsplanet.com/?service=electrical) hazards, HVAC failures — route to emergency repair contractors first, then plan the broader remodel scope once the unit is stabilized.

✅ What it covers

  • Pre-renovation inspection and scope documentation (photos, measurements, condition report)
  • Demolition of existing fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, and wall finishes as scoped
  • Subfloor and wall cavity inspection for moisture, mold, or structural defects
  • Mechanical rough-ins — plumbing, electrical, and HVAC updates as required
  • Drywall repair, patching, skim coating, and ceiling work
  • Cabinet and countertop installation (kitchen and/or bath)
  • Fixture and appliance installation (sinks, faucets, toilets, ranges, dishwashers)
  • Flooring installation with appropriate underlayment and transitions
  • Full interior paint — walls, ceilings, trim, and doors
  • Final punch-list walk-through, cleaning, and permit close-out

💵 Typical cost range

$8,000 to $65,000

Unit remodel costs scale sharply with scope, unit size, and finish level. A cosmetic refresh — new LVP flooring, full paint, and fixture swaps on a 700 sq ft one-bedroom — typically runs $8,000–$18,000. A mid-grade full gut remodel covering kitchen, bath, flooring, and paint on the same unit lands between $22,000–$40,000. High-end renovations with custom cabinetry, quartz surfaces, tile showers, and premium flooring in a 1,200+ sq ft unit can reach $55,000–$65,000 or more. Labor markets vary dramatically: San Francisco and New York City general contractors command 40–60% premiums over Midwest or Southeast markets. Permit fees add $500–$3,500 depending on jurisdiction. Asbestos or lead abatement, if required, adds $1,500–$8,000 independently of finish work. Always obtain a minimum of three itemized bids.

🛡️ Hiring tips

  • Verify the contractor holds a current general contractor or specialty license in your state and carries both general liability ($1M minimum) and workers' compensation insurance before signing any contract.
  • Request an itemized bid that separates demo, materials, labor by trade, and permit fees — lump-sum bids make change-order disputes nearly impossible to resolve.
  • Confirm EPA RRP certification if your property was built before 1978; ask for the contractor's certification number and verify it at epa.gov.
  • Check that permits will be pulled in the contractor's name and that final inspections are included in the contract scope, not billed as extras.
  • Ask for three references from rental-property remodels specifically — landlord clients have different priorities (durability, speed, cost control) than owner-occupant renovation clients.
  • Negotiate a payment schedule tied to verified milestones (rough-in inspection passed, flooring complete, final walk-through) rather than calendar dates.
  • For multi-unit projects, ask whether the contractor has experience phasing work across occupied and vacant units simultaneously to protect existing tenants.
  • Get a written project schedule with start date, key milestone dates, and a substantial-completion date with a per-day liquidated-damages clause for overruns.

More frequently asked questions

What's the best flooring choice for a rental unit remodel?
Waterproof rigid-core luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the dominant choice for rental renovations as of 2024. Brands like Shaw Floorté, COREtec Pro Plus, and LifeProof (sold at Home Depot) offer realistic wood visuals, 12-mil or 20-mil wear layers that resist scratching, and 100% waterproof cores that survive tenant spills and pet accidents. Installed cost typically runs $2.50–$5.00/sq ft over a prepared subfloor. Porcelain tile is preferred in wet areas. Avoid standard carpet in high-turnover rentals — replacement cycles and cleaning costs erode its apparent cost advantage within 3–5 years.
How much value does a full unit remodel add to rental income?
In most mid-tier U.S. markets, a fully remodeled unit commands a 10–25% rent premium over a comparable unrenovated unit in the same building or neighborhood. On a $1,500/month baseline rent, that translates to $150–$375/month in additional income, or $1,800–$4,500 annually. A $30,000 remodel at that return range produces a 6–17 year simple payback — before accounting for reduced vacancy, lower maintenance call frequency, and higher-quality tenant profiles that come with updated units. Tighter markets with low vacancy rates compress payback periods significantly.
Should I hire a general contractor or coordinate subcontractors myself for a unit remodel?
For full gut remodels involving three or more trades, hiring a general contractor is almost always the more cost-effective choice once your time is valued. A GC manages sequencing, pulls all permits, coordinates inspections, and absorbs scheduling risk. Self-managing subcontractors saves the GC markup (typically 15–25% of project cost) but requires you to be available daily, mediate trade conflicts, and carry the risk of delays caused by one subcontractor blocking another. For cosmetic-only scopes with one or two trades, direct subcontractor hiring is reasonable and can yield meaningful savings.
What should I do if asbestos or lead paint is found during demo?
Stop all work immediately in the affected area and engage a certified environmental contractor for testing and abatement. Asbestos was commonly used in floor tile, joint compound, popcorn ceilings, and pipe insulation in buildings constructed before 1980. Lead paint is present in an estimated 24 million pre-1978 U.S. housing units per the CDC. Both materials are regulated at the federal level (EPA NESHAP for asbestos, EPA RRP rule for lead), and disturbing them without licensed abatement contractors exposes you to fines up to $37,500 per day and civil liability. Budget $1,500–$8,000 for abatement depending on material type and quantity.
Can a unit remodel be done while a tenant is still living in the unit?
Minor cosmetic work — touch-up painting, a single fixture swap, flooring in one room — can sometimes be scheduled around an occupant's routine with proper notice (typically 24–48 hours under most state landlord-tenant statutes). However, full unit remodels involving kitchen or bathroom gut work, widespread dust-generating demo, or utility shutdowns are not compatible with occupancy and expose landlords to habitability claims if attempted. Most experienced renovation contractors refuse to work in occupied units during full remodels for both safety and liability reasons. Plan renovations during vacancies or negotiate a temporary relocation stipend with existing tenants.
What are the most common mistakes landlords make during unit remodels?
The most costly mistakes include: selecting residential-grade materials unsuited to rental wear cycles (hollow-core doors, flat-finish paint, standard carpet); skipping permits to save time and then facing insurance or resale complications; failing to inspect subfloors and wall cavities before closing them up, missing moisture damage that accelerates; choosing the lowest bid without verifying license and insurance; and not building a 10–15% contingency into the budget for unforeseen conditions. Landlords who treat the unit remodel as a capital investment with a documented scope, signed contract, and phased payment schedule consistently achieve better outcomes than those who manage it informally.

🔗 Related Services

Visitors who came here often also needed:

Scroll to Top