A Winter Guide to Renovating Your NYC Home Before Selling

As the holiday season approaches and real estate activity slows, this is the ideal time to start planning if you’re considering listing your home in the spring. The market remains healthy heading into winter and is expected to stay active into 2026, so now is the time to prepare.

Start Early to Avoid Delays

One of the most common reasons renovations get delayed is difficulty finding the right professional. Whether you’re hiring a designer, architect, or contractor, expect to schedule several interviews and proposal reviews before selecting the right fit. From there, you’ll need time to gather bids, finalize scope, and file the necessary paperwork—which can take a few months when factoring in board approvals, permits, and city filings.

How Much Time to Allow

• Large-scale projects: Plan for 6–12 months from start to finish.

• Smaller updates: Budget 3–6 months, depending on scope.

• Board approvals: Co-ops and condos often add time to the process, particularly for wet-over-dry work or major reconfigurations.

Every project varies, but it’s always smart to build in extra time for decision-making, material sourcing, and unexpected delays.

Define Scope and Budget

Before moving forward, outline the scope of your renovation and what your budget will realistically allow. Knowing your limits early helps avoid costly changes down the road and sets expectations with contractors from the start. Sweeten offers a helpful reference guide breaking down average renovation costs for NYC homes by square footage and project type.

Why It Pays to Plan Now

By starting your planning process before the new year, you’ll be ready to act when the market picks up in spring—whether that means showcasing a refreshed kitchen, an upgraded bath, or a full renovation that helps your home stand out among new listings. Thoughtful planning now can mean a faster, more profitable sale later. I work with a trusted network of designers and contractors and am happy to share referrals—or, if you simply have questions about timing, scope, or budget, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Serj Markarian