How NYC’s 2025–2026 Code & Regulation Changes Will Transform Home Remodeling

Homeowners and renovators in Manhattan, and nearby NYC areas are entering a new era of remodeling. More than ever, changes in energy laws, building codes, and permitting practices are shaping what kinds of upgrades are allowed, how design must be done, and what systems are permitted. For luxury residential projects and high end interiors, understanding these shifts is essential before renovating a kitchen, bathroom, closet, or basement.

Below is an overview of the most important changes coming into force — and how they will influence the remodeling services provided by MTK Contracting, including Closet Remodels, Tile Floor Installation, Basement conversions, Fantasy Room builds, Brownstones, Condo / Apartment remodeling, Painting, Bathrooms, Kitchens, and full home Remodeling.

Major Changes You Must Know

New NYC Electrical Code (Local Law 128 of 2024) — Effective December 21, 2025

A key change on the horizon is the new NYC 2025 Electrical Code, which becomes mandatory December 21, 2025. Under this code:

• New and altered electrical work must comply with updated wiring, grounding, load calculations, and safety standards.
• Projects that file after that date will need to follow the new rules; prior to it, under certain conditions you may still use the older code if permitted.
• For remodelers, this means more scrutiny in plan review, stricter coordination with electrical engineers, and possible redesigns for projects already in progress.

For example, in a kitchen remodel, introducing high load appliances (induction ranges, multiple ovens, electric heating) must be accommodated in the new code’s demand analysis. In basement and apartment remodels, adding circuits for HVAC or home systems must comply precisely.

MTK’s in-house design and engineering team will plan all electrical layouts to meet the 2025 code, so that your remodeling project is future proof and passes DOB examination smoothly.

Local Law 154: Building Electrification (NYC) — Phased Application

NYC’s Local Law 154, known as the building electrification law, restricts the use of fossil fuel combustion (gas, oil) in new and substantially altered buildings over time.

 Key points:

• For new buildings under 7 stories, the prohibition of onsite fossil fuel heating and service hot water starts January 1, 2024 (excluding some service hot water systems).
• For all occupancies (including service hot water), compliance is required by July 2, 2027.
• In a federal court challenge, the law was upheld, meaning the city has the authority to enforce this restriction.

For remodeling projects, this means:

• Adding or replacing heating, boiler, or hot water systems in significant renovations may now require electric heat pump systems rather than gas or oil.
• In luxury kitchen remodels, gas ranges or cooktops may face additional review or be disallowed in stricter zones or under certain permitting paths.
• Basement conversions or full home remodeling must anticipate that mechanical systems will increasingly need to be electric, not combustion-based.

MTK Contracting will plan HVAC, heating, and plumbing systems with electrification options in mind — so your project does not stall due to noncompliance.

Statewide Energy Code Update — 2025 NYS Energy Conservation Construction Code (ECCC) — Effective January 2026

At the state level, New York is rolling out a new energy code in January 2026. This will update the energy standards for residential work, following the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with New York modifications.

Key impact:

• More stringent insulation, fenestration (window) performance, and building envelope standards will be required for new and altered structures.
• The use of fossil fuel equipment in new residential buildings under 7 stories may be further curtailed starting December 31, 2025. (Energy Testing Services, LLC)
• Remodel work, particularly major alterations, may need to satisfy new energy compliance via modeling or calculations.

In your bathroom, kitchen, or basement remodel, expect demands for tighter air sealing, higher R-value walls/ceilings, and more efficient windows to meet the new state standards.

MTK’s design and engineering team will run energy compliance models and ensure your renovation meets the 2026 code without surprises.

Proposed NYC Existing Building Code (Intro 1321-2025)

The City is working on a new Existing Building Code that would govern how alterations and maintenance must be performed in existing structures.

Under the proposal:

• Alterations and renovations would need to comply with updated criteria in structural safety, fire protection, egress, and mechanical systems.
• The code would amend older rules and repeal the 1968 Building Code for many renovation scenarios. (nysspe.org)
• As this becomes law, many remodeling projects may trigger stronger compliance obligations than today.

For high-end residential remodeling in brownstones, apartments, or condos, this means that repositioning walls, changing structural supports, or altering layouts will face more rigorous scrutiny. Painting or cosmetic changes may remain light, but any work involving structure or systems will need strict adherence.

MTK will monitor Intro 1321 implementation and incorporate it into project scoping and permitting from the start.

Sidewalk Shed / Façade Work Reforms (Local Laws 47 & 48 of 2025)

Exterior work and façade projects use sidewalk sheds and scaffolding, and new laws are tightening how these are permitted:

• Local Law 48 of 2025, effective January 12, 2026, caps sidewalk shed permits at 90-day durations. Beyond that, to renew, you must submit progress reports by a registered professional. Penalties for failing to renew or show progress may be severe. 
• Local Law 47 of 2025, effective August 15, 2025, mandates aesthetic and design improvements to sheds, such as using approved color palettes, lighting, and structural adjustments.
• Local Law 50 of 2025 requires sidewalk shed lighting to meet stricter lumen standards and avoid light trespass near residences.

Suppose your brownstone or façade project includes painting, brickwork, exterior trim, or window replacement. In that case, you must plan for efficient scheduling of shed usage, document progress, and follow new shed design standards. Delays or extended scopes can cause permit lapses or fines.

MTK works with structural, façade, and permitting professionals to manage shed durations, renewals, and compliance — so your exterior remodel stays on track.

Enforcement, Longer Review Times & Stricter Permitting

Regulatory authorities, especially the NYC Department of Buildings, are continuing to intensify scrutiny:

• New DOB bulletins in 2025 clarify filing rules for electrical installations, battery containment enclosures, and solar bonding systems.
• Permits will likely face more back and forth, more required revisions, and longer plan exam times, particularly for projects with energy, structural, or mechanical redesigns.
• Some historic or brownstone areas may have additional oversight or Landmarks constraints to navigate.

Thus, remodelers must proactively integrate code compliance, pre-permit reviews, and design coordination. If not, delays and cost overruns become high risks.

MTK’s process already includes permit expediting, code checks, and design coordination so your renovation moves through DOB more smoothly.

How These Changes Affect Core Remodeling Services by MTK

Below is a breakdown of how the above code and regulation changes specifically impact each of MTK’s remodeling services — and how MTK can help navigate them.

Closet Remodels

Closet remodels are relatively low impact in terms of mechanical or structural change, so they may largely avoid major new constraints. But:

• In luxury closets, built-in lighting, power outlets, and smart integration must comply with the upcoming 2025 electrical code.
• If you plan to integrate HVAC (e.g. conditioning, dehumidification), it must be compliant with electrified mechanical systems.

MTK’s design ensures all closet lighting and power is future ready and code compliant.

Tile Floor Installation

Tile work is a core finishing service in kitchens, bathrooms, corridors, and basements. Impacts include:

• Under more rigorous energy and mechanical codes, underfloor heating (if electric) must be carefully designed to avoid conflicts with new electrical code.
• Moisture control and waterproofing must meet higher durability standards, especially with tighter building envelopes under new energy laws.
• In basement environments, compliance with waterproofing and humidity control is more critical under newer codes.

MTK performs detailed substrate preparation, tile layout, and coordination with electrical and HVAC systems so that tile flooring integrates seamlessly and is code safe.

Basement Remodeling / Conversion

Basements are especially exposed to code and regulation changes. Key effects:

• Basement conversions to living space may trigger full mechanical, electrical, plumbing upgrades, which will be governed by 2025 electrical code and new energy code rules.
• For HVAC / heating, electrified systems will be preferred over boiler/gas systems under the electrification trend.
• Waterproofing, structural reinforcement, and egress compliance are much more tightly reviewed under new proposed existing building code updates.
• If adding circuits, lighting, or systems to the basement, plan checks and load calculations will be strict.

MTK has experience converting basements into livable, compliant, high end spaces with integrated systems that meet future code requirements.

Fantasy Room Builds (Themed Rooms, Entertainment Spaces)

High end fantasy rooms often involve:

• Specialized lighting, audio / video / media systems, motorized shading, etc — all these electrical systems must meet the new code.
• HVAC design must coordinate load, ventilation, and cooling consistent with electrified systems.
• Structural framing, custom built features, and integration of finishes must pass structural and fire code reviews, especially under the new existing building code proposals.

MTK integrates electrical, structural, and design expertise to build fantasy rooms that delight without triggering permit or code failures.

Brownstone Remodeling

Brownstone projects face unique constraints:

• Exterior façade work requires compliance with new sidewalk shed rules and renewals.
• Landmarked façades may require extra approvals, historic commission reviews, and custom detailing.
• Structural alteration, interior reconfiguration, adding systems, or retrofitting mechanicals will be subject to the stricter existing building regulation proposals and electrification laws.
• Safety oversight in 7+ story classification may be triggered depending on the building height.

MTK has deep experience working within brownstone constraints and will help design and coordinate a compliant plan, manage shed permits, and interface with landmark or DOB agencies.

Condo / Apartment Remodeling

Remodeling in multi-unit residential buildings brings additional restrictions:

• You must often coordinate with condo or co-op boards, adhere to building rules, and schedule logistics tightly.
• Mechanical and electrical upgrades must obey the 2025 code and electrification constraints.
• Structural changes (knocking down walls, new penetrations) will undergo stricter review under proposed existing building code updates.
• Safety oversight, especially in taller buildings, may make more stringent demands.

MTK is experienced working inside occupied buildings and manages phasing, approvals, and code compliance while minimizing disruption.

Painting

Painting is a finishing service but still feels the influences of regulation shifts:

• Exterior paint and façade restoration may interact with shed / scaffold rules.
• Interior painting in units undergoing full remodeling needs to align with ventilation codes, fire rating of finishes, and air quality standards (low VOC, etc.).
• In luxury homes, coordination with mechanical systems and finishes is critical so nothing is painted over electrical or HVAC elements that must remain accessible.

MTK’s painting team coordinates with the broader remodeling schedule and ensures finishes comply with city material and fire safety requirements.

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodels are among the most code-sensitive remodels. Under the coming changes:

• Plumbing, ventilation, and mechanical systems must accommodate electrification trends (i.e. electric water heaters, heat pump water systems) over gas systems when possible.
• Electrical work (lighting, outlets, heated floors) must abide by the 2025 code.
• Waterproofing, tile systems, floor drains, and vapor barriers will face more rigorous inspections.
• If changing layouts, structural and egress reviews via the new existing building code may apply.
  

MTK is well versed in the complicated integration of plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and finishes so bathrooms pass all inspections cleanly.

Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchens represent convergence of many regulated systems. Under new codes:

• Gas cooktops and ranges may face increased scrutiny or restrictions, especially in buildings subject to stricter electrification enforcement.
• The new electrical code demands careful planning of heavy loads, branch circuits, and safety features.
• Venting, exhaust, plumbing, and mechanical design must satisfy updated standards.
• Finishes, cabinetry, and lighting must coordinate with structural and mechanical pathways, especially in dense, constrained spaces.
  

MTK will design your kitchen with forward-looking systems and code compliance built in, minimizing surprises in permit review.

Home Remodeling / Whole Apartment or House Upgrades

When combining multiple services in a full home remodel, all the above challenges amplify:

• Systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) must be redesigned holistically under the new codes.
  Structural, envelope, and energy upgrades become critical under the 2026 energy code and the proposed existing building code.
• Permit reviews, safety oversight, inspections, and timeline pressures increase.
• Coordination between trades, engineering, and design must be tighter than ever to avoid conflicts or rework.
  

MTK provides full project management, design, code compliance, and trade coordination to deliver comprehensive home remodeling that meets new regulation standards from start to finish.

What Homeowners Should Do Now (Before You Start)

1. Begin early code and feasibility review. Before committing to scope, have your architect or contractor run a code risk assessment for electrical, energy, structure, and mechanical systems under upcoming laws.
2. Design for electrification. Assume that future work must avoid fossil fuel systems where feasible, and plan HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical layouts accordingly.
3. Budget extra for engineering and inspections. New rules often create extra design, review, and inspection costs.
4. Schedule tightly and document progress. Especially for façade and shed work, be prepared to show progress for permit renewals.
5. Coordinate trades early. Electrical, plumbing, structural, and HVAC teams must integrate early.
6. Engage experienced permit expeditors. Navigating DOB, plan exam, and new rules requires proactive permitting strategy.
7. Stay updated on code adoption. The proposed Existing Building Code and other rule changes may evolve; be ready to adapt your design.
8. Use a trusted remodeling partner. Choosing a contractor that is already attuned to these regulatory changes, like MTK Contracting, reduces surprises and ensures compliance.
   

Contact MTK Contracting to Start Your Remodel

The landscape of residential and luxury remodeling in NYC is shifting rapidly. The new 2025 electrical code, Local Law 154’s electrification pressures, the pending 2026 energy code, proposed existing building requirements, and tighter façade / shed regulations all mean that thoughtful planning and compliance are no longer optional — they are essential to successful remodeling.

MTK Contracting is uniquely positioned to lead projects under this evolving framework. Whether you are planning Closet Remodels, Tile Floor Installation, a Basement conversion, a Fantasy Room, Brownstone renovation, Condo or Apartment upgrade, Painting, or full Kitchen or Bathroom remodeling, we integrate code review, design, engineering, and execution to deliver compliant, high quality results.

If you are considering a remodeling project in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or nearby areas, reach out to MTK Contracting today. Let us guide you through these regulatory changes and build a home that is beautiful, functional, and future ready.