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New York City — Tier-1 Pillar

NYC Bathroom Refresh — LAA Type 1, Fixture Swap, Non-Filed Scope

NYC bathroom refresh reality. What fits inside LAA Type 1 or non-filed scope. Tile, vanity, toilet, shower trim swap. Still requires co-op COI. $15K-$45K typical.

~1 min read·Updated 2026-04-23

A NYC bathroom refresh is a $15K-$45K project that keeps the toilet, tub/shower, and vanity in their existing rough-in locations, swaps finishes, and does not relocate waste lines. In most cases an LAA Type 1 or non-filed scope applies — no Alt-2, no architect. But NYC's waterproofing and co-op insurance requirements still apply. A leak in a refresh from a bad solder joint on a valve body is the same insurance claim as a leak in a gut.

AskBaily sends refresh-scope bath work to one licensed NYC HIC whose waterproofing passes downstairs-neighbor scrutiny.

What fits vs what triggers Alt-2

  • Fits: toilet/vanity/tub-surround tile replacement in existing locations, valve swap, medicine cabinet, paint.
  • Triggers Alt-2: moving any fixture rough-in, adding a fixture, pan-size change, riser penetration.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a DOB permit for a bathroom refresh? If fixtures stay in place and waste lines are not relocated, a LAA Type 1 covers it (and sometimes no filing is required for pure cosmetic swaps).

How much does a NYC bathroom refresh cost? $15K-$45K, depending on tile (porcelain vs natural stone), fixture brand, and the condition of the existing waterproofing pan.

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Who is Baily?

Baily is named after Francis Baily — an English stockbroker who retired at 51, became an astronomer, and in 1836 described something on the edge of a solar eclipse that nobody had properly articulated before: a string of bright beads of sunlight breaking through the valleys along the moon’s rim.

He wasn’t the first to see them. Edmond Halley saw them in 1715 and barely noticed. Baily’s contribution was clarity — describing exactly what was happening, in plain language, so vividly that the whole field of astronomy paid attention. The phenomenon is still called Baily’s beads.

That’s what we wanted our AI to do. Every inbound call and text has signal in it — a homeowner’s real question, a timeline, a budget, a hesitation that means “yes but.” Baily listens to every one, 24/7, and finds the beads of light.

Baily was a businessman before he was a scientist. That’s our vibe too.