Renovations
When Do You Need a Building Permit in NYC?
Apartment renovations generally require two separate approvals. First, management of the building must approve the alteration and grant permission for work to begin. Second, if required, the NYC Department of Buildings (the “DOB”) must also approve the work and grant the construction permit. Management approval generally starts with the completion of an alteration application. …
READ MORE
Before the Renovation Begins
With the epic shortage of inventory in the NYC market comes the inevitable resurgence of one of the most traumatic of housing endeavors: the renovation. In the post-Lehman buyer’s market renovations fell out of favor, with home buyers opting instead for finished products. But with the rapid turnaround of the recent year, once again buyers …
READ MORE
Before the Renovation Begins
Most people who do an apartment renovation will tell you one thing when they are done: they’ll never do it again. But renovations can be successful, and the increase in market value can far outweigh the costs. So before beginning, here is a lawyer’s guide on the pitfalls that I have seen many clients make. …
READ MORE
Who Pays for What?
There are two times during the lifecycle of a transaction that I am routinely informed about a “repair” that the seller needs to make. The first is when a buyer uses an inspector as part of due diligence before the contract is signed. The other time is at the walk through, or the final inspection …
READ MORE
Do I Need a Permit?
Renovating your apartment can be both personally and financially rewarding. But for anyone who has ever lived through a renovation, the process can run from frustrating to downright horrific and catastrophic. Before starting the job, let’s run through the legal concerns. Do I need a permit? Most construction and renovation jobs in New York City …
READ MORE