If you’re dreaming about your next apartment renovation, don’t forget one very important detail: a building permit.
While choosing paint colors and granite are much more enjoyable, a permit simply can’t be overlooked. Renovating without a permit can cause expensive and inconvenient headaches later.
Read on to learn three reasons why you need a building permit for apartment renovations in New York.
1. A Building Permit and Inspection Ensure Quality Work
When pulling a permit, your local city or county or your registered architect and special inspectors will inspect the work at each stage to ensure the work has been done correctly and is up to code. This inspection process means plumbing and electrical are inspected before the walls go up and sub-flooring is inspected before the floor goes down. Contractors know they must “pass inspection” to proceed, so you can rest assured that permitted work will be higher quality.
Permits are required for many renovations, including those requiring electrical, plumbing, and structural work. This process means that even though your new wiring is covered with drywall, you can ensure the city has approved the work and your home is safe to live in.
Furthermore, apartments in New York City are under building management companies who will take proper photography and notify neighbors of the construction underway once the permit is filed, thus, documenting the project at every stage and working with the city when necessary. Photographing adjacent apartments also protects you from false claims for construction-related damages.
2. Insurance and Title Companies Care
It’s not just the city or county that care about permitted work. Insurance and title companies care, too.
Here’s an example: if a fire starts due to faulty wiring and the electrical work was done without a permit, your insurance company may not cover the claim. The denial of a claim can be a devastating financial blow for any property owner.
Just imagine if the construction crew accidentally breaks a valuable vase or leaves a faucet on overnight. If you’re not prepared by having all the legal documents filed, you’re liable for the damages.
Another example is if you build an un-permitted room extension and your contractor exceeds the property line by a few inches. If you had the work permitted, the city’s zoning department would have identified the issue. However, if they didn’t identify the issue because you didn’t get a permit, your title company may not grant a clear title when you decide to sell the property someday.
3. Not Pulling a Permit Will Cause Headaches Later
What are the consequences of building without a permit? Not good, that’s for sure. In New York City, there is a minimum fine of $5,000 if you’re caught without a permit.
If the work is in progress, you’ll likely be asked to stop the work while you seek a permit (and you’ll pay a fine). If the work is completed, but not up to code, you may very well have to rip it out and re-do it.
Things get especially difficult when title and insurance companies are involved, as we mentioned above. In these instances, “worst case scenario” involves a devastating loss that your insurance company won’t cover.
A Building Permit is a Must
It’s clear that seeking a building permit before starting work is crucial. If you’re planning renovations and excited about the next project at your apartment or townhome, don’t forget to talk to your local building department.
After that? Check out our site, filled full of great renovation and design ideas, that’ll make your place feel like home.
Located in the Greater New York area, Jeffrey Jordan Architecture specializes in the design of high-end projects such as luxury apartment and townhouse renovations, schools, churches, temples, and offices.