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January 4, 2008
Architect or expediter question
I own a 3 unit building with a retail store on the first floor (pretty undesirable area for retail). It currently has a roll up gate and glass storefront windows. I’d like to remove all this and have a brick wall built to turn the area into a private art studio. My questions are
1. Is this a job for a architect or expediter. I already have a mason who’s done this type of work. Just need the permits to keep it all legal
2.What would it cost? Ive already got a estimate for the construction which I plan to manage myself. Just need a ballpark figure as to the cost of permits.
Comments
I think this is a job for an architect who gets an expediter.
Posted by: Ysabelle at January 4, 2008 3:42 PM
For the price of permits contact the department of buildings.
Posted by: Ysabelle at January 4, 2008 4:08 PM
I am an architect and I would get your permit for you for $6500, but I'm too busy right now.
Posted by: guest at January 4, 2008 4:57 PM
Is the private art studio a commercial use (you would rent it out) or is it for yourself?
Permit fees depend partialy on the cost of construction. The permit fee is the least of your expenses. You need both an architect and an expediter to do this.
Posted by: guest at January 4, 2008 6:21 PM
You need to file plans stamped by a registered architect. Some architects will do their own expediting, some engage independent expediters. Perhaps, you can find one person that does both. I've seen the names Scott Schnall and Ralph Albanese on this site as both registered architects and can expedite. Consider giving one of them a call.
Posted by: guest at January 4, 2008 6:51 PM
Architectural plans to be filed with the DOB are never simple. My guess is that you will be spending at least $2K for the architect's fees and another $2K for an expediter. Plus, DOB fees of about $500-$600 (including initial filing, microfilm and work permit).
Posted by: guest at January 4, 2008 11:15 PM
The listing at 4:57pm is trying to rob you. The permit fee shouldnt be anymore than 500.00. The architectural fee should be anymore than 2500, and the architect should have an expeditor that works for him. Dont get suckered in.
Posted by: Kwright at January 5, 2008 8:05 AM
Don't do it.
Just tint the windows or install a curtain for privacy.
When the area becomes better for retail, you can rent out the space without having to change the C of O again.
So many storefronts have been butchered to turn them into apartments, I feel like crying.
Posted by: guest at January 5, 2008 9:39 AM
Changing the wall construction from glass to masonry will not result in a change of C of O. If all you're doing is changing that exterior wall, and gutting the rest of the first floor to create an open studio for yourself, I can't imagine the total costs including architectural and expediting exceeding $3K.
Posted by: rasmalai at January 5, 2008 12:35 PM
If you are turning it into a non-commercial space, it's a change of CO.
$2500 equates to about 28 hours of work. If you can find someone to do this entire thing for that small amount of hours. Go for it. They'll lose money, but you'll be happy.
Posted by: guest at January 5, 2008 4:23 PM
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