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May 16, 2009
did we need a permit?
We renovated our apartment a year ago and didn't get any permits. However, now that I've been reading these posts, I feel like we needed to. What do we do?
We tore down walls, created new walls and changed the electrical systems. But no one: not the architect, not the contractor, not our coop board ever said anything about permits.
If we did need permits, is there anything we can do about it now? I'd hate to get in trouble for it whenever we decide to sell.
Comments
Just prey your co-op board and management company don't find out and that you never have any issues with the electrical work that will cause the management company to see the permits. Usually in a co-op, any work like this needs to be approved by the board and all permits and proof of insurance from the licensed electrician would need to be filed with the management company. As long as whoever did the work is licensed and insured(and no issues arise), it should be okay.
Posted by: Misty B at May 16, 2009 9:32 PM
if you ever attempt to sell your coop , your floor plan will not conform to what is on file at the dob...so you have, in effect made your coop unsalable...you should get an architect to file as though this was a new renovation, with as built dimensions and plumbing and electric specs conforming to reality...otherwise you are open to endless litigation when you sell...your architect must have been a boob to advise you to cut corners
Posted by: eman1234 at May 16, 2009 10:20 PM
eman, I was afraid of this. Our architect is a friend (of course)! How could I go about finding a new architect to help us?
Posted by: kmacq at May 16, 2009 10:58 PM
Why not ask the current architect this question? Chances are either he has a reason, or he'll file the plans for you.
Posted by: bunkerlabs at May 17, 2009 2:41 AM
Not saying to be 100% sure you shouldn't file the job, but when you sell a coop you are selling shares in the corporation. I've never heard of an instance where someone goes to the DOB and pulls prints for an individual apt. I'd be more worried about comparing the apt to the offering plan. If the offering plan shows a 2BR and you've made it a 1BR, or vice versa, you could have a problem.
If you haven't made really major changes, boards and management companies come and go. At some point if asked about work you could just shrug your shoulders and deny everything. Just keep a low profile and don't invite your fellow residents over for dinner while bragging about your new reno.
You need to understand that there are architects, and then there are architects. There are guys with a degree in architecture, and there are guys that are licensed to practice in the city of NY. Only the latter can file a job. Sounds like you should retain one of the latter for an hour or two consult, rather than relying on a blog post.
Posted by: denton at May 17, 2009 7:09 AM
If the coop board, usually the hardliners, don't care (they did know, didn't they?), why should you? Especially if you're planning to stay a while. If you're not the first owner it could get grandfathered in. Let sleeping dogs lie.
Posted by: cmu at May 17, 2009 2:35 PM
what Denton said.
Posted by: Kensingtonian at May 17, 2009 10:29 PM
I did the same thing in Manhattan although I had no plumbing moves. Everything went through the superintendent and I gave him a nice big tip. The square footage never changed so that's the critical thing viz a viz the offering plan. Buyers had no issues with a floorplan that didn't duplicate the original.
Don't worry about resale.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at May 18, 2009 8:06 AM
I'm a licensed architect in NY. All the above advice is correct. You really should have the updated plans on file with the DOB.
If it's a simple job, I'd be happy to look at the job, prepare as-builts, and file the work. You can contact me at 60designers@gmail.com if you're interested.
Posted by: 60designers at May 18, 2009 10:35 AM
Whatever you do, don't "deny everything" or claim that "it was filed with the property manager" (if you did not do that) if an offcial comes asking. Why give yourself criminal exposure if you can avoid it?
Posted by: Boerumresident at May 18, 2009 3:06 PM
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