Park Slope Sketches

I think you mean urbansketchers.com. That site is amazing, so much talented work, and a great collaborative environment. I strongly recommend.

Posted by: Permitadvisor at September 27, 2009 8:47 PM in response to Park Slope Sketches

You might try the Municipal Archives at 31 Chambers Street, NY, NY. http://www.nyc.gov/html/records/html/about/archives.shtml

Posted by: Permitadvisor at September 27, 2009 2:16 AM in response to Old 30's Photos of B'stones?

First step is to review your building's alteration agreement and requirements specified therein as far as plans and permits. You'll need to adhere to the requirements of their alteration agreement. If you are demolishing walls or reconfiguring rooms, you will need an architect to prepare & file plans and a permit application. If you are only doing some plumbing fixture relocation/replacement, you might be able to get by with having the Plumber filing an LAA (Limited Alteration Application). It is always best to file for permits in the long run. That way when you go to sell the apartment in the future, you will have approved plans and permits for the renovation. Otherwise, buyer may take several thousand in escrow to cover legalizing your renovation work. Select a Contractor that has a Home Improvement Contractor's License and a Department of Buildings Tracking Number. Both will be required if you need permits.

Posted by: Permitadvisor at September 26, 2009 9:52 AM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

Whether it is only a Tax Lot Subdivision, or both a Tax and a Zoning Lot Subdivision, you'll need to file an application with both the City Surveyor's office and the DOB. You'll need a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer, and an up-to-date signed & sealed survey. I've done the plans and permit expediting for a few of these in Brooklyn. If you subdivide into 2 Tax Lots and keep it as 1 Zoning Lot, your Zoning Calculations will need to be the aggregate picture of the 2 Tax Lots. You may need to amend the existing CO's for the lots to indicate that the Zoning Lot is comprised of Tax Lots 1 and 2 (or whatever their tax lot numbers are...) This stuff can be tricky, and you need to engage the proper professionals or you may spin your wheels for a year or two...

Posted by: Permitadvisor at September 25, 2009 6:05 PM in response to Tax Lot Divisions

This is not necessarily in defense of the design, but it's worth noting the balcony projection beyond the front lot line is limited to 22" by the Building Code, since these balconies project over the sidewalk.

Posted by: Permitadvisor at September 25, 2009 5:35 PM in response to 134 St. Marks Place Takes a Mulligan

You need to get the advice of a Licensed Asbestos Investigator. I an a registered architect and have used a firm called GAC Environmental for many years. I've always been pleased with their service. That said, abatement can be expensive. GAC's Tel # is (212) 875-9506. You can speak to Aaron, Matt, or Wayne. There are also many other reputable firms out there, but these are the guys I use.

Posted by: Permitadvisor at September 23, 2009 12:26 PM in response to Asbestos Removal Question

The '2 Year' rule you cite relates to the discontinuance of a non-conforming use. Commercial would not be considered a non-conforming use in a C1 or C2 Commercial District. You could check out Zoning Resolution Section 52-60 "Discontinuance" for additional information. To go from Commercial to Residential, I believe you would need to amend the Certificate of Occupancy.

Posted by: Permitadvisor at September 21, 2009 3:20 PM in response to 2 Years Revert to Residential?

All old houses had this at one time or another. I don't blame the current tenants for not wanting to live there while its going on. I don't see why it matters one way or the other - as long as its done by a professional company before you move in, the net result is the same.

Posted by: MrsLimestone at September 23, 2009 4:13 PM in response to Asbestos Removal Question

Here is a good consultant I have used: http://www.habader.com/.

Posted by: AbruzzoBodziak at September 23, 2009 11:16 PM in response to Asbestos Removal Question

is this the house on 18th Street bet 4th & 5th? I seen the job, u are better off getting it done yourself...

Posted by: alrosariojr at September 24, 2009 12:06 PM in response to Asbestos Removal Question

actually 5th & 6th :)

Posted by: alrosariojr at September 24, 2009 12:08 PM in response to Asbestos Removal Question

Hello my name is Dan and I am a licensed contractor I am intersted in your project if it is still open I have been in business for over 20 yrs. and I am local if you like you can give me a call I can be reached at 718 919-7794 or 718 902-9213 and 646 726-0475 so we can discuss it further.

Thank You,
Dan

Posted by: superdee01 at September 26, 2009 2:55 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

Actually p3, given the post, eman is spot on.

Posted by: denton at September 26, 2009 5:04 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

sorry denton, without details he cannot be spot on. The whole project can probably take place without an architect. But without knowing the specifics, we do not know for sure.

Posted by: pig three at September 26, 2009 6:43 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

plus the post asked "where to start". Starting with an architect is the most expensive way to start and may not even be necessary.

Posted by: pig three at September 26, 2009 6:45 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

12345,

All these posts scaring you into believing architects are not qualified to provide design services, provide details for construction, or guide you through this process are pure junk. That is exactly what we (myself being a licensed architect) are qualified to do. And others claiming starting with an architect is the most expensive way to start is also ridiculous, considering most architects provide free consultation services, including walkthroughs at the site, describing the entire process to potential clients, and providing estimated costs associated with your renovation. All without costing you a penny. And, if hired, they serve their clients interests throughout the construction process. With all due respect to other posters on this forum, it does not sound like they have ever worked with an architect before...or are looking to serve their own professional interests by attempting to diminish the qualifications of architects.

Do yourself a favor and ask other people in your building for architect, contractor, or design-build recommendations. Entertain all options if you are unsure, and make your own decisions based on the interviews you do...and listen to the other posts on this thread which tell you to review condo/co-op rules and alteration agreements. It's not a complicated process to undertake the work you describe. You just need to find good, responsible professionals to help you through it...the safest way to proceed is, in all honesty, through recommendations from friends, neighbors, or even your managing agent at your building.

Best of luck.

60designers@gmail.com

Posted by: 60designers at September 26, 2009 7:47 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?

I'm in the exact same boat as you, except maybe a few weeks ahead. Closed on my first house 10 days ago, and have been working on the bathroom (and taking down YEARS and LAYERS of wallpaper... ugh) since. The kitchen is up next after the bathroom, again like you, probably in a few months.

Even though I'm a first timer, I am serving as GC for the bathroom reno. I hired a few friends who are out of work construction workers (they do good, solid work, but these are not great times for people in the construction industry) and then found an electrician and plumber through referral. I walked the electricians and plumbers through what I wanted done, and got bids from everyone. I skipped the designer on the bathroom, because I just wanted this one done as quickly and cheaply as possible, so am doing a pretty basic design that I laid out myself. I'll eventually add a second bathroom, and will probably hire a professional designer or architect for that one, and turn the bath I'm currently working on into the guest bath so it doesn't have to be so fancy.

I hired a designer for the kitchen since the kitchen has an odd shape and I thought professional layout help would be good.

I think your approach really depends on what you want in the end. If you want something basic, you can do alot of the legwork yourself and save some $$. Good luck! Renovating is hard work. If I never see wallpaper again, I will die happy.

Posted by: brooklynstyle at September 26, 2009 11:13 PM in response to 1st Time Renovation Advice?