Filing to build a new bathroom?
We have 2 different answers, one from a designer, one from an architect. To build a bathroom on our garden floor where currently there is none, do we need to file plans or not? (FYI designer said yes, $1500, Architect says no.)
We have 2 different answers, one from a designer, one from an architect.
To build a bathroom on our garden floor where currently there is none, do we need to file plans or not? (FYI designer said yes, $1500, Architect says no.)
You can file an ARA if your work involves “only plumbing work” and is limited to “adding up to two new fixtures” In reality, you are doing more than just plumbing, but the truth could be stretched, which may be what your architect is suggesting.
Moving a fixture is the same as adding a new fixture- they both require changes to the underlying system and therefore filing permits.
A permit doesn’t mean something has to be difficult, only that it has to be monitored and inspected.
Are you saying that what you are technically doing is moving a bathroom from one floor down to another floor, but not actually adding any plumbing fixtures “in total”? If that is the case, it’s kind of a difficult one to answer. If you are adding any number of fixtures (a sink, a toilet, a tub, a shower) it needs to be filed.
OP here, thanks all for the info.
I was surprised to hear from the architect that we didn’t need to. We won’t likely be adding a toilet as we are taking out the existing bathroom, and the sewer line is already on the wall where the new toilet will be (the upstairs tenants have their bathroom on the same wall as projected bathroom).
To give the architect the benefit of the doubt before we revisit this with her, is it possible that we would not need to file given the conditions above?
We are totally willing to file btw.
Are you sure your architect is licensed? He/she should know that you definitely need to file this.
As a general rule structural, plumbing and electrical changes always have to be filed.
You don’t have to file if you are just switching out appliances and fixtures.
Yes, you have to file this work. You are changing the quantity of plumbing fixtures which alone would require that you update the Schedule B. The new bathroom is also beholden to minimum light and ventilation requirements, which if filing, needs to be addressed. Make sure your designer (and especially your architect!) are aware of this.
You do have to file, and it’s interesting your designer knew that but your architect didn’t!
I do think that you would need to since you are altering the original plans of that property – building a bathroom requires new plumbing/sewer/waste lines/electrical, which the DOB issues permits for this kind of work. Especially if you plan to rent this Garden level out down the road (if it is legalized ofcourse). Good Luck.