Building a Loft: Legal?
I’m about to buy a condo in Prospect Heights. The condo has very high ceilings, so I’d like to build a loft/office, essentially creating a second-floor room. I’ve heard different things about the legality of this, though. For instance, I’ve heard that I may be allowed to build whatever I like once I own the…
I’m about to buy a condo in Prospect Heights. The condo has very high ceilings, so I’d like to build a loft/office, essentially creating a second-floor room. I’ve heard different things about the legality of this, though. For instance, I’ve heard that I may be allowed to build whatever I like once I own the condo, but that it could be illegal to resell the condo with the loft (since I’ve created additional square footage.)
Does anyone know about the laws concering building a loft, or where I could find out more information?
Thanks!
Firstly no one can do anything once you close on your condo so build away!!
As long as it is not a “permanent” structure, you should not have a problem with the building department. It sounds like you have something more permanent in mind which would in fact be illegal. Dealing with your condo/coop is a particular issue to your building but there should not be a problem.
I tried to research it, at one point and it’s complicated… FAR concerns do not come into play if you simply add a loft. This translates into the room that’s not completely closed off, no doors, etc. The plans need to be approved by condo/coop and DOB. An architect had to be involved.
that would be incorrect. Obviously if you build a permanent structure which adds the square footage to the apartment you may cause the building to exceed its FAR (floor to area ratio) – essentially the problem which Mr. Scarano (sp?) has faced with many of his, er, creative uses of mezzanines. Whether anyone would notice is another matter…
there is nothing illegal about building a loft inside your apartment. or leaving it there after you sale. the condo/co-op board may have some restrictions but the city does not. if the is no plumbing/ electrical/ work or compromise to the buildings structure build away.