TOO MANY COOKS!
the situation : converting from a 3 to a 2 family brownstone. the questions: what is the fire code (exterior deck, interior walls, exposed beams )? do my skylights need to have safety glass ? the problem: too many people with too many different answers. can anyone shed some light or tell me where to…
the situation : converting from a 3 to a 2 family brownstone.
the questions: what is the fire code (exterior deck, interior walls, exposed beams )? do my skylights need to have safety glass ?
the problem: too many people with too many different answers. can anyone shed some light or tell me where to find this information so i know whats true???
you will need an architect, or an engineer, licensed in the state(though i should note that architects do more than gain c of o’s)
however, it doesn’t hurt to be a little bit educated.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/bldgs_code/bc27s4.pdf
check out the height/area limitations table (2 family is a J-3, presumably you are unsprinklered: this chart tells you the highest and largest (in sf) you are allowed (if you have brick/block exterior walls and exposed wood beams you’re probably type II-C construction).
also check this out:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/bldgs_code/bc27s3.pdf
look at table 3-4 for other limitations on construction.
there are also construction definitions used on the height/area limitations discussed above.
read up, and you’ll be able to talk intelligently with your architect/engineer.
good luck.
If you are changing the C of O, doing any demolition, moving walls, etc., you must file it with the dob, and you must have an architect sign off on the drawings. end of story. this is what they do and why they are licensed by the state and carry professional liability insurance.
I was trying to avoid the duh, myself. Holiday season and all that. Sometimes we forget that DIY only goes so far, and the q1uestions you are posing are exactly what architects are trained in, no?
why don’t you hire an architect? duh.
op here – it was the only stupid title i came up with at the moment of writing the question.
I don’t mean to be mean – but what do you mean about too many cooks? Have you posted here before and gotten conflicing answers? If you are concerting are you filing a new c of of? It seems to me that you should hire an architect. Isn’t this exactly what they are for?