DIY on Brooklyn Condo?
I have a condo that I am looking to do some work to. Specifically, I am looking to wall off an “open” room to create a separate bedroom and hallway around it (no problems with light and air). My problem/question – I cannot determine what, if any, of the work can be done myself (DIY)…
I have a condo that I am looking to do some work to. Specifically, I am looking to wall off an “open” room to create a separate bedroom and hallway around it (no problems with light and air).
My problem/question – I cannot determine what, if any, of the work can be done myself (DIY) or if I have to hire a licensed contractor to pull the permit. While I would not consider myself a master craftsman, I have built plenty of walls, partitions and even portions of small houses (and I can do better work than most who *would* consider themselves “master craftsmen”). Assembling a wall is about as basic as it gets, and other than fire access there is no real change to the building (I am adding, not taking away). I know this needs filed – it is a change of layout – and I am not interested in forever hiding something that is not in the plans. Moreover, I know something identical was done in a mirroring apartment in the building (officially) so it can be done.
Can anyone give me insight into if/how I can get a construction permit to do work like this on my own? If so, what is the best way to go about it – architect? expediter? FWIW, I have filed to do work on houses in other areas – it is the NYC regs that have me confused, not that a process exists that I need to follow.
If allowed, I am pretty confident I could get condo approval, BTW – it is an 8 unit structure (I know that can matter in terms of doing work on your own, but not whether it eliminates the possibility).
Thanks for your input.
The work you describe is likely not structural (you are adding a wall) –
and as such your Condo board likely has no right to say no – and you likely do not need to seek permission at all.
DOB will usually approve to do the work be yourself on your own condo unit but you still need plans to be filed and approved before.
Usually when doing any structural work in a condo unit, condo boards require licensed and insured contractors. You should def contact them to see if they would impose this requirement for putting up a wall.
dont spent 30k remodeling the condo to later realise you were living in the wrong unit… like this man
http://bk.ly/taf
You probably need your condo board’s approval. Have you contacted them to find out what you need to do?
if you are confidence to do that,you can do it by yourself..but before you do it,you should tell your plan to someone who know more knowledge about building..
You need an architect to draw up and file the plans. Keep in mind that the window needs to be the correct size to provide the light and ventilation and putting up the wall will impact the adjacent space also. There are also min sizes for a habitable room. We can also file asking for you to be allowed to pull the permit, although DOB might not approve it. I have gotten them approved in the past. It just depends upon how much work is being done.