Plans approved by DOB with error

I wanted to see if anyone had experience with an approved error on the DOB approved plans. My architect filed plans where there is something not code compliant. We only noticed this after the construction was complete. These plans were approved by the DOB and construction was completed exactly as laid out on the plans. We are about to call for a final construction inspection and fear that the inspector will pick up on this error. If this

me4pres

in General Discussion 6 years and 4 months ago

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natesoldbynatebrown | 6 years and 4 months ago

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Hi! We’re in an alt-1 reno right now and have some resources we can run the situation by if you would like. Send us a message on IG or on our site.

Guest User | 6 years and 4 months ago

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I’d like to know the issue as well but *totally* understand not wanting to out yourself. A really good expeditor will absolutely be able to help with this. We have had good and bad experiences. Happy to chat with you privately to discuss.

CarmenR | 6 years and 4 months ago

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I deeply want to know what this error was

murph | 6 years and 4 months ago

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What does the architect say and how much liability insurance do they have?

yudashasom | 6 years and 4 months ago

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Please tell us.

yudashasom | 6 years and 4 months ago

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I’m curious what would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars too. Did you forget to install electricity or something?

jcarch | 6 years and 4 months ago

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jimhillra’s correct, DOB has zero responsibility here. Their position is that they’re just checking the architect’s plans, so the architect remains responsible. And generally, inspectors are really just checking that the built conditions are matching up with the approved plans. So if your hallway needs to be 36″ wide, and it’s 35″, it’s unlikely they’ll notice. But if the hall is 30″ wide, you’d probably have a problem. I’m dying to know what kind of error would cost hundreds of thousands of $ to fix. If you can provide details, maybe someone can come up with a cheaper fix if it is noticed by DOB.

jimhillra | 6 years and 4 months ago

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There’s never any guarantee with the DOB. If it’s a huge mistake like that, you may have some leeway to push back against them. Or there might be a way to get around it. In the end, the inspection comment just prevents you from closing out the job and getting the C of O. Chances are that there won’t be any penalties unless they decide the error was done knowingly and intentionally. And there’s always the chance the inspector won’t pick up on it.

If it were me, I’d call for the inspection and be ready with the plans in case the inspector sees it. Show her/him the plans and say the DOB approved it. If s/he still gives the objection, then take a real deep dive into the code. There are so many little exceptions that you may find something that supports an interpretation favorable to you. Take the case to the borough commissioner and see what he says. He’s actually a very nice guy and is willing to help when he can.

Is there any way you can describe the err or here? There are quite a lot of architects and other code wonks here who would be willing to help if we can.

me4pres | 6 years and 4 months ago

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Thanks for your reply – this was an alt 1 renovation – i dont believe that it was a pro cert. Without getting into the specifics, remedying this situation could cost a couple of hundred thousand dollars as much of what was done would all need to be redone. The DOB has no culpability here? Given that it was approved by them, do you know if they would take this into consideration? I simply dont have the resources to do all of this again.

jimhillra | 6 years and 4 months ago

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what’s the non-compliance? Was the application professionally certified, or were the plans reviewed by a plan examiner?

In many cases, the inspector will defer to the plans, but if it’s serious, s/he may issue an objection that can only be resolved by addressing the issue with the plan examiner.

If it was a pro-cert application, there is no plan examiner, so it’s the architect’s responsibility to make sure everything is code compliant. And even if it was reviewed, and approved without the plan examiner noticing the error, the DOB is not liable, and can still force the situation to be corrected. This wouldn’t be the first time.

Guest User | 6 years and 4 months ago

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perhaps you should finish your question?

Guest User | 6 years and 4 months ago

string(1) "3"
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perhaps you should finish your question?

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