Protocol for opening walls

I’m planning to opening up 3 walls in my house in Brooklyn. Since this is the first time renovating my place, I need help understanding the rules and process. 1\. Can I just hire a contractor to do this? or should I hire an architect? 2\. Do I have to submit permit or other documents? 3\. What is the most cost and time effective way of doing this? Also, if you have any recommendation for what I need to do, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, ym

yum54

in Renovation 11 years and 7 months ago

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yum54 | 11 years and 7 months ago

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Thank you all for your advice!

arch007 | 11 years and 7 months ago

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Plans, Permit, Asbestos testing. A small job like this can be professionally certified so that saves time. My structural engineer does this type of work cheap! http://nyc-dob.com

Augustiner | 11 years and 7 months ago

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While bklyngirl is definitely right about being cautious, I would recommend a different approach because you have the design part already figured out: Hire a good licensed General Contractor, let him recommend a Service Architect or Expediter and a Structural Engineer (if you even need one) to produce and file the minimum drawings to legally convert your space. This will get you to the finishing line faster, and leave more cash for your construction.

bklyngirl | 11 years and 7 months ago

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I cannot begin to overstate how EPICLY BAD THINGS COULD GO FOR YOU IF YOU PROCEED. First off you run the risk of collapsing the entire building or at minimum severly compromising the structure if you venture forward. You should hire an architect AND a structural engineer. At worst hire a contractor or handyman who will do the exploratory part first which involves cutting in a few holes in the walls and/or ceiling to determine if any of the walls are load bearing. If they find they are load bearing then you will need to have an architect and engineer review what has to be done, create plans and then either you or your contractor will have to seek permits. This is not for the faint of heart of wallet but it is better to do it by the books. If you get licensed professionals to investigate and they tell you the walls are not load bearing then you may be able to procceed but you should at least hire a contractor or handyman with **EXTENSIVE** experience doing this and be sure to check references. So in recap to your 3 questions. 1\. Can I just hire a contractor to do this? or should I hire an architect? **Both and a structural engineer** 2\. Do I have to submit permit or other documents? **Oh Yeah!** 3\. What is the most cost and time effective way of doing this? **There is none. You can drop anywhere between 5 & 20K just for the architect and engineer process (Which boggles the mind but hey every devil gets their due I guess)** But good luck.