- Ensure Building Safety: Regular inspections help identify and repair facade issues before they pose a danger to pedestrians, vehicles, or building occupants.
- Prevent Accidents: Many accidents and injuries in NYC buildings have historically resulted from facade deterioration and falling debris. The law aims to reduce such incidents significantly.
- Legal Compliance: Building owners are legally responsible for maintaining their facades in a safe condition. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, legal liabilities, or even building closures.
- Description: This is a popular asphalt-based roofing system that is applied in multiple layers with the use of adhesives or torches.
- Advantages: Excellent waterproofing, high durability, and suitable for most climates.
- Best For: Commercial and industrial buildings requiring a reliable, cost-effective solution.
- Description: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a synthetic rubber membrane known for its flexibility.
- Advantages: Long lifespan (up to 50 years), excellent weather resistance, easy to install, and repair.
- Best For: Buildings needing a flexible, durable, and low-maintenance membrane.
- Description: A reflective, heat-weldable membrane made from thermoplastic polyolefin.
- Advantages: Energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, UV resistant, and cost-effective.
- Best For: Offices, commercial buildings, and structures with energy conservation goals.
- Description: Similar to TPO but with different chemical compositions, offering high durability and chemical resistance.
- Advantages: Excellent seam strength, fire resistance, and UV stability.
- Best For: Roofs with high foot traffic or exposure to chemicals.
- Description: A traditional system consisting of multiple layers of bitumen and aggregate.
- Advantages: Proven track record, excellent waterproofing, and insulation properties.
- Best For: Large flat roofs where durability and insulation are priorities.
- Description: These systems combine insulation with a waterproof membrane, often in one layered system.
- Advantages: Improved energy efficiency and reduced overall weight.
- Best For: Buildings seeking energy savings and modern roof aesthetics.
- Research the Landmark Status: Confirm that your building is officially designated as a NYC Landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). This designation imposes specific regulations regarding modifications and restoration.
- Review LPC Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the LPC’s guidelines for exterior work, including permitted changes, approval processes, and historical preservation standards.
- Hire Experts: Engage architects, engineers, and contractors experienced in landmark preservation. Their expertise ensures compliance and maintains the building’s historical integrity.
- Consult Preservation Consultants: These specialists assist in navigating regulations and ensuring that restoration plans align with preservation standards.
- Historical Research: Gather historical photos, documents, and previous restoration records.
- Condition Survey: Perform a detailed inspection of the facade, structural elements, stonework, masonry, and architectural details to identify deterioration and restoration needs.
- Design with Preservation in Mind: Create plans that respect the original architectural features, materials, and craftsmanship.
- Material Selection: Use historically appropriate materials and techniques, often involving custom fabrication.
- Get Approvals: Submit your plans to the LPC for review and approval before beginning work. This typically involves multiple review stages and meetings.
- Obtain Construction Permits: Secure necessary permits from NYC DOB and other relevant agencies.
- LPC Approvals: Ensure all drawings, specifications, and reports are approved by the LPC prior to starting work.
- Work According to Approved Plans: Follow the approved designs meticulously.
- Use Skilled Craftspeople: Employ artisans familiar with traditional restoration techniques.
- Monitor the Work: Regular oversight ensures adherence to preservation standards and quality control.
- Keep Detailed Records: Document inspections, repairs, materials used, and approvals. This documentation is crucial for future reference and compliance.
- LPC Inspection: Once completed, arrange for a final inspection with the LPC to ensure compliance.
- Receive Certification: Obtain approval or certification confirming that the restoration meets all regulatory standards.
- Regular Upkeep: Maintain the restored facade with routine inspections and repairs to preserve its historic value.
- Design Professionals (Licensed Engineers or Registered Architects):
◦ They prepare specifications for the inspections, oversee the process, and review inspection reports.
- Construction Contractors:
- Approved Inspection Agencies (Third-Party Inspectors):
- Owner’s Responsibility:
- Overview: NYC’s lead paint laws are among the strictest in the country, especially targeting properties built before 1978, when lead-based paint was commonly used.
- Key Requirements:
- Overview: NYC law emphasizes prompt detection and remediation of mold to prevent health issues.
- Key Requirements:
Asbestos Regulations
Overview: Asbestos is a hazardous material commonly found in older bu
- Obtain Violation Details: Access your violations through the NYC DOB’s Bite or ECB Online portals, or through your property management team.
- Understand the Violation: Review the violation notices carefully to understand the nature of the issues, deadlines for correction, and required documentation.
- Hire Qualified Professionals: Engage licensed contractors, engineers, or specialists familiar with NYC
codes to assess the violations. - Develop a Work Plan: Create a detailed plan to address each violation, including scope of work, timeline, and costs.
- Secure Permits and Approvals: Obtain necessary permits from NYC DOB or other relevant agencies before commencing work.
- Perform Repairs and Corrections: Hire licensed professionals to carry out the necessary repairs, demolition, or improvements in compliance with city codes.
- Document Everything: Take detailed Before-and-After photos, keep work logs, and retain all receipts and permits.
- Schedule Inspections: Arrange for the appropriate city inspectors to verify the corrections. The inspection must be scheduled and approved before submitting final paperwork.
- File Corrected Documentation: Submit all required documentation and proof of correction to the issuing agency through their portals or by mail, including inspection reports, permit approvals, and affidavits.
- Remediation Verification: Ensure the violations are marked as corrected in the city’s system.
- Obtain Compliance Letter or Certificate: Once inspectors verify the corrections, request official certification of compliance from the agency.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct periodic inspections and maintenance to prevent future violations.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of any changes in NYC regulations that may impact your property.
A gut renovation transforms a property by completely renovating the interior and sometimes exterior, often involving structural changes, new systems, and modern updates. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you successfully plan and execute a gut renovation in NYC.
- Increased Property Value: Renovations often result in a higher market value, which directly increases your equity—the difference between the property’s current market value and any outstanding mortgage.
- Market Competitive Edge: Upgraded properties attract more buyers or tenants, potentially leading to quicker sales or higher rental income.
- Long-Term Savings: Modernized systems and structures reduce maintenance and repair costs, contributing to better financial stability.
- Building Equity Over Time: As property values rise through strategic renovations, your ownership stake (equity) also grows, providing greater financial leverage.
- Guidance on Loan Options: We help you explore various financing options such as home equity loans, renovation loans, or personal loans tailored to your project.
- Connections with Trusted Lenders: We work with reputable financial institutions and lenders familiar with NYC renovation projects, ensuring competitive rates and favorable terms.
- Expert Assistance with Applications: Our team can assist you in preparing the necessary documentation, submitting applications, and navigating the approval process smoothly and efficiently.
- Budgeting Support: We help you develop a realistic budget aligned with your financing plan, ensuring your renovation is financially manageable.
1. Verify Zoning and Building Codes
- Check Zoning Regulations: Confirm that your property’s zoning allows for rooftop recreational use.
- Consult NYC Building Codes: Ensure your plans meet requirements for guardrails, setbacks, fire safety, and structural capacity.
- Hire an architect or structural engineer experienced in NYC rooftop projects.
- They will prepare design plans that comply with all relevant codes and standards.
- Assess the existing roof’s load-bearing capacity.
- Determine if modifications or reinforcements are necessary to support furniture, people, or additional structures.
- Develop detailed plans including guardrails, barriers, access points, and any rooftop features like seating or a pergola.
- Submit plans to the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) for review and approval.
- Secure a building permit for modifications and safety features.
- If adding structures like decks, pergolas, or outdoor kitchens, additional permits may be required.
- Install compliant guardrails, barriers, and access points.
- Incorporate fire safety measures such as extinguishers, fire alarms, and proper egress routes.
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent water accumulation and structural damage.
- Schedule inspections with NYC DOB to verify compliance.
- Address any issues identified during inspection.
- Obtain approval or a final certificate of compliance to legally use the rooftop as a recreational space.
- Regularly inspect guardrails, surfaces, and safety features.
- Keep all permits and documentation updated for future reference or temporary inspections.
- Description: These sealers seep into the pores of the masonry, forming a chemical barrier inside the material.
- Types: Silane, Siloxane, Siliconates.
- Advantages: Excellent for water repellency, vapor permeability, and preserving the natural look. They do not alter the surface’s appearance.
- Best For: Historic buildings, porous stones, and surfaces where breathability is needed.
- Description: These create a thin film or coating on the surface of the masonry.
- Types: Acrylics, Polyurethanes.
- Advantages: Provide a glossy or matte finish, excellent for water resistance, and stain prevention.
- Disadvantages: Less vapor permeable, can peel or crack over time, especially on porous surfaces.
- Best For: Decorative surfaces, concrete or areas needing a uniform finish.
- Description: Combine penetrating and film-forming qualities for enhanced protection.
- Advantages: Offer water resistance while maintaining vapor permeability and appearance.
- Best For: Multifunctional applications where durability and breathability are both important.
Which Sealer Is Better?
Choosing the “best” sealer depends on your specific needs:
For preserving natural appearance and vapor permeability:
Penetrating sealers (siloxanes or silanes) are ideal. They protect from water intrusion without altering the look of the masonry.For decorative protection with a glossy or matte finish:
Film-forming sealers (acrylics) are suitable. However, they require more maintenance over time.For high-traffic or stain-prone areas:
Hybrid sealers offer a good balance of protection and breathability.
Professional Advice:
Consult with masonry or restoration experts like KRS PROS to select the right sealer based on your surface type, environmental exposure, and aesthetic preferences. Proper application ensures maximum effectiveness and longevity.
