What You Need to Know Before a Co-op or Condo Layout Change in NYC

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Don’t forget to factor in board approvals, permits, and costs when considering layout changes

Preparing for a smooth renovation

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or you’ve been through the process a few times, it’s exciting to purchase a condo or co-op in New York City. You might expect to have some control over how the interior layout flows and functions. And you do… sort of. If you are considering a layout change, here’s how to prepare for the real cost implications. The outline below will help you decide if a layout change in NYC is a feasible starting point for your project.

What constitutes a layout change?

New York City groups layout changes into two categories of work permits.

• Alteration Type-I involves major structural modifications to the building
• Alteration Type-II projects won’t change the building’s use or occupancy terms. However, there will be work done on the vital systems hidden behind the walls. This includes re-routing plumbing lines, gas lines, electrical wiring, vertical piping, or ventilation ducts.

As a co-op or condo owner in NYC, there are few instances where you’ll make structural modifications to the building. But, if you are planning to do the following, your permit will be an alteration Type-II:

• Relocate or expand a kitchen or bathroom
• Add a new bathroom
• Take down a load-bearing wall
• Move fixtures in the bathroom or kitchen

These updates all require opening walls and may affect existing plumbing, gas, and electrical lines. They are the bread-and-butter of Type-II alterations. The bottom line: if your renovation goes beyond directly swapping out the surface components of a room, then you are probably dealing with a layout change. Sweeten contractors have experience with the remodeling process and approvals in buildings throughout NYC. They will be able to guide you through each step.

Wet-over-dry

So, why is a layout change such a big deal? The answer lies in the city’s stringent safety regulations and the desire to protect residents from potential damage and disruption.

Due to the close proximity of units in these buildings, the city is particularly cautious about the placement of wet spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Moving these areas over dry spaces, such as bedrooms or living rooms, can increase the risk of water damage and flooding. Building codes and board regulations often prohibit such changes, as they can compromise the structural integrity and safety of the building. Additionally, many boards are concerned about the potential inconvenience and disruption to other residents during extensive renovations.

At Sweeten, we’re experts at all things general contractors. Here’s how Sweeten works: We pre-screen them for our network, carefully select the best ones for your remodeling project, and work closely with hundreds of general contractors every day.

Get co-op and condo board approval

You do have to play by house rules if you’re in a co-op or condo, and the building board is legally authorized to make rules and regulations for many aspects, including renovation plans. So, the first step is to check if a layout change is an option with your building management. Your building probably has a document called an “alteration agreement.” It details the steps and paperwork required to make any changes to your unit. The document will probably require you to submit an alteration application for approval. These vary by building but typically detail:

• Scope of work permitted
• How work is performed
• Legal ramifications and indemnification
• Insurance coverage requirements for the proposed plan

The board may also require you to submit architectural plans, drawings, and specifications. They will be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer that you hire. They may also engage their own architect or engineer to review the submission and mandate any revisions required to minimize disruption. Sweeten homeowner, Jan Eliasberg, worked with her co-op board to include central air in her renovation scope—a first-time feature in the building.

Get department of building approvals and permits

The City requires you to file your plans with the Department of Buildings (and possibly the Landmarks Preservation Commission depending on where your apartment is located) before any work begins. For most layout changes, you will need to hire a registered architect or professional engineer to file a permit application. This certifies that the plan complies with applicable codes and laws. Once the plan is approved, your contractor also applies for a work permit to authorize the specific alterations detailed in your plan.

Plan for costs and timing

Getting approvals from building boards and the NYC Department of Buildings takes patience and perseverance. You can expect the process to take anywhere from two to six months (longer depending on a number of variables for a board review).

The documentation and services needed to get City approval come at a cost, as does the physical (and more specialized) labor you may need for layout reconfiguration. Rather than thinking about cost per room, you may find it more realistic to think about cost per square foot. Major renovations involving layout changes typically start in the range of $150 – $250 per square foot. An additional approximately 20 – 35% is required for design fees, permit filing services, and permit and inspection fees that an architect, engineer, and expediter will charge. You need to be prepared for these design and administrative fees on top of your budget for construction materials and labor.

Needing licensed plumbers and electricians

You may need to hire licensed experts for more specialized mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. Their hourly rate is higher than a typical handyman’s. For example:

• Most electrical work needs to be performed by a licensed electrician
• Any work on gas lines must be performed by an NYC Licensed Master Plumber
• Any plumbing work beyond the direct replacement of a fixture or a simple repair requires a licensed plumber

These skilled trades all require training and licensing where layout changes are concerned. As a result, higher labor costs must be factored in. You’ll want to hire an experienced general contractor who has working relationships with these professionals to call on.

To get a handle on how much a renovation will be, our NYC cost guides are a good place to begin. A kitchen budget increases, for example, if a wall comes down or plumbing fixtures move. The finish level (budget or high-end?) you choose will also influence the cost. When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen or home remodel, discuss with a Sweeten contractor how your vision can be created in your particular space.

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