Question 1

Does your company handle NYC co-op board approval requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have extensive experience with co-op and condo board requirements, insurance certificates, and alteration agreements.

Question 2

How long does a full apartment gut renovation take?

Accepted Answer

One-bedroom: 2-3 months. 2-3 bedroom: 3-5 months. Full townhouse: 6-12 months depending on scope and complexity.

Question 3

What is the cost of full gut renovation in NYC?

Accepted Answer

$150-300 per square foot for mid-range finishes. High-end luxury projects can exceed $400-600 per square foot.

Question 4

Do you need to move out during gut renovation?

Accepted Answer

For full gut renovations involving kitchens and baths, temporary relocation is strongly recommended due to lack of essential services.

Question 5

What's the difference between renovation and restoration?

Accepted Answer

Renovation updates to modern standards. Restoration returns property to original historic condition with period-appropriate materials and techniques.

Question 6

What is an Alteration Agreement and why is it needed for NYC Co-op renovations?

Accepted Answer

Co-op and condo boards require Alteration Agreements to define permitted work hours (usually 9 AM–4:30 PM), contractor insurance requirements ($5M+), security deposits, and architectural review protocols before work begins.

Question 7

When are NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) permits legally required for interior remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Cosmetic updates like painting or cabinet replacement do not require permits. However, removing walls, re-routing plumbing stacks, installing high-BTU gas appliances, or electrical panel upgrades mandate DOB Alteration Type 2 filings.

Question 8

How long does a complete apartment renovation typically take in NYC?

Accepted Answer

Physical construction typically ranges from 6 to 12 weeks for kitchens and bathrooms, and 3 to 6 months for full gut apartment renovations. Architectural review and board approvals require an additional 4 to 8 weeks prior.

Question 9

How do you protect neighboring units and building common areas during construction?

Accepted Answer

We lay heavy Masonite floor runners along building hallways, pad elevators, install airtight plastic zip barriers with negative-air HEPA scrubbers, and vacuum common corridors daily.

Question 10

Can load-bearing walls be removed in pre-war NYC apartments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it requires structural engineering calculations, DOB plan filings, temporary hydraulic post-shoring, and installing engineered steel W-beams or reinforced structural columns.

Interior Remodeling