Apartment Renovation – What Can a Homeowner Do With and Without a Permit?

Whether you live in an old apartment in NY or plan to move to a new one, some features may need an upgrade or facelift to look fresh and be more functional. Most renovation projects are undertaken with great enthusiasm. However, it soon feels like a hassle when one has to navigate different building codes for various sections of the home. At Zicklin Contracting, we can handle this challenging and necessary part of renovation from end-to-end. It allows you to enjoy the building process and the outcome in anticipation. Still, knowing what changes are legal or how to legalize them is essential. These will substantially impact your budget and planning. Here are some examples to give you an idea of this aspect of renovation.

Walls

Some apartment dwellers want to modify walls to add extra rooms or create an open space. Such demands often require wall addition or removal, which involves legal steps. You will need an Alteration Type 2 (ALT2) permit for a go-ahead. Permission from the authorized bodies indicates that the structure is safe from fire and collapse and complies with building codes. As a local apartment renovation contractor in New York, we know the intricacies of these formalities and the construction process. You can relax as we fulfill the design changes as promised.

• How much does it cost to build a wall in an NYC apartment?

Depending on various factors, a flexible wall can be added for $1,000 to $3,500.

Bathrooms

You can renovate a bathroom for comfort. If this work deals with electrical and plumbing systems beyond cosmetic changes, you may need to secure ALT2 permits. Whether you add a new bathroom or upgrade the existing one, satisfying building codes is essential. Those built before April 1, 1987, may also need asbestos testing.

• How much do you spend to renovate a bathroom in New York?

The range can vary for full, half, small, and high-end bathroom upgrades or remodeling. Half-bathrooms can be done on a budget of $2,500 to $15,000, while small bathrooms can cost $7,500 to $27,000. Full bathrooms often require a budget of $18,000 to $74,000. Luxury projects will be more expensive.

Gut renovation

This project includes demolishing and rebuilding everything. Due to the extensive nature of the task, you will need multiple approvals for structural changes, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical lines. For this, you need an ALT2 permit and follow-ups with DOB. The Zicklin team can manage all this, as they have more than 37 years of experience tackling thousands of projects with unique needs. So, please don’t worry about anything.

• Is it cheaper to tear down and rebuild or renovate an apartment?

While both projects have an expensive price tag, renovation is still more affordable.

Renovations without a permit in NY

Since legalization processes tend to be time and labor intensive, many apartment owners want to know what they can do to avoid the hassle of obtaining approval from different bodies. You can replace wallpapers, resurface the floor, install new appliances, and change bathroom fixtures without permits. However, if the work demands tackling plumbing or rewiring, even new appliance installation and bathroom fixture replacement will need approval. That’s why the best approach is to let our general contracting professionals look into this.

• Can you paint your rented apartment?

As a tenant, you must seek approval from your landlord in writing to paint the walls to avoid disputes or unwanted developments.

Zicklin Contracting professionals are well-versed in building code requirements in New York City and some areas of Westchester and Nassau counties. With us, your apartment renovation dreams can become a reality.