Is an Architect Necessary for A NYC Remodel?

Unsurprisingly, a lot of people in New York City are inspired with the urge to renovate. Most of them time the concept of renovating their bathrooms or kitchens, but some are eager for full-fledge home remodels. But the one question that probably comes to mind first when considering this aside from budget is do, I really need an architect for this project?

In most cases, the answer is likely no, but with considering how close some buildings are to one another in the Big Apple it is highly probable you will need to find an architect in order to acquire all proper permits and licensures in order to start your renovation project. Architects are often needed in these situations because of the conditions and proposals surrounding the renovations and how those factors might disturb other elements and buildings in the area.

Any significant changes such as new walls, plumbing fixtures, or the removal of either of those things is likely going to require building permits and having a licensed professional look over your plans before it can be commenced.

Some of the common reasons that a person may need to hire an architect include the following.

• Design, first, hiring an architect comes down to the most basic thing – design and approach. An architect will look at your idea and then compare existing conditions to that idea to see how best to design your space to optimize your vision and suit the surroundings at the same time. There are architects who have broad service offerings, and some even have full design services to assist clients with everything from their layout to the color of the tiles on their walls or floors.
• Because most NYC renovations require filing paperwork with the Department of Buildings, if you intend to construct new walls, removing walls, moving plumbing fixtures etc. You will need an architect to file with the DOB.
• If you are changing the use, occupancy, or means of egress, you will need an architect and a new Certificate of Occupancy. If your property is in a Landmark Building or Landmark District you will also need an architect to obtain Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approval paperwork.
• Another aspect to consider, is if you are in a Co-Op building, a Condominium, or leasing a commercial space you will need approval from your building’s management, and their Board of Directors. Often the management of a building will request an architect to oversee for the project. There are many cases where a building’s management may even have their own architect or engineer review your architect’s work as a safeguard.

So, from this gathering here alone it is clear that most cases in NYC are going to require the employment of an architect and that there are many different licensures and permits that need to be filed in order for a renovation project to be given the go-ahead for commencement. Though, each jurisdiction may vary in what is exactly needed New York city is one of the places that homeowners may find the laws more restrictive and that oftentimes, yes, an Architect is not only a necessity but a legal requirement.

It does help, however, that most successful projects with an architect tend to have all the proper paperwork and come together seamlessly because architects in New York City know what is expected of them and have all the tools in place to properly assess any proposal made and get the permits in order to make it happen. They can provide several different services to make the renovation process easier, and while it can be costly in some ways the evasion of the use of an architect is far more dangerous and irresponsible and expensive in the long run.

In addition to this, architects work well with being the original owner or visioner’s goals in check while on the job site. Architects follow the project thoroughly, and they keep other contractors in line with what should or shouldn’t be happening. In this aspect, they are not only necessary in New York City for most jobs, but they also help provide a sort of insurance for the homeowner as an extra set of eyes on their project at any time and towing the line to keep other workers doing what they are supposed to be doing. They help facilitate both legality, and safety of a project in multiple ways and work as a sort of pseudo supervisor much like a building inspector might do.

Since we’ve learned that most construction in New York City requires approval and permits from the Department of Buildings, it may be helpful to cover what minor alterations can be done without obtaining a work permit.

The following repairs are some of few that fall under that umbrella; installing new kitchen cabinets doesn’t require a permit but it does require contractors have a Department of Consumer Affairs Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license. A Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or the Department’s borough directors can explain the exceptions to filing and permit requirements.

Some examples of work that does not need a permit at all are:

• Painting
• Plastering
• Installing new cabinets
• Plumbing Fixture Replacement
• Resurfacing floors
• Non-structural Roof Repair

Also, it is important to note that according to the State of New York laws, Contractors performing these home improvements must be licensed through the Department of Consumer of Affairs (DCA and that consumers can use the DCA’s Instant License Check website to verify the licensure of any contractor.

It is equally important to note that there is a difference between an interior designer and an architect, and while an architect can assist with interior design and overall design their legal need for the application of permits and licenses as it applies to building inspection and renovation designs and proposals remains crucial due to the infrastructure and presentation of many buildings presently erected in the Big Apple and how all of those things, including plumbing, and electrical might be effected by any new construction.