Question 1

What is the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP)?

Accepted Answer

FISP, commonly called Local Law 11, requires periodic inspection of building facades over a certain height and repair of unsafe conditions. Exterior renovation contractors coordinate the repair work identified in FISP reports.

Question 2

Do I need a sidewalk shed for exterior work?

Accepted Answer

Work above a certain height or with falling-object risk typically requires a sidewalk shed and Department of Buildings permits to protect pedestrians. Your contractor arranges the shed and permits.

Question 3

How long does exterior painting last in NYC?

Accepted Answer

Quality exterior paint under proper conditions lasts several years, though exposure, moisture, and sun shorten life on some facades. Preparation and priming matter as much as the topcoat.

Question 4

What is a building envelope upgrade?

Accepted Answer

An envelope upgrade improves the weather barrier of a building, including walls, windows, doors, and roof transitions, to reduce leaks, drafts, and heat loss.

Question 5

Do exterior renovations need permits?

Accepted Answer

Most exterior work beyond minor repairs requires Department of Buildings permits, and landmarked facades also need LPC approval. Scaffolding and sidewalk closures add their own permits.

Question 6

What is an alteration agreement?

Accepted Answer

An alteration agreement is the building's contract governing renovations inside a unit. It sets out insurance requirements, deposits, permitted work hours, who is responsible for damage to shared spaces, and the conditions for restoring the building after construction. Your contractor usually coordinates the paperwork with the managing agent.

Question 7

How long do Department of Buildings permits take in NYC?

Accepted Answer

Permit timelines vary by scope and filing type. Straightforward permit work can move in a few weeks, but filings that require professional certification, zoning review, or neighbors' notification can take longer. Board approvals in co-ops and condos add their own timeline on top of the DOB filing.

Question 8

Do I need a sidewalk shed for exterior work?

Accepted Answer

Exterior work above a certain height or with any falling-object risk typically requires a sidewalk shed and Department of Buildings permits to protect pedestrians. Your contractor arranges the shed, permits, and any sidewalk-use permits with the Department of Transportation.

Question 9

Do brownstone and landmark renovations need special approval?

Accepted Answer

If a building is in a landmark district, exterior changes — including stoop work, window replacement, and facade alterations — require Landmarks Preservation Commission approval in addition to Department of Buildings permits. Interior work usually does not, unless the interior itself is landmarked.

Question 10

How do I verify a contractor's license in New York City?

Accepted Answer

Ask for the contractor's license number and insurance certificates, and confirm there are no open Department of Buildings violations against the firm or its principals. A reputable NYC general contractor will provide proof of licensing, general liability, and workers' compensation coverage before you sign a contract.

Question 11

How much does renovation cost per square foot in NYC?

Accepted Answer

Quality renovation in New York City commonly runs well above the national average per square foot because of labor, logistics, permits, and building restrictions. Kitchens, bathrooms, and mechanical upgrades drive the total. A reliable budget always comes from a written estimate after an on-site walkthrough — conditions behind the walls often change the scope.

Question 12

Do I need board approval to renovate my co-op or condo?

Accepted Answer

Most co-ops and many condos require a board-approved alteration agreement, insurance certificates, and often a refundable damage deposit before construction can begin. The building may also require work to be done by an approved contractor and within restricted hours.

Question 13

What does a general contractor do in New York City?

Accepted Answer

A general contractor manages a construction project end to end — scope, trade coordination, permits, inspections, schedule, and budget — and is the single point of accountability for the build. In NYC that also means filing Department of Buildings paperwork, navigating co-op or condo board approvals, and coordinating work inside occupied buildings with limited access and strict hours.

Question 14

Can I live in my apartment during a renovation?

Accepted Answer

It is possible for very small, well-contained projects, but most NYC renovations are easier and safer with the unit unoccupied. Dust, noise, water and power shutdowns, and the logistics of shared hallways make staying in place difficult for anything beyond minor cosmetic work.

Question 15

What is Local Law 11 / the Facade Inspection Safety Program?

Accepted Answer

The Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), often called Local Law 11, requires periodic inspection of qualifying building facades and repair of unsafe conditions. Exterior restoration contractors perform the repair work identified in a filed FISP report so the building can return a safe condition.

Question 16

How do I choose the right general contractor in NYC?

Accepted Answer

Look for a contractor experienced with your building type and neighborhood, a clear written proposal, references from recent local jobs, and proper licensing and insurance. Confirm who supervises the site daily, how trades are coordinated, and how change orders and cleanup are handled. The lowest bid is rarely the best value on regulated NYC work.

Question 17

Does New York City require a licensed general contractor?

Accepted Answer

For most permitted construction work, yes. A licensed contractor files the Department of Buildings permit and is legally responsible for the project. Unlicensed work on permit-required jobs can result in violations, stop-work orders, and difficulty obtaining a sign-off or certificate of occupancy.

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