6 Key Steps to Prepare for a Successful Manhattan Renovation

Getting Ready for a Successful Renovation in Manhattan

Buying a condo or co-op in Manhattan is exciting, whether you've done it before or this is your first time. You might anticipate some degree of control over the interior's functionality and flow. And you kind of do. Here's how to prepare for the actual cost consequences of moving things around if you change the layout.

At KS Renovation, we will tell you more about what you need to know before a layout change in NYC renovation. 

We at KS Renovation provide NYC high-end luxurious home renovation & remodeling for residential or commercial projects.

Book a free NYC High-End kitchen renovation consultation with one of our all-in-house licensed professionals to get a free estimate. 

What Does a Layout Change Involve?

Layout adjustments are divided into two categories for work permits in Manhattan. 

• 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, repairs will be made to the critical systems concealed within the walls. Rerouting vertical piping, gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, and ventilation ducts all fall under this category.

Few situations arise when you, as a co-op or condo owner in Manhattan, need to make structural changes to the building. However, if you want to make any of the following changes, you will need Type-II alteration permission:

• Kitchen and bathroom expansion or relocation 
• Adjusting bathroom or kitchen fixtures 
• Add a fresh restroom 
• Take down a wall that supports the weight

These renovations call for knocking down walls and could impact the existing electrical, gas, and plumbing systems. They are the Type-II alterations' mainstay. The fundamental truth is that you are probably dealing with a layout modification if your remodeling involves doing more than just replacing a room's surface elements.

Wet-over-dry

So why is it such a massive deal if the layout changes? And why could your plans be rejected? Due to the proximity of residents, the City must exercise extreme caution regarding the safety of its water and gas lines. Similar to this, many co-op and condo boards wish to reduce the chances that homeowners would suffer loss or harm due to renovations in nearby units. 

This typically means that building boards forbid homeowners from moving "dry" spaces like a downstairs neighbor's living room or bedroom over "wet" areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Pipe stacks in a building are stacked vertically up and down the height of the building. Moving the kitchen and bathroom plumbing might increase the risk of flooding and widen the area exposed to leaks and flooding.

Book a free Manhattan High-End kitchen renovation consultation with one of our all-in-house licensed professionals to get a free estimate. 

Get Co-op & Condo Board Approval

Live in a co-op or condo. You have to abide by the house rules, and the building board is legally empowered to establish rules and regulations for various factors, including renovation plans. Therefore, the first step is to inquire about the possibility of changing the layout with your building management. There is presumably a contract called an "alteration agreement" in your building. It describes the procedures and documentation needed to make any alterations to your unit. The document probably calls for you to submit a change request for approval.

Depending on the building, these often include: 

• Allowable work scope 
• How work is carried out 
• Consequences of the law and indemnification 
• Requirements for the proposed plan's insurance coverage

The board could also ask for your architectural plans, drawings, and specifications. A qualified architect or engineer that you engage will create them. To minimize disturbance, they can also hire their architect or engineer to assess the application and make necessary adjustments.

Get Department of Building Approvals & Permits in Manhattan

Before any renovation, you must submit your plans to the Department of Buildings and, depending on where your apartment is located, the Landmarks Preservation Commission. You will typically need to work with a licensed architect or professional engineer to submit a permit application for layout adjustments. 

This attests to the plan's compliance with all relevant regulations and laws. Your contractor will then apply for a work permit after the design has been approved to get permission to make the exact changes you've specified.

Book a free Manhattan High-End kitchen renovation consultation with one of our all-in-house licensed professionals to get a free estimate. 

Plan for Costs & Timing in Manhattan

It takes time and persistence to obtain approval from building boards and the NYC Department of Buildings. The duration of the procedure is anticipated to be between two and six months (longer, depending on many variables for a board review).

There is a cost associated with the paperwork and services required to obtain City permission and any potential physical labor (and more specialist) requirements for plan reconfiguration. Consider the price per square foot as opposed to the cost per room. 

The starting price for significant layout adjustments during renovations is between $150 and $250 per square foot. For design fees, permit filing services, and permit and inspection fees that an architect, engineer, and expediter will bill, an extra 20 to 35% is needed. On top of your building supplies and labor budget, you must plan for these design and administrative costs.

Find out for yourself how long it takes to renovate a room and all the steps in remodeling your Manhattan kitchen in our article.

Needing Licensed Plumbers & Electricians In Manhattan

You may need to employ licensed professionals for more complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs. Their hourly charge is more than a standard handyman's.

 For example: 

•  A certified electrician must do most electrical work.
• A Licensed Master Plumber in Manhattan must do any work on gas lines.
• Any plumbing operation beyond the immediate replacement of a fixture or a simple repair necessitates using a qualified plumber.

Regarding layout adjustments, all of these professional occupations need training and license. As a result, additional labor expenses must be considered. Experienced general contractors will have working contacts with these specialists to depend on.

The easiest way to get the best and highest quality Kitchen layout is to turn to the professionals. As an experienced full-service general contractor in Manhattan, KS Renovation is pleased to offer you in-house kitchen remodeling services.

Book a free Manhattan High-End kitchen renovation consultation with one of our all-in-house licensed professionals to get a free estimate.