Permits you need to have when remodeling your NYC apartment

So, the time has come for you to start remodeling your NYC apartment. You’ve been waiting for this moment for quite some time now. All of a sudden you overhear somebody saying something about certain permits you need to obtain before you start working. There’s no need to worry. In the article below find out everything you need to know about permits you need to have before you start remodeling your NYC apartment. Simple repairs usually don’t require a permit. For everything else, you’ll need one.

Prepare yourself for the process

Although building laws may differ from state to state, one thing is certain: obtaining permits is a tremendously dull process. Okay, we may have overreacted. Anyway, prepare yourself for the process. If it seems dull – that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Also, do some research. If you’re reading this text, you’re already doing it. Maybe you don’t need a permit for the thing you have on your mind. Here are some situations when you don’t need one:

  • replacing light fixtures in your NYC apartment
  • painting the walls
  • refinishing wooden floors
  • re-tiling your bathroom floor
A couple painting the walls of their apartment. While renovating your NYC apartment invite some over to help you
Painting the walls is something you don’t need a permit for before you start remodeling your NYC apartment

A piece of advice

Avoid scheming. Of course, you can sometimes get away with breaking the law. Nothing can guarantee luck will be on your side. The fines you’ll need to pay if you get caught scheming are not something you’d want to risk. While remodeling your NYC apartment there’s a good probability you’ll have to store your stuff somewhere. You don’t want to spray the paint all over your desk items or something, for example. No need to worry about that. There is always a convenient solution for things in the way. Moving bins can save your life while you’re renovating.

An apartment ready for renovation
What a sight! An apartment ready for remodeling.

Renovating jobs you’ll need a permit for

We’ve come to the most important section of the article. What kind of renovating jobs do you need a permit for? For a first example – taking down a wall in your NYC apartment requires a permit. Sometimes you don’t need a permit for taking down a non-load-bearing wall. Contact The Department of Buildings Borough Office for more information. Also, all plumbing works require a permit. If want to change the plumbing in your kitchen you have to obtain a permit. The same goes if you want to change the location of your bathroom. Or, for example, you want to install a new window. Before you get to work, make sure your stuff is safely stored in moving bins. Visit capitalcitybins.us if you want quality service. There’s practically no chance you’ll be disappointed.

A quick summary

Let’s summarize. Simple repairs in your NYC apartment don’t require permits. Basically, all plumbing work also requires them. Do you want to take down a load-bearing wall? Provide yourself a permit. Try to avoid scheming at all costs. Although The Department of Buildings Borough Office will not notice at first you’re remodeling your NYC apartment without a permit, your neighbors will. They’ll call DOB.

So, there you have it. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed this article. Best of luck with your remodeling plans.

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