How to Renovate a Co-Op in NYC? Copy

What is C0-Op?

Cooperative housing, also known as co-op, is a common form of homeownership for apartment buildings in major cities like New York. Instead of purchasing a piece of property, buyers acquire shares in a nonprofit corporation that owns the building. If you own or plan to buy a co-op apartment in NYC and want to renovate it, there are certain steps you must take.

Step 1: Alteration Agreement

Firstly, you must comply with all regulations set by the board or management company, obtain all necessary permits, and enter into an Alteration Agreement with your board that outlines each party's responsibilities. An Alteration Agreement is a contract between an individual apartment owner or shareholder in a co-op and the building board that establishes the rules, requirements, and expectations for the renovation process.

Step 2: Hire An Architect

Before starting the renovation, you need to establish a scope of work and determine how much renovation work you want to do. It is essential to hire an architect who can interpret the guidelines and rules provided by the management company, which are usually referred to as the Rule of House, or House Rules. The architect will draw up the design set, including all relevant notes and guidance for the contractor to follow during the construction. Common ones, for example, are:

• Written approval from the Managing Agent is required before an alteration may be made including, but not limited to: painting, carpet removal/installation, wallpapering, removal or installation of interior walls, pipes, wires, cabinets, doors, appliances, plumbing or electrical fixtures. Anyone planning renovations should contact the Managing Agent to request an Alteration Agreement or Light Work Agreement, which details the obligations of the Shareholder. The appropriate fees must be paid before approval is granted for the commencement of work.
• All contractors and workers must receive prior permission from the Managing Agent to enter the building to perform work. All contractors and their workers must carry adequate insurance policies as delineated in the Alteration Agreement or Light Work Agreement.
• Construction, installation, repair work and painting are allowed during weekdays between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., except holidays. A list of Building Holidays is available on [website].com and in the office of the Resident Manager.

Step 3: Board Review and DOB Review

Your management company and board will review and approve the plans, and sometimes they will hire their own architect to review the plans and provide comments. Once the board approves the work, you can obtain approvals and permits from the Department of Buildings (DOB). The architect will file plans and paperwork with the DOB to be reviewed by a plan examiner, and after approval, the general contractor can pull permits.

Step 4: Hire A General Contractor

Before commencing work, the general contractor must submit licenses for all trades and Certificates of Insurance (COI) to your building management. They may also be required to sign an agreement with your board. If you do not have a general contractor, your architect can introduce you to one or more and discuss budgets to match the right contractor to the job.

In summary, renovating a co-op apartment in NYC involves many steps and responsibilities, but with proper planning and the right team in place, it can be a rewarding experience.