Author: mercedes

Whether you’re upgrading your New York City property to include a new rental unit or just adding a new bathroom, there are some important things you need to know about obtaining permits from the city.

The most common projects requiring general construction permits are:

• adding a bathroom
• building a deck
• adding an extension
• converting a basement to a rentable unit

Renovation projects may also require more specific permits such as plumbing permits for bathroom and kitchens, and electrical permits for extensions and basement conversions.

Expediters can also help with your construction plans

Before permits are ever approved though, a licensed architect is needed to draw up your constructions plans, and a city-registered contractor to pull the actual permits. Doing this on your own can be daunting. You’ll also have to file numerous permit applications with city and state agencies and and then wait (and wait)  to be assigned a plan examiner.

A plan examiner is hired by the New York Department of Buildings to approve your permits. To obtain approval, you need to be able to accurately discuss your plans with the plan examiner – a task most homeowners are not equipped to do.

A permit expediting company saves you A LOT of hassle

Permit expediters are construction service professionals – most with decades of experience – who can provide you with access to licensed architects and contractors to draw up your plans.

Expediters also file permits on your behalf, follow-up on their statuses, and have relationships with plan examiners in all five boroughs. In short, permit expediters know how to quickly navigate the system so you don’t have too!

If you’re planning to remodel your home or basement in New York City, make sure to give your project time and call your expediter 3-6 months before construction begins.

The Department of Buildings’ Boiler Division oversees the installation and operation of New York City’s boilers. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their boilers operate safely and are in compliance with the Building Code and all related regulations.

2011 Boiler Inspection Cycle: November 16, 2010 to November 15, 2011.

Boiler Information and Updates

Effective November 16, 2010, high pressure boilers must have an internal and external inspection. The Department of Buildings will not be conducting these inspections for the upcoming cycle:

• High Pressure Boiler Inspections
• Low Pressure Boiler Inspections
• First Test Appointments
• Filing Fees & Penalties
• Closing Outstanding DOB Boiler Violations

Contact: Boiler Division 280 Broadway, 4th Floor New York, NY 10007
Monday to Fridays, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Email:  BoilersInfo@buildings.nyc.gov

More helpful numbers:
Customer Service: (212) 227-4416
Boiler Technical Director: (212) 566-5023
Policy Information Line: (212) 566-4994
Research and Processing: (212) 442-7760
First Test Appointments: (212) 566-4916
DEP Renewal: (718) 595-3855
Boiler Complaints: 311

Lower your heating bills by following these easy tips!

1. Reduce drafts. Loose fitting windows and doors can be major sources of heat loss in a building. Properly seal them with weatherproofing materials. Adding weatherstripping around the edges of doors and windows will help keep heat in.
2. Check attic insulation. The majority of heat that escapes from a home is through the roof. Proper insulation of at least six inches will help prevent heat loss.
3. Maintain heating equipment. Properly maintain heating equipment to assure maximum efficiency and reduce the risk of malfunction. Have equipment cleaned and serviced yearly by a qualified individual to ensure safe use.
4. Clean your chimney. Have your chimney cleaned and checked once a year, preferably before heating season starts. If you have not had your chimney inspected within the last three years, you should have it checked to ensure that there are no blockages.
5. Protect water meters and pipes from freezing. Pipes and meters can freeze when in unheated areas. Ensure there is proper insulation in the surrounding areas. Turn off water to outside faucets, remove hoses and drain the pipes.
6. Employ proper precautions when thawing pipes and meters. If pipes and meters freeze, thaw them carefully. Do not use a flame, which could ignite a fire or cause a steam explosion. Open a faucet near the frozen area to release vapors from melting ice.
7. Prevent snow and water accumulation. Snow and rain that collect on roofs can cause a leak or compromise a building’s structural integrity if the accumulated weight becomes too great. Remove snow from roofs and drains regularly. Clean gutters and roof drains to prevent clogs.
8. Check contractor qualifications. Make sure that individuals inspecting a boiler or chimney have the proper qualification from the Department of Buildings and Department of Consumer Affairs. Make sure your heating oil company has had its delivery truck inspected by the Department of Consumer Affairs to check for faulty meters.
9. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Change the batteries of these devices twice a year – when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time.
10. Avoid fire hazards. Keep space heaters away from draperies, linens and all flammable materials. Do not let candles burn low, and do not place them near children.