All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

This is very common. I've have provided very similar list for multi-family apartment renos. Very hard to get away from these since most tie directly back to a specific code text and part of the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) review and approval these will need to be in compliance. 

All the best 

Hello @John Dunn

I've walked prospective properties to provide invaluable insight to the buyer on their goals, existing conditions, possible renovation ideas, Code compliance issues and overall design & efficiency aspects. I have been working in Westchester County for 17+ yrs.

By virtue of an Architect's services, we look out for your best interest related to your project/property.   

Oh boy. Sorry to hear of this issue. I would sided with the Contractor here. That building type and year of construction would have, 99% of the time, had a cellar/basement.

Wow. I would definitely check with your attorney on this one and the possibly the insurance for the inspector if they were at fault for not seeing this. Depending on how it was filled, there would be tell tale indicators. Especially based on the age of the structure and typical SFH foundations throughout NYC. Few will be slab on grade with no type of basement, cellar or crawlspace.

Is this located in NYC? What did the CO say? Unless legally removed, a basement/cellar would be noted on the CO. @M Edouard

I couldn't say it better than what @Chris Seveney said. 

If you already have an area you're focused in, seek out a local Architect and utilize their contacts as needed to flush out the scope, parameters and any compliance issues.

It always astonishes me when people doing new builds or major renovations, with no prior building experience, don't automatically seek out professionals for help. Construction isn't a.. figure it out as you go type of process, especially when it comes to new builds and major renovations. What you don't know can seriously put the project in jeopardy of not performing as expected, exceed the budget and/or not meet a given schedule. I've seen some projects turn into turmoil and some remain unfinished due to improper planning.     

Unfortunately @Shirin Namavar, if your title is accurate as licensed Architect (as @Ken M. stated), you will be held at a higher standard than a layperson within this field. They will question why you didn't do proper due diligence beforehand. Basement, foundation and crawl space areas are crucial parts of the overall health of a property and must be documented thoroughly. 

Additionally, it's simple enough nowadays to look up or request permit history for a property from the jurisdiction/building dept. The fact that they flipped it, sounds like you knowingly knew this at purchase, yet you didn't check for permit is likely to fall on you. Unless they stated something that was inaccurate and you can prove this, you will likely waste money on a lawsuit. Hell, even if you can prove this it still may not hold any weight.

Get the mold remediated and fix the structure and craawl space items that are damaged. All the best with this.   

Hello @Charles Lundquist

You are certainly preparing things diligently. I applaud you for sure. 

My office is based out of Yonkers and have any where from 10-20 projects in various stages within the City. We are one of the top architectural firms ranking in the top 5 when you google "Yonkers Architect", as well as "Westchester Architect" usually at the 2nd or 3rd place. We have deep understanding of construction, permitting and zoning issues. Therefore please feel free to reach out if you have any prospective properties which you'd like us to take a deeper look into or want to talk through processes and logistics. Yonkers building dept. is very fickle. All the best!   

@Chris Seveney points to the best route. In no way should you depend on the town inspector to give you advice and points on exactly what to do. You could open even more cans of worms in the process. Get your own professionals on board to assess and guide you BEFORE approaching the town. Trust me, I've seen this take the turn for the worst and Town makes you do a list of things and then flags property for full inspection calling out other things. Best to have an Architect on your side to refute things that are acceptable and handle legalizing the extra room. 

As a point of due diligence, no certificate of occupancy was given at purchase? What rooms are indicated on this document? Before selling it may be best to get an updated copy to reflect the house's rooms so it's a clean sale. @Ethan McRae 

Unless you are in the industry and will understands the information you will have to delve through, best to get a design professional (Architect) or zoning attorney on board.  

Welcome @Yolainy Cabrera

I service the areas you've mentioned. Happy to bring insight to you or your clients with their building/property issues or needs. All the best!