2014 NYC CONSTRUCTION CODES

MUST HAVE ARCHITECTURAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

√ Construction Administration and Contract Documents. 
Review of Architectural Practices of Construction Administration and Preparing Contract Documents, including Construction Drawings.

√ Programming, Planning, and Practice 
Review the architectural practice and project planning, with focus on compliance with regulations and Building Code. 

√ Site Planning and Design
Review of Architectural Practice of implementing social, economic, and environmental approach to site planning for building construction.

√ Building Design & Construction Systems
Review of Building Construction Methods and Materials that are used in Building Construction.

√ Structural Systems

Review lateral force and building integrity with focus on members of building construction. 

√ Building Systems
Review of Mechanical, Electrical, and Specialty Systems and interaction of building with environment.

√ Schematic Design

Review of conceptualization of a building construction.

Use Building Violation Report to Get Financing

To Resolve Violations with a Renovation Loan!
 

BUILDVIO Report satisfies write-up prerequisite to apply for renovation financing.

 Anyone who plans to purchase or refinance a primary residence, vacation home or investment property with violations is eligible to apply.
 

 Qualified customers can choose fixed-or adjustable-rate loan in an an amount based on the expected value of the home after building violations are corrected.

 The loan covers the costs of minor and major repairs, additions and renovations, plus the purchase price of existing home loan balances, minus the required down payment.

Learn More...

How to efficiently get access to information from a Building Department:

It is highly recommended that before you decide to contact your local Building Department that you consult your Architect. The information that you may seek or receive may be misinterpret without help of a Code Consultant with knowledge of Architecture, Building Codes and Construction Industry. Anyway, once you find your Building Department phone number in our directory and decide to make a call, use these tips below:

1. Record all questions you want to ask prior calling. It saves time.

2. Prepare exact address of property in question.

3. Knowing your Block and Lot number will help officials to locate your property quicker and answer related questions. You may find this info on your property survey, deed or by calling your local Building Department.

4. You may received a violation notice than have the summons number handy. If you don't have it, but know the scope of violation - provide it to the official so that you can get detailed information on violation removal. Keep in mind you may be required to hire a licensed professional, such as an Architect, to address the issue. Also, although it may seem unfair to get a violation, often it is designed to prevent damages that may come to you and your property. This is why it is wise to give the violation an open mind approach, rather than just finding a quick solution to avoid a fine. See our pages on Existing Violations.

5.   Building Department usually consists of different levels of authority. Therefore, you may need to know the title of official you need to answer a certain question. 

Here is a list of Department of Building Officials that You may interact with:

• Inspector or Code Enforcer - may answer questions related to violations explanation,  applicable building codes, schedule inspections, and other related questions.

• Plan Examiner - may answer questions on types of documents required to apply for Permit, Certificate of Occupancy or other documents. Plan Examiners are also Building Code savvy and may be able to answer on code related questions. However, you may have to schedule an appointment to see a plan examiner, as they are extremely busy.
   
• Record Room - may answer questions related to existence of  olden plans, surveys, drawings and other documentation about your property. Often these documents are either a hard copy or microfilmed for more efficient storage. It is a very known fact that if a certain part of your property is not on those plans, it very well may be that it was constructed, built without a legal valid permit. This may result in violation and requirement to either remove this illegal part of your property or file for its approval. The later may be a problem as the existing construction may not be built to code.
   
• Commissioner - may answer questions related to possible routes you may take if certain codes or zoning ordinances are an obstacle to a practical use of your property. Commissioners, being the higher power at the Building Department have the authority to negotiate a deal where you may be permitted a certain type of construction or easement on your property in exchange for a greater good you must do to the community. A good example: you may be allowed to remove a tree from your property but will be required to plant a tree somewhere else in the city. However, it is highly recommended that a licensed professional should handle these negotiations for you.

• NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTS USEFUL LINKS ON ARE 4.0 ARCHITECT EXAMS

  Construction Documents & Services

• Study Guide for ARE Exam 4.0 on project skills and project management knowledge of contract documents and contract administration. [more]

  Programming, Planning & Practice

  Study Guide for ARE Exam 4.0 on project managment of architectural programming, environmental issues, social issues, and economic issues; as well undestanding of building codes and governing regulations. [more]

  Site Planning & Design

  Study Guide for ARE Exam 4.0 on knowledge and skills of site planning that addresses environmental, social, and economic issues. [more]

  Building Design & Construction Systems

  Study Guide for ARE Exam 4.0 on Methods of Construction and Building Materials. [more]

  Structural Systems

  Study Guide for ARE Exam 4.0 on general structural and lateral force principles, including identification of structural members. [more]

  Building Systems

  Study Guide for ARE Exam 4.0 that evaluates knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and specialty systems in building design and construction. [more]

  Schematic Design

  Study Guide for ARE Exam 4.0 on understanding of conceptual design of buildings and interior spaces. [more]