DoB Professional Certification and Audit

I am not an architect, but have dealt with DOB for what seems like an eternity as a member of the local community board. You may be talking about self-certification. If so, it means that, a few years ago, DOB began allowing architects and engineers themselves to tell DOB they did a great job on a project -- no need for those pesky DOB inspections. I have heard many stories about developers and owners expediting matters at DOB with cash. If your contractor did a good job, the fastest and simplest way might be to ask DOB to come over and inspect it. However, I am not in Manhattan and things may be different there.

1. Why don't you ask your architect to explain? 2. Where is it (which borough)?

Pawn:

DOB has a weekly open house for members of the public to have their questions
answered. In Manhatan it's Tuesday nights, 4-7, at 280 Broadway in Manhattan.

Not that it'll keep you from sleeping at night in excited anticipation, but if
you go there this Tuesday I might be there.

Pawn,
You should start by contacting the architect that filed the job,and see if he(she) can finish the process by obtaining necessary sign-offs.
If for whatever reason that is not possible,then you should hire a new architect/expeditor and see where the job stands as of now.
Two key things to be aware of:there is no "boiler plate" answer to your question until a licensed professional looks into the status of the job.Additionally, if a D.O.B. inspection of the premises is required, all conditions may be examined at that time,so your work must follow
the plans and codes in effect at the time it was filed.Oh and #3...the D.O.B. does not move quickly under any circumstances!
Good Luck.

I should have added that you can find out some information online on the DOB website. On the righthand side of the first page you put in your address and it will bring up your property page. Whatever information DOB has for that property will be listed, such as the project scope, date filed and completed, inspections (or self-certs), permits, etc.

I cannot tell you how much I hate my contractors...

Are you using a different architect now then when you did the work? If you can use the architect that filed the original job for the final sign-off that is the best way, maybe only way, to expedite the process. Whether its the original architect or a new one, just talk with them to get things moving. If you wanted to get information direct from DOB, you can call your borough's DOB office (phone numbers can be found on their website). Depending on who you get, they can be very helpful over the phone.

Sometime professional certification is referred to as self certification. Both meaning the architect or engineer is signing off on the work being done according to all applicable codes and regulations. The pro of filing a job with a professional certification is a permit can be pulled within 48 hours of submission. The con is that there is a possibility the DOB performing an audit where they scrutinize every aspect of the project to confirm compliance. This, unfortunately, can potentially be a long process and potentially be an expensive process as your architect will most likely charge hourly for responses to the audit.

Good Luck.

Thanks - Built. Using the same architect... Still, I'm in the dark on timing (probably becuase the range of potential outcomes is pretty broad).