Board Approval for cosmetic renovation

While I don't know your coop I would say yes you probably have to get approval from the board who will want to make sure you use licensed contractors who have sufficient insurance. I don't think any building either coop or condo will let you do this work without the proper insurance papers.

csk - This is really, really easy.

GO TO YOUR BUILDING MANAGEMENT.

Agreed. As for general assessment, this will probably require management transaction/approval, but not board approval.

No architectural rendering, let alone permits. But they'll want written statements regarding scope of work (and nothing beyond that), proof of insurance at specified levels, clarity about work days and hours, about rules regarding materials transport, debris/damage to common areas, etc.

P.S. -- you might need to cut down the bottoms of doors if you're overlaying floating floors.

I'm going through the same thing. I called the renovations department of the managing agent and they were quite helpful. However, the type of renovations you're talking about are one step up from cosmetic changes. We're just doing floor refinishing and painting and they want licenses, insurance, EPA certification, etc. from everyone involved. Our work is just considered cosmetic, so it only takes a short time from approval and doesn't have to go to the Board, just the managing agent.

Thanks everyone! I wanted to ask first because if this was going to escalate, I didn't want to bring it up at all to the management and go a different route.

i think you are mistaken with having the board "approve" your changes vs. notifying the management company that work will be done and providing the necessary licenses/insurance/etc of your contractor(s).

Depending on how your building works, you'll file a "Scope of Work" with the management company -- which is essentially a form listing, as above, what you plan to do, and attesting that you're not going to do anything broader. This SOW may need to be signed by the contractor -- and you'll send it to the management company along with certificates of insurance and whatever deposit/fees your building requires.

So when you call the building management and tell them you're doing a cosmetic renovation, ask them how much insurance your contractor needs to get, and who should be named as additional insured, as well as how much they'll want for a deposit/fees and who those checks get made out to.

Separately, talk to your super about the renovations, because he'll need to prep the elevator to take your bathroom fixtures in and out, and deal with the disposal of the old cabinets if your contractor is not going to.

ali r.
DG Neary Realty

Yes
Without a dobt

My co-op management company requires EPA certificate from general contractor, plumber and electrician. Is this a common practice? I tried to create a separate discussion thread, but SE says i am new and my comment will be reviewed. But they never post my question. Thanks a lot in advance.

While I can provide some general guidance, it's important to note that the specific requirements for alterations in a co-op can vary based on the co-op's bylaws and policies. It's always advisable to consult with your co-op's management or board for the most accurate and up-to-date information. That being said, here are some general considerations for the changes you mentioned:

Replace Kitchen Fixtures:
In many cases, replacing kitchen fixtures like cabinets, sink, oven, and fridge may not require board approval if you're keeping the fixtures in the same location.
Check your co-op's alteration agreement for any specific requirements regarding kitchen renovations.
Ensure that the changes comply with any guidelines in terms of materials, colors, or other aesthetic considerations.

Lay Click Lock Hardwood Floor:
If you're installing a new floor over the existing one without structural changes, it may not require board approval in some cases.
Verify if your co-op has any restrictions on flooring materials or installation methods.
It's important to confirm that the additional flooring won't cause any issues with doors, appliances, or other elements in the space.

Paint Walls/Ceiling Tiles:
Painting walls and ceiling tiles typically doesn't require board approval, especially if you're using standard colors.
However, it's a good idea to check your co-op's rules to ensure there are no restrictions on paint colors or finishes.

Replace Bathroom Fixtures:
Similar to the kitchen, replacing bathroom fixtures without changing the layout may not require board approval in some cases.
Confirm any specific requirements in your co-op's alteration agreement.
Ensure that plumbing and electrical work is done by licensed professionals if needed.

Before proceeding with any alterations, consider the following steps:

Review Co-op Documents: Carefully review your co-op's bylaws, alteration agreement, and any other relevant documents to understand the specific rules and procedures in place.

Consult with Management: Reach out to your co-op's management office to inquire about their policies and procedures for the specific changes you're planning.

Seek Written Approval: If needed, obtain written approval from the board or management to ensure you have documentation confirming that the alterations comply with the co-op's rules.

By taking these steps, you can better navigate the approval process and ensure that your planned alterations align with your co-op's guidelines.

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