Permits?

Adding a wall definitely requires a NYC DoB permit. (Also removing walls, as you say.) At minimum the intent is review emergency egress compliance, light/air/space requirements, etc.

Simply shifting a door laterally within a wall can probably be done without, but your architect and/or management company will determine based on the details.

Pocket door vs standard door shouldn't matter unless it is a fire rated egress door (highly unusual in apartment interiors). Couldn't tell you on cost.

Appliances and cabinets no filing needed unless you relocate the plumbing. Minor moves or minimal added plumbing fixtures can be covered by a plumber self-filed LAA permit (much simpler) if the overall job does not require filing.

Generally replacing the flooring is just a 'finishes' item and would not be filed with DoB unless it is part of a bigger job that triggers filing requirements for other reasons. I am not familiar enough with the asbestos testing/filing requirements to provide any thoughts on that aspect.

Let me preface by saying - totally depends on your building. I live in a coop & we didn't need to file permits for new floors, heating/cooling, windows OR a fairly extensive kitchen renovation where we removed a wall and tinkered with gas line (we were shocked on the last one). Because the overall layout was the same (despite removing the wall), our coop didn't require it. Check with your board / super / management company. And if they do say it's not required, save every written word!

I didn't realize coops issue permits, or a determine the need for them.

Most coops and condos require paperwork for any type of work involving a contractor. The contractor must show a license and insurance covering the coop/condo, the resident, and the managing agent for the scope of work. They also require the same for an electrician and plumber, especially when a kitchen sink is being replaced. Sometimes you can use the building's electrician/plumber since they have the license and insurance on file for the building's work. I've lived in 3 coop/condos over the past 25 years and all had the same requirements.

Thank you, all. Very helpful.

For adding a new wall, if we went with something like a Raydoor instead of a traditional wall, would that eliminate the need for a permit? Understand that we still would need to file a paperwork with the coop regardless.

Officially and strictly speaking, every item you described requires permit. If your coop let you do it without a permit, that's their risk.

And when karhu says "their risk" it does mean the coop is the one in trouble with the city, which regards the coop as the owner of all the units, but rest assured the coop will pass along both the fines and the responsibility to cure (or at least the cost) to the individual tenant-shareholder.

Thanks, Uptown Joe and Karhu. Never having done renos before, we are grateful for the sound advice.

Generally speaking, how long do permits add to a project? We understand the coop/condo board have their own timelines, but ballpark, how long can the city take?

Dempsey123,

Depends on the building dept. If you can find an architect to self certify it would be a whole lot faster.

Curiosity and Karhu are both right. You should always submit a scope of work to your building and see what they want you to do

dempsey123,

I think it's important to add in who and how knowledgeable your architect/expediter is when talking timelines to pull permits and close out/sign off jobs. Every person/company involved in the renovation needs to be vetted and trusted to minimize the overall time-frame.

This article may be of interest on this topic...

http://www.warburgrealty.com/blog/?p=3171

chrisb,
I think it will takes 2 weeks for architect to prepare the plan if the design is pretty much determined. Then the plan goes to your board for review, this part really depends on your board and your building architect/engineer. Once your board signs the paperwork for filing, you can go ahead to file to DOB. This sounds like a minor job, I believe most architects will agree to file as professional certification, in that case, the DOB application will be approved right away and the permit can be pulled as soon as the same day you file. However, some boards don't allow professional certification. If your building is landmark building, you will need to wait for another 2 weeks for landmark preservation commission approval.