The NYC Co-op Renovation Approval Guide
Alteration agreements, board approval, DOB permits, insurance requirements — everything you need before you swing a hammer in a co-op.
Renovating a New York City co-op is not like renovating a house. There are three separate approvals you need — from the board, from the Department of Buildings, and from your insurance — and they don't happen in parallel by default.
1. The alteration agreement
Every co-op has one. It spells out what work is permitted, the hours you can work, the insurance your contractor must carry, and what happens if something goes wrong. Read it before you sign a construction contract.
2. Board approval
Plans go to the board (sometimes to an outside architect the board retains). Expect two to eight weeks for review, longer if the board only meets monthly. Complete, well-drawn plans move faster than sketch-quality submissions.
3. DOB permits
Most kitchen and bathroom work requires a filed permit. Plumbing and electrical always do. A licensed general contractor pulls these — never let anyone tell you a permit isn't needed for wet work.
The insurance your GC needs
- General liability — usually $2M minimum
- Workers' comp for every worker on site
- Building named as additional insured on the certificate
- Umbrella policy — many boards now require $5M or more
