Brick Underground

PACS Architecture, a New York City-based firm, believes the architect is uniquely qualified to coordinate the multiple trades involved in the renovation process. From decorators and engineers, to vendors and contractors, each party speaks their own language, and the architect is an expert interpreter. 

Renovating your apartment can make more sense than buying a new one, but that doesn't mean it will be easy. We spoke with Aaron Popowsky, CEO of Gallery Kitchen & Bath, to identify a few key tips you can follow to get through your upcoming remodeling project without too much extra stress.

Tips on getting a mortgage to combine two New York City apartments.

“There’s a conflict of interest when, and only when, a board member has a pecuniary interest in the issue on which the board has to decide,” says real estate attorney Ian Brandt, a partner at the Manhattan law firm Wagner Berkow & Brandt. 

While cosmetic work does not require permits, most other apartment improvements in NYC require the proper permits.

“In most cases, it would be illegal for you to be sold an apartment where the only windows in the bedrooms were along a lot line,” says Steve Wagner, a real estate attorney, and partner at the Manhattan law firm Wagner Berkow & Brandt. “Developers should not be selling apartments with bedrooms that exclusively have lot line windows because they are not considered legally habitable rooms.”