Syllabus / Permits 101
Hiring an expeditor
What is an expeditor?
Also known as "code consultants," expediters act as liaisons between you and all the parties involved in getting a Department of Buildings permit for your renovation.
When you need an expeditor
If you're simply making cosmetic changes like painting and decorating, chances are you won't need a DOB permit, and therefore won't need an expediter.
But if you're taking on a bigger job that falls under the following categories--and your contractor can tell you for sure--you'll be filing with the DOB:
- Type I: Your renovation requires a major change to the certificate of occupancy, including changing the use of the building from commercial to residential, adding a bathroom or combining apartments.
- Type II: Your renovation requires different trades such as plumbing, electrical and construction, even if there's no change to the certificate of occupancy.
Expeditor fees
You'll pay more upfront--anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000, plus miscellaneous fees, per permit process--but hiring one is well worth it if you're a busy professional or facing a deadline (or both!), since you and your architect will likely save time and money in the long run.
Expediters are experts: they're required to keep abreast of all the changes to code, and they also know which questions to ask, how to fill in the forms, and what you'll pay in fees.