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If you’re not familiar with the term, an expeditor is a middleman between you, your project team (architect, designer, general contractor), and the Department of Buildings (DOB). You’ll require a building permit to begin construction, and the expeditor secures the necessary paperwork, so you don’t have to. The road to renovation is a long one, and in New York City, the thick red tape you’ll have to cut through before you can sling a hammer may require some strategy.
Sound like snap? Think again. Just one day at the DOB office, you’ll quickly understand these six reasons you should hire an expeditor.
Department of Buildings Expeditors knows the drill.Department of Buildings Expeditors knows the drill.
They’ve been dealing with the DOB and know what’s required to secure the necessary permits. They’re familiar with the permitting process in New York City, familiar with building codes, and what the DOB expects.
Expeditors can evaluate architectural plans.Expeditors can evaluate architectural plans.
These guys (and gals) are building consultants and not merely people who wait in line to be seen and heard. A good expediter can analyze your plans before they ever intend to pay a visit to the DOB. Going in with a complete set of drawings with all the necessary information will save you time and money.
Expeditors are connectedExpeditors are connected
They spend much of their time meeting with the people employed by the DOB. They know them, their quirks, and what it takes to get your plans approved to begin construction. They’ve built relationships with them, which will only expedite the process and get your project underway sooner rather than later.
Alleviate stress for youAlleviate stress for you
Renovating is a stressful process, and you’ll have enough decisions to make. You’ll also probably have to go to work to pay for the renovation. You probably won’t have the liberty of ignoring your job or calling in sick for a week, so you can wait in line as your workload piles up, only to try and decipher what’s needed to get a building permit. Please leave it to the pros.
Getting a permit takes time you probably don’t have.Getting a permit takes time you probably don’t have.
According to an article in the New York Times from December 2014, the average wait from the time the building package is filed with the DOB and the time the expeditor meets with an examiner is 38 days. Note that this time is only for the initial meeting and not follow-up meetings.
Renovations will make it happen faster.Renovations will make it happen faster.
Because of items 1, 2, and 3 mentioned above, your expeditor would secure the permit more swiftly than you could. It means that your project will finish sooner because it will begin earlier.
Know that you’ll still need to be involved with the expeditor. Although your architect may recommend someone, if you choose to wash your hands of the process, he or your contractor may charge you an additional fee, which could be as much as 10 percent.