Articles & guides
NYC construction articles for owners, tenants, and homeowners
Cost, permits, and process articles for New York City interior projects, written by Elite founder Sanjay D. and checked against the NYC rules and published cost data they cite.
- Sourced to NYC rules and published data
- Written by a former union foreman
- Updated for 2026
Latest articles
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Can You Remove a Wall in NYC Without a Permit?
NYC DOB rule 1 RCNY 101-14 lets you remove small non-load-bearing, non-fire-rated partitions without a permit. The limits for homes and businesses,…
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Tenant Improvement Allowances in NYC: How They Work
What a tenant improvement allowance is, what your lease decides, and what to check before you sign a NYC lease.
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How to Check a Contractor’s License in NYC
Which license your NYC contractor needs, how to check DCWP home improvement and DOB trade licenses, and what your contract should include.
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NYC After Hours Variance: When You Need One and How It Works
Construction in NYC before 7 a.m., after 6 p.m., or on weekends needs a DOB After Hours Variance. When you need one,…
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Co-op Alteration Agreements in NYC: What Your Board Will Ask For
What NYC co-op and condo alteration agreements typically require — plan review, insurance, deposits, indemnification, work hours, lien rules — and how…
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One General Contractor vs. Separate Trades in NYC: Which Is Better?
For multi-trade NYC jobs, one GC usually lowers schedule and coordination risk; separate trades can work for single-trade jobs. Licensing, insurance, and…
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Which NYC Interior Renovations Need a DOB Permit?
DOB lists painting, plastering, new cabinets, fixture replacement, floor resurfacing, and non-structural roof repair as permit-exempt. Structural, exit, plumbing, and electrical work…
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What Drives the Cost of a Commercial Build-Out in NYC?
The factors that move the price of a NYC commercial build-out, what a good estimate includes, and how to compare bids before…
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