Local Law 11/FISP Repair & How It Can Affect NYC Buyers

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Local Law 11/FISP Repair How It Can Affect NYC
Buyers
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• Formerly known as Local Law, The NYC Façade
  Inspection Safety Program (FISP) mandates that
  all buildings in New York City have their facades
  regularly inspected and repaired if theyre more
  than six stories tall. But what exactly is the
  FISP safety program? Lets take a closer look
• Why does FISP/Local Law 11 exist?
• Designed to protect pedestrians from being harmed
  by falling bricks, concrete and other façade
  elements, Local Law 10/80 was instigated in 1979
  after a student was fatally injured by a falling
  piece of masonry on a Manhattan building. Further
  amendments were made to the code, primarily the
  passage of Local Law 11/98 and institution of the
  FISP Safety Program in 2013.

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• What are the requirements of the Local Law
  11/FISP safety program?
• Local Law 11 requires the owners of New York City
  buildings that are taller than six stories, to
  have their exterior walls and appurtenances
  inspected every five years. Once an inspection
  has been carried out, a technical report must be
  filed with the Department of Buildings that
  classifies the façade elements as being safe,
  safe with a repair and maintenance program or
  unsafe. If any elements of the façade are found
  to be unsafe, the problem(s) must be addressed
  and repaired within 30 days.

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• Inspections usually take place every five years,
  and must be carried out, witnessed or supervised
  by what the DOB refers to as a Qualified
  Exterior Wall Inspector, and they must be either
  a New York State registered Architect (RA) or New
  York State Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
  with at least seven years of experience.
  Fortunately, there are reputable construction
  firms throughout the state who can not only carry
  out the inspections professionally, but the
  repairs, too. Check local listings for more
  up-to-date guidance on having your NYC building
  professionally inspected.

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• How many NYC buildings are subject to FISP
  inspections?
• A whopping 12,000 plus New York City buildings
  are currently subject to the inspection protocol
  of FISP.

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• What takes place during a FISP/Local Law 11
  Inspection?
• Covering the envelope and appurtenances of the
  facades of all buildings that are higher than six
  stories, a FISP inspection includes parapets,
  balconies, fire escapes, railings and greenhouse
  enclosures. Inspections carried out with
  industrial rope access, motorized scaffolds and
  boom lifts, are mandatory along all street and
  public-right-of-way facing facades. Other types
  of facades may be inspected with the use of
  high-strength binoculars, in which the condition
  of the walls will be documented with notes and
  photographs, and the report filed with the New
  York City Department of Buildings.

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• How might FISP/Local Law 11 affect NYC
  homebuyers?
• When looking for a home to buy in New York City,
  its essential that your agent checks the
  buildings FISP compliance status, as having one
  carried out can be costly and time consuming.
• Did you know that you can even request a NYC
  buyer agent commissions rebate when you hire a
  buyers broker? This may be able to reduce your
  closing costs and save you a lot of money on your
  final purchase.

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• There are many amazing homes in New York City,
  and living in such a vibrant and fast-paced place
  can be exciting, however, be sure not to get
  caught out with costly FISP repairs, by working
  with a reputable broker who can keep you informed
  and updated as to the FISP status of any building
  in the city that you are interested in moving
  into. If youre already a New York City building
  owner and are concerned about the status of your
  building, reach out to a local construction firm
  who carry out inspections and repairs.

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• RZ Construction Group Inc is a fully inclusive
  and one of the best general contractors and local
  law 11 contractors in NYC. From initial design to
  final clean up, our results speak for themselves.
  We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to
  provide both commercial and residential
  construction services to customers in Astoria and
  the surrounding area. Proud to serve New York
  State for 25 years. No job is too small nor too
  big. If you are looking for masons in Queens NY
  or want to know more about our wide range of
  professional but affordable construction and
  repair services, reach out to us at (718)
  938-9887.