Drey recognized the need for the work after her personal experience as a New York City condominium board president, helping her building comply with the NYC Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) – formerly known as Local Law 11. Her book maps out the road ahead for others in the same position.   

“Like many other board members, we knew little about the FISP regulations when we started, or about the multiple steps necessary to oversee a successful project. There was no comprehensive guide for building owners.” Drey said. “So, after a two-year experience planning and participating in our building’s project, I wanted to share my newfound knowledge with others. I began to make notes on each step we took, then conducted interviews with architects, engineers, attorneys, and government officials and assembled the book into easily digestible parts in a fun, accessible way.” 

The book explains how to research a building’s facade history, potential fines for noncompliance, how to select an inspector, as well as pre-hire interview questions for architects/engineers, contractors, and construction attorneys. It provides information on dealing with residents and neighbors who can derail a project. Options for raising funds to complete the project are also discussed. It also discusses typical repairs, so owners and boards can be proactive when it comes to addressing maintenance and safety concerns.

Drey knows it’s a niche, but owners and boards in New York spend millions every year on FISP compliance, and she hopes this how-to guide will ensure that money is spent correctly. “If I only knew at the start of the process what I know now,” she says, “our building would have saved a lot of time and resources.” 

 A Step by Step Guide to Navigating the Facade Inspection Safety Program: New York Edition by Diane Drey is available on Amazon, and wherever books are sold.