Seven years ago, an initiative called NYC Cool Roofs was launched under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's administration to cover as much of New York City’s rooftops as possible in a reflective white coating. It was meant to not only help cool d…
With the bitter chill of winter finally giving way to the thaw, it’s come time again for green things to start shooting up from the ground and make the world a nicer place to live in. It isn’t just the ground where things grow though, over …
From time to time, every co-op or condo community has to undertake big capital improvement projects—perhaps a total window replacement, roof repairs, an elevator overhaul, or major exterior renovations. The laws and regulations that deal …
Whether a building is six stories or sixty, ensuring that its façade is architecturally sound is a paramount concern shared by New York City regulators, boards and managers alike. Why? Loose bricks and crumbling debris could cause property …
Even after the rain is gone, you may still not be able to see clearly—if your windows haven’t been washed lately, that is. Even if you have the greatest views in the entire complex and your windows are dirty, your views might as well be a b…
A building’s roof serves as the first line of defense against whatever the skies throw at its inhabitants—wind, rain and blazing sun, even snow and ice in some climates—so it’s crucial for that roof to be sound and well maintained. All it t…
Here’s a tip: right now is the best time in years to get a paving job done. This month, New York State’s Department of Transportation posted the lowest average asphalt prices in years. The DOT’s website shows prices over the last three year…
The Dakota co-op building is one of the most iconic New York City apartment buildings, home to many cultural luminaries, including the late, legendary singer-songwriter John Lennon. But what makes the Dakota—along with many other historic …
How solid is the ground on which you walk and drive upon in your community? The answer might surprise you, as could the amount of money that might be seeping from your community’s reserve fund from unnecessary repairs to driveways, parking…
Most board members and managers in New York City’s co-op and condo buildings know the drill when it comes to Local Law 11 inspections, meaning inspections of the exterior walls of buildings in the city that are more than six stories. The l…