Real Estate Investment in New York City
Hamoun Niknejad2026-02-21T18:57:23+00:00How an Architect Can Help You Make a Better Real Estate Investment in NYCReal estate is one of the most reliable ways people build wealth—rental income, long-term appreciation, and the ability to add value through renovations. And in New York City, opportunities exist in every borough—Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island.But NYC is not a “buy it and fix it” market. One zoning issue, a landmark restriction, an old code requirement, or a tenant problem can turn a...
Local Law 11 Façade Inspection NYC , A Simple Guide for Building Owners
Hamoun Niknejad2026-01-17T22:03:41+00:00If you own, manage, or live in a building in New York City, you’ve probably heard whispers about Local Law 11, also known as the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP).But if those words sound like a mouthful, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many NYC homeowners and co-op boards find this law confusing at first. So let’s keep it simple.This post explains Cycle 10 (2025 to 2030) of Local Law 11 in everyday language — what it means, why...
What Is a Construction Code Determination (CCD1) in NYC?
Hamoun Niknejad2026-01-29T03:51:08+00:00If you’ve ever dealt with the New York City building process, you already know one thing: the NYC Building Code is not always black and white. Even experienced architects, engineers, and contractors run into situations where the rules feel unclear—or where DOB plan examiners interpret them differently.That’s exactly where the Construction Code Determination (CCD1) form comes in.A CCD1 is a formal request submitted to the New York City Department of Buildings asking for an official determination on how a specific...
Building renovation process in NYC
Hamoun Niknejad2026-04-05T16:37:41+00:00Building Renovation in NYC: A Real-World Step-by-Step Guide (Permits, DOB Expediting, Inspections)Renovating a building in New York City isn’t just about choosing finishes and hiring a contractor. In NYC, the real challenge is usually the process: zoning, building code rules, DOB filings, permits, inspections, and finally… sign-off.If you want your renovation to move smoothly (and avoid headaches like stop-work orders, permit delays, or open jobs that never close), you need a plan before you swing a hammer.Here’s the renovation process,...