Permits, insurance, accessibility, safety requirements, and contract obligations can change what a project is allowed to do, when work can proceed, and who carries the cost.
These articles examine the risks owners need to identify and assign throughout a project, from approvals and coverage to code requirements, site conditions, and operational resilience.
Written in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, when businesses across the New York region were trying to restore operations, find temporary space and reconnect
Quick removal matters, but the wrong cleaning method can leave the building with damage that lasts much longer than the graffiti. Updated October 2026 Graffiti
The answer depends on the clinical use, equipment, required clearances and the requirements governing the project. Updated October 2026 In 2012, I wrote about healthcare
A medical client recently relocated from a small, dreary, windowless office to a gorgeous, bright and cheery facility for urgent care and specialty procedures. A
By Karl Silverberg, P.E., Esq., Contributing Columnist As stated by the United States Supreme Court, “[I]f the contractor is bound to build according to plans
By Bernadette Starzee Editor’s Note — October 2026: This article originally appeared in Long Island Business News and was republished here in 2012. Environmental regulations,
Installing an AED is one decision. Making sure people can find it, reach it and know what to do when someone collapses is another. Originally
Fire doors are ordinary building components until the moment they’re expected to perform as life-safety systems. Originally published December 14, 2011. Updated October 2026 to
An electric space heater may be permitted in an office. That doesn’t mean the building has to allow it—or that plugging one in is a
With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to keep workplace safety in mind. By following a few simple safety tips, it’s easy to enjoy festive
A practical guide to understanding New York City building permit terminology, including the older terms you may still hear on projects. Originally published October 2011.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy? A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) indicates the following: 1. The building or suite meets current building code requirements. 2. The
Your design professionals (architects, engineers, interior designers (in certain states) refer frequently to building codes such as the International Building Code in their preparation of
Before you buy the property, understand what may be in the ground—and what liability may come with it. Originally published September 2011. Updated October 2026
After an emergency, identifying essential employees is only part of the plan. Access to the building may be controlled by someone else. Originally published September
