Fixing shower - permit required? (HOA, condos, how much)

[urbandweller13]

I have a leacky shower in one of my condos in NYC and the shower body there needs to be replaced. In order to do so, the wall needs to be open to access the plumbing. The wall is drywall outside the bathroom itself (e.g. accessing it from behind). What kind of permits would I need for that, and how much about do the actually cost? I called the DOB and they told me i don't need the permit for the making the hole in the wall and patching it up afterwards for as long as there are no alterations (There wouldnt be any). So I would only need to get some plumbing permit? What are the costs involved? The DOB couldnt say on the phone and it's not easily available on their web-site. I will have the plumber do it but don't want to be taken for a ride here on costs. Also, some web-sites I read are saying that I would need to higher an architect to prepare drawings etc.? This shouldn't apply here should it?

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by urbandweller13

I have a leacky shower in one of my condos in NYC and the shower body there needs to be replaced. In order to do so, the wall needs to be open to access the plumbing. The wall is drywall outside the bathroom itself (e.g. accessing it from behind). What kind of permits would I need for that, and how much about do the actually cost? I called the DOB and they told me i don't need the permit for the making the hole in the wall and patching it up afterwards for as long as there are no alterations (There wouldnt be any). So I would only need to get some plumbing permit? What are the costs involved? The DOB couldnt say on the phone and it's not easily available on their web-site. I will have the plumber do it but don't want to be taken for a ride here on costs. Also, some web-sites I read are saying that I would need to higher an architect to prepare drawings etc.? This shouldn't apply here should it?

No permit required for fixing a leak behind the wall.

[urbandweller13]

Originally Posted by SeventhFloor

No permit required for fixing a leak behind the wall.

Is that so? They need to replace the pipe and the shut off valve or whatever that is called completely

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by urbandweller13

Is that so? They need to replace the pipe and the shut off valve or whatever that is called completely

In that case, the plumber may have to file what's called an LAA for that since you're talking about replacing a fixture (valve). You should check with the condo board and see if you also need an alteration agreement for the repair.

[RICANRICAN]

Don't you need to ask the condo board first ??

[urbandweller13]

Originally Posted by SeventhFloor

In that case, the plumber may have to file what's called an LAA for that since you're talking about replacing a fixture (valve). You should check with the condo board and see if you also need an alteration agreement for the repair.

Thank you!

[lvmensch]

Originally Posted by SeventhFloor

In that case, the plumber may have to file what's called an LAA for that since you're talking about replacing a fixture (valve). You should check with the condo board and see if you also need an alteration agreement for the repair.

Be careful with all that. I do not have personal knowledge of NYC but in the rest of the country that repair would likely have to be done by the HOA which would bill it to the unit(s) involved. Can get messy.

The idea is that a condo only owns from the paint out.

[urbandweller13]

Originally Posted by lvmensch

Be careful with all that. I do not have personal knowledge of NYC but in the rest of the country that repair would likely have to be done by the HOA which would bill it to the unit(s) involved. Can get messy.

The idea is that a condo only owns from the paint out.

HOA doesnt want to do it they said so already.

[lvmensch]

Originally Posted by urbandweller13

HOA doesnt want to do it they said so already.

Then hire a licensed plumber and let him do his thing. He will likely have someone who patches walls if he does not do it. And if licensed he will know any permits required. Will likely bill you if he needs one.

[BBMW]

A side question. If you have a leaky shower, the problem may be the cartridge, which can be replaced without cutting out the whole shower body. The shower bodies are designed to allow this.