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3 Tips to Avoid the Need for Plumbing Violations Removal When Renovating a Basement Have you recently gotten a plumbing violation or are concerned that you might get a plumbing violation once you start your basement renovations? The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid violations, and if you do happen to get a violation, there are licensed master plumbers, like John Farr, who can help you get them removed.

1. Know What Type of Below Ground Space You Have

A basement is an underground space that has more than 50 percent of its exterior walls above ground level. A cellar is a space that has more than 50 percent of its exterior wall space below ground level. This means that before you perform any renovations that would turn your below ground level into a habitable unit for tenants, you better get out your tape measure or call a contractor to perform the exterior wall calculations. If you have a cellar, you cannot turn it into an apartment and rent it. However, if you have a basement, you can turn that into an apartment and earn a little extra income.

2. You’ll Need to Hire a Reputable Contractor to Renovate Your Basement into an Apartment

When you get ready to turn your existing basement into habitable space for new tenants, you should always hire a reputable contractor in NYC that is familiar with all the applicable building codes, including how many smoke and carbon monoxide detectors you need, how high your ceilings should be and how many exits to the exterior you need in order to remain compliant with certain building codes. Failure to adhere to all the applicable building codes in NYC can result in building violations and fines.

3. You’ll Need a Licensed Plumber to Install all the Plumbing Fixtures

You’ll also need to hire a licensed master plumber to pull the proper permits and install all the new water and drainage pipe as well as the kitchen and bathroom fixtures. This is because the plumbing codes for NYC in regards to kitchens and bathrooms that are below ground are extremely strict. For example, if you dreamed of putting in a luxury bathroom with both a shower and a bathtub, you may not be able to install both, and if you do, the Department of Buildings may make you remove the illegal fixture.

Understanding What Happens When You Renovate Your Basement Wrong and Get a Plumbing Violation

Many homeowners and building owners looking to increase their income or revenue want to limit how much they spend on basement renovations. This can mean that the building owner hires a handyman instead of a licensed contractor or performs some of the plumbing work himself without getting the proper permits or having the correct knowledge to perform the work and remain in compliance.
If the Department of Buildings learns that plumbing work has been completed without a permit or incorrectly, according to the current, building codes, it can result in a violation and the need to hire a licensed master plumber, like John Farr, to perform a plumbing violation removal.
The good news is that if you get a plumbing violation for your basement remodel, John Farr can help you correct it. He is familiar with all the current building codes and how to get permits for building code violations so that they can be repaired quickly.
To get your HPD, ECB/OATH violations corrected, illegal basement violation, gas company violation, gas boiler violation or any Plumbing building violations in NYC removed, call John Farr at 917-324-2535.