Project Policy

Facade repair projects require careful planning, clear communication and coordination between building owners, property managers, contractors and qualified professionals. At Local Law 11 Brooklyn, our approach focuses on defining the repair scope, communicating project requirements and coordinating work around each building's conditions.

This policy explains our general approach to project enquiries, estimates, scheduling, site access, repairs and completion. Individual project proposals and signed agreements govern specific contractual obligations.

Project Enquiries and Initial Assessment

Every project begins with understanding the building and the work being considered. Property owners, co-op boards, condo associations and managing agents can help establish the scope by providing relevant information before requesting an estimate.

Useful information includes the building address, a description of visible defects, photographs, available facade inspection reports, access restrictions and relevant deadlines.

For Local Law 11-related projects, inspection findings can help identify reported conditions and clarify the repairs under consideration. Any required professional assessment must be completed by an appropriately qualified professional.

Estimates and Scope of Work

Estimates depend on the information available, the condition of the building and the proposed repair scope. A site visit or additional documentation may be necessary before the work can be accurately assessed.

Written proposals should identify the agreed work, relevant materials or methods, pricing, exclusions and applicable conditions. Services may include masonry repairs, lintel work, stone restoration, fire escape services or access arrangements involving scaffolding and sidewalk sheds.

Work outside the agreed scope is not automatically included in the original price. Additional requirements should be discussed and documented according to the applicable agreement before the work proceeds.

Project Scheduling and Coordination

Project schedules depend on the extent of deterioration, building height, access requirements, material availability, weather and applicable approvals.

Before work begins, the proposed schedule and necessary arrangements should be communicated to the client. Occupied buildings may require additional planning around residents, commercial tenants, entrances and pedestrian movement.

Unexpected deterioration, weather conditions, access restrictions or approval requirements can affect the original schedule. Any resulting changes should be communicated and handled according to the project agreement.

Building Access and Site Preparation

Clients are expected to coordinate reasonable access to work areas and communicate relevant building restrictions before the project starts.

Depending on the work, arrangements may involve residents, managing agents, building representatives, adjoining properties or authorised personnel. Responsibilities for keys, access permissions, notices and restricted areas should be clarified in advance.

Special access requirements should be documented where appropriate to help prevent avoidable delays.

Safety and Site Protection

Facade repair work requires appropriate attention to workers, building occupants, pedestrians and neighbouring properties.

Depending on the project, protective arrangements may include barriers, scaffolding, sidewalk sheds, controlled access areas and other safeguards. Required permits and authorisations must be obtained by the responsible parties before the relevant work begins.

Clients and building representatives should communicate known hazards, access concerns and incidents affecting the work area promptly. Work may need to pause if conditions make continuing unsafe or unlawful.

Permits, Inspections and Professional Responsibilities

Permit and inspection requirements vary according to the building, repair scope and applicable New York City regulations.

For projects associated with the Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP), the inspection report and professional recommendations should inform repair planning. A contractor's work does not replace the responsibilities of the building owner, Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI), engineer or other qualified professional.

The project agreement should clarify responsibility for obtaining permits, arranging inspections, supplying professional documents and coordinating required submissions.

Read our Local Law 11 compliance guide for more information.

Changes to the Agreed Work

Repair projects can uncover conditions that were not visible during the initial assessment. Examples include concealed masonry deterioration, corrosion or damage extending beyond the original repair area.

When additional work is identified, we aim to explain the issue, describe the proposed response and discuss any changes to the scope, price or schedule.

Additional work should be authorised according to the applicable agreement before proceeding, except where immediate action is legally required or necessary to address an urgent safety situation. Approved changes should be documented clearly.

Materials and Workmanship

Materials and repair methods should suit the agreed scope, existing building conditions and applicable professional specifications.

Masonry restoration may require attention to mortar compatibility, brick condition, water entry points and surrounding surfaces. Lintel and stone repairs involve different technical considerations.

The proposal, specifications, contract and applicable standards govern the materials, methods and workmanship requirements for each project. Changes to specified products or methods should follow the agreed approval process.

Weather and Unexpected Delays

Exterior repair work can be affected by rain, wind, temperature, unsafe conditions and other circumstances beyond reasonable control. Delays may also result from restricted access, material availability, permit processing or additional repair findings.

If a delay affects the schedule, the parties should communicate its cause, likely impact and any necessary adjustments. Schedule changes and associated costs will be handled according to the project agreement.

Client Communication and Progress Updates

Clear communication helps owners and building representatives understand the status of repair work.

Project discussions may cover scheduling, progress, newly identified defects, access arrangements, additional work, changes to completion dates and outstanding documentation.

The appropriate contact person and update frequency should be established for each project. Co-op boards, condo associations and managing agents should identify who is authorised to approve changes and receive project communications.

Invoices and Payments

Payment amounts, due dates, deposits, progress payments and other financial conditions are established in the accepted proposal or service agreement.

Clients should review these terms before authorising work. Questions about invoices or payment records should be raised with the designated project contact.

This policy does not establish a universal deposit amount, payment schedule or late-payment charge. The applicable written agreement governs those matters.

Project Completion and Closeout

At the end of the agreed work, the client and project team should clarify whether any remaining items require attention.

Depending on the agreement and applicable requirements, closeout may include reviewing completed work against the agreed scope, identifying outstanding items, providing applicable project records and coordinating relevant professional inspections or approvals.

Completion of a contractor's repair work does not automatically satisfy every regulatory filing, inspection or building-owner obligation. Those requirements should be confirmed with the responsible professionals and authorities.

Questions and Project Concerns

Clients should raise concerns about workmanship, scheduling, site conditions, invoices or project documentation with their designated contact as soon as practical.

Providing the building address, project reference, photographs and a clear description of the concern can help with the review. Issues will be addressed according to the project agreement, applicable law and the circumstances involved.

Any formal dispute-resolution process is governed by the relevant contract and applicable law.

Policy Updates

This policy describes our general project approach and may be updated as operational practices or applicable requirements change.

The version published on this website provides general guidance. It does not amend an existing signed agreement unless the parties expressly agree to an amendment in accordance with that agreement.

Project-specific requirements, contractual terms and applicable laws take precedence where they conflict with this general policy.

Contact Us About Your Project

If your Brooklyn building needs facade repairs, masonry restoration or work related to inspection findings, contact our team to discuss the proposed scope and project requirements.

Local Law 11 Brooklyn
426 Rogers Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11225
United States

Visit our contact page to share your building address, describe the repair issue and provide any relevant inspection documentation.