Pre-Design Feasibility Study
Planning a Renovation? Start With Clarity.
A renovation is a major investment. The biggest mistake homeowners make is moving forward without understanding the legal, structural, and financial feasibility of their plans.
A Pre-Design Feasibility Study gives you a clear roadmap before committing to full design services.
who’s it for
best for
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If you're looking to reconfigure your home—whether it's a kitchen expansion, an additional bathroom, or a full gut renovation—this study helps you understand what's achievable before committing to design and construction.
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Properties in historic districts or with Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) status come with additional restrictions. Our feasibility study ensures that your plans comply with these regulations while maintaining the character and value of your home.
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Co-op and condo boards have strict renovation rules, often requiring detailed submissions, work hours restrictions, and material limitations. We help navigate these guidelines to get your renovation approved smoothly.
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Not sure what your renovation will cost or how long it will take? Our study outlines a realistic scope, potential hidden costs, and ways to phase work for efficiency.
What You’ll Learn
✔ How much your renovation will cost
✔ What permits and approvals you need
✔ If your renovation plans are legally feasible
✔ What risks and hidden costs to anticipate
✔ A realistic timeline from design to construction
What’s Included in a Pre-Design Feasibility Study?
We take a structured approach to minimize risk and maximize clarity.
1
Existing Conditions
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Every property is subject to zoning laws and Department of Buildings (DOB) regulations, which dictate what changes are allowed, how much square footage can be added, and what requires permits.
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If you’re considering removing walls or adding structural elements like a mezzanine, an additional floor, or an open-concept design, we assess the existing framework to ensure these changes are feasible, safe, and compliant with building codes.
This does not take the place of a structural engineer or probes
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Many homeowners want open-plan layouts but may not realize that load-bearing walls require reinforcement or alternative support (such as beams or columns). We evaluate what’s possible and what modifications may be required.
Common Questions Answered
Are my renovation ideas structurally feasible?
How can I maximize space without removing walls?
Can I expand my kitchen or reconfigure rooms without major costs?
Will my floors need leveling or reinforcement?
Is my basement legally habitable?
2
Permitting & Compliance Review
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Every property is subject to zoning laws and Department of Buildings (DOB) regulations, which dictate what changes are allowed, how much square footage can be added, and what requires permits.
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If your home is in a historic district or part of a co-op, additional approvals are needed. We research and outline the process for obtaining Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approval or co-op board consent to avoid unnecessary delays.
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If you’re modifying a multi-family property or adding rental units, we assess compliance with fire codes, exit requirements, and legal occupancy rules to ensure your renovation meets all safety regulations.
Common Questions Answered
Can I add a new level to my brownstone?
Will my co-op allow me to replace my windows?
What are my options if my building doesn’t have a Certificate of Occupancy?
Will my renovations trigger additional code requirements?
What steps do I take to legalize previous unpermitted work?
3
Budget & Timeline Planning
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Working with a contractor, we provide a realistic cost breakdown based on current NYC market rates, material costs, contractor fees, and permit costs. This prevents budget surprises later in the project.
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We map out the entire renovation process, outlining:
How long it takes to get permits
Expected lead times for materials & contractor availability
How long each phase of construction will take
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If you prefer to stay in your home during renovations or need to manage costs over time, we offer strategic phasing plans—helping you complete the most critical parts first while planning for future work.
Common Questions Answered
How much should I budget for my renovation?
What is the biggest factor affecting renovation costs?
Can I renovate in phases to reduce costs?
How long will my renovation take from start to finish?
Do I need temporary housing during construction?
How the Flat-Fee Pre-Design Feasibility Study Works
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Unlike open-ended hourly billing, we charge a flat fee covering up to 22.5 hours, ensuring transparency and predictable costs.
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The structured time allocation ensures we stay focused on answering your most important questions and avoiding unnecessary research costs.
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Ensuring you get the insights that matter most.
Within the 22.5 hours, we customize the final research and recommendations based on your property’s unique conditions and renovation goal
what’s included
Step 1: Property Research (8 Hours)
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Example Questions Answered:
Can I add a rooftop extension or a new floor?
Does my home meet NYC’s legal Light & Air requirements?
Will my co-op allow me to replace my windows?
Step 2: Client Meetings (2 Hours Total)
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
What You Get
A clear roadmap for your renovation or home purchase
An opportunity to ask detailed questions before moving forward
Step 3: Client-Specific Goals
(Up to 12.5 Hours)
Choose how you’d like to use your remaining time based on your goals
Floorplan Layout Options
(Up to 6 Hours)
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Existing Conditions Survey & 3D Scanning
(Up to 6 Hours)
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Landmarks & Co-op Board Compliance Research
(Up to 6 Hours)
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
what happens if more time is needed
Your flat fee covers up to 22.5 hours of expert guidance.
✔ Most clients find this is sufficient for a thorough feasibility study.
✔ If additional time is required, we offer hourly add-on packages to ensure you have the support you need.
Ready to Feel Clear and Confident?
Let’s start with smart planning. Book your Pre-Design Study today and see exactly where your project stands — so you can move forward with your eyes wide open.
Book a Discovery Call
Fill out Pre-Design Study Intake Survey