I have bought an apartment on the Upper East Side of New York, but it is not in great shape – honestly I want to renovate essentially the whole thing, a so-called “gut job.” I am wondering, however, what permits might be required?
Please contact your local building department to find out first hand, they are there for your own protection from shady contractors & false pretenders. Building department officials like to work with you.
The Department of Buildings publishes permit requirements, but as the prior poster noted, it is best to contact DOB when in doubt.
This link provides a handy set of guidelines for work that requires a permit.
That document is generally my first stop when a client comes to me with an unusual scope.