Owning a building in New York City that’s subject to Local Law 11 (Façade Inspection and Safety Program, or FISP) comes with significant legal and financial responsibility. Once unsafe conditions are identified, hiring a contractor to perform required façade repairs is only part of the process—making sure your construction contract is fair and protective is just as critical.
At Kushnick Pallaci PLLC, we work with building owners, co-op and condo boards, and property managers throughout New York City to review, negotiate, and revise construction contracts for Local Law 11 repair projects. Our goal is simple: make sure your contract protects your property, ensures legal compliance, and minimizes the risk of disputes or unexpected costs.
🔹 Why Local Law 11 Repairs Require Special Legal Attention
Façade repairs under Local Law 11 aren’t ordinary renovations. They typically involve:
- Scaffolding and sidewalk sheds
- Suspended access work on occupied buildings
- DOB permit coordination and compliance
- Potential access to neighboring properties
- Engineering inspections and site reports
Because these projects are regulated and involve high-risk exterior work, standard contractor agreements often fail to address essential issues like liability allocation, third-party damage, or the exact scope of work tied to FISP requirements.
We help you ensure that your contract doesn’t just look standard—it’s structured to protect you.
🔹 Contract Terms That Must Be Reviewed or Rewritten
Here are a few key clauses we routinely revise or negotiate for NYC property owners undertaking façade compliance work:
- Scope of Work – Make sure it’s tied directly to your engineer’s FISP report and includes specific DOB-mandated repairs
- Insurance Requirements – Contractors must name your building and board as additional insureds and carry appropriate coverage (including excess and umbrella policies)
- Indemnification Clauses – You should not be on the hook for the contractor’s mistakes or third-party claims
- Neighboring Property Access – If scaffolding, rigging, or protective netting extends beyond your property line, access agreements or RPAPL § 881 proceedings may be necessary
- Delay Penalties and Completion Deadlines – Time matters, especially if violations are pending. Your contract should include real consequences for missed deadlines
- Change Order Protocols – Add structure to how extra work is proposed, priced, and approved to avoid open-ended costs
- Restoration and Clean-Up – Spell out how and when the contractor must repair incidental damage or restore the premises
- Lien Waiver and Payment Timing – Link payments to project milestones and require proof that subs and suppliers are being paid
Without these terms, building owners are left exposed—to both liability and financial uncertainty.
🔹 Who We Represent
We provide contract negotiation and legal review services for:
- Apartment and commercial building owners
- Co-op and condo boards
- Real estate investment groups
- Property management companies
- Development teams handling ongoing façade cycles
Whether your property is in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or The Bronx, we’ve helped owners structure clear, enforceable agreements that set expectations and prevent litigation.
🔗 Related Legal Services You May Need:
- Construction Contract Drafting & Review
- License Agreements for Access & RPAPL § 881 Petitions
- Construction Litigation & Dispute Resolution
📍 Serving All Five Boroughs:
We assist owners and boards across NYC, including:
- Manhattan (Upper West Side, Chelsea, Midtown, Financial District)
- Brooklyn (Downtown, Carroll Gardens, Williamsburg, Prospect Heights)
- Queens (Long Island City, Astoria, Forest Hills)
- The Bronx (Riverdale, Fordham, Pelham Parkway)
- Staten Island
Whether your façade repairs are modest or part of a large-scale Local Law 11 restoration project, we’re equipped to help.
📞 Don’t Sign a One-Sided Façade Contract – Get Legal Protection First
Before you sign a proposal from a contractor, have it reviewed by counsel who understands both construction law and Local Law 11 requirements. We’ll identify risky language, negotiate key protections, and help you enter your façade project with confidence.
Call Kushnick Pallaci PLLC at (631) 752-7100 or
👉 Visit www.nyconstructionlaw.com
to schedule a contract review for your Local Law 11 construction project.