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Board Approval Guide

Co-op & Condo Alteration Agreement Checklist

NYC co-op and condo renovation approvals are detailed and document-heavy. This checklist covers what your board typically requires — and what Lintel NY provides as part of our standard contractor package.

What Is an Alteration Agreement?

An alteration agreement is a legal document between a co-op shareholder (or condo owner) and the building corporation that authorizes a specific renovation project. It defines what work is permitted, which contractor requirements must be met, what insurance the contractor must carry, building-protection rules during construction, noise/hour restrictions, and the shareholder's financial liability for any damage caused during renovation. The agreement must typically be signed by the shareholder, the building's managing agent, and in some cases the board before any work begins.

Contractor Documents — What Boards Require

What Lintel NY provides.

Lintel NY provides a complete contractor documentation package suitable for submission to any NYC co-op or condo board. All documents below are available within 48 hours of request.

Contractor License & Registration
NYC HIC LicenseLicense #2109847-DCA — issued by NYC DCWP. Verifiable online at nyc.gov/dca.
License Verification LetterWe can provide a letter confirming our license number, type, and current active status for board submission.
EPA RRP CertificationRequired if the building was constructed before 1978. Lintel NY is a certified lead-safe renovator.
Insurance Documentation
General Liability Insurance — COICertificate of Insurance confirming GL coverage (typically $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate required by most buildings). Building or managing agent named as additional insured.
Workers' Compensation Insurance — COICertificate confirming WC coverage for all employees. Statutory NY limits. Some boards also require employer's liability.
Additional Insured EndorsementFormal endorsement from our insurance carrier naming the co-op corporation, condo association, and/or managing agent as additional insured on the GL policy.
Umbrella / Excess Liability (if required)Some higher-end buildings require umbrella coverage above the GL policy. We can confirm whether our current umbrella coverage meets your building's specific threshold.
Project & Scope Documents
Detailed Scope of WorkWritten description of all work to be performed, organized by trade. Lintel NY provides a line-item scope as part of every estimate and contract.
Signed ContractSome boards require the signed contractor agreement as part of the alteration package to confirm scope, price, and timeline.
Architect / Engineer Drawings (if required)Required for structural work, wet-over-dry changes, or by certain buildings for any alteration. We coordinate with licensed architects and engineers when required and include this cost in your estimate.
NYC DOB Permit NumbersSome boards require confirmation that permits have been filed or are in progress before approving the alteration agreement. We provide permit application reference numbers once filed.
Building Protection & Work Rules
Working Hours AcknowledgmentMost buildings restrict renovation work to weekdays, typically 8am–5pm or 9am–5pm. We confirm and comply with your building's specific noise hours before scheduling any work.
Elevator Protection AgreementIf the building requires elevator padding and protection during material deliveries and debris removal, we coordinate with the super or managing agent and comply with all elevator use rules.
Floor Protection PlanCommon areas, lobby floors, and hallways must be protected during construction. We use industry-standard floor protection materials and remove them cleanly at the end of each work day.
Dust ContainmentNegative air pressure containment and proper HEPA filtration for demolition work. Required for lead-safe renovation in pre-1978 buildings and good practice in all buildings.
Debris Removal PlanDebris is removed in building-approved containers via building-approved pathways. No disposal in building trash rooms. Dumpster placement (if required) is coordinated with the managing agent and any required NYC DOT permits are obtained.
Wet-Over-Dry AcknowledgmentMany buildings prohibit wet work (plumbing changes) in units above ground floor without specific approval from the board and notification to the apartment below. We are aware of this requirement and address it during the scoping process.
Shareholder / Owner Responsibilities
Signed Alteration AgreementThe shareholder or owner signs the building's alteration agreement, accepting financial responsibility for any building damage caused during renovation.
Security Deposit (if required)Some buildings require a security deposit (commonly $1,000–$5,000) held by the managing agent, refundable after renovation completion and building inspection confirms no damage.
Move-In / Move-Out InspectionMany buildings require a pre-renovation inspection of common areas (lobby, elevator, hallways) to document existing condition — protecting you from damage claims for pre-existing issues.
Board Approval LetterWritten approval from the board or managing agent authorizing the specific scope of work. No work should begin without this document in hand.
Trust & Policy Pages
Licensing & Insurance How Our Contract Works Change Order Policy Warranty & Closeout Permit Process › Co-op/Condo Checklist
Lintel NY Provides
✓ NYC HIC license documentation
✓ COI — GL & Workers' Comp
✓ Additional insured endorsement
✓ Detailed written scope
✓ DOB permit documentation
✓ EPA RRP certification
✓ W-9 (on request)
Approval Timeline
Document preparation: 48 hours
Board review: 2–8 weeks typical
Complex scopes: may take longer

We account for board approval timelines in your project schedule.
Need the Full Package?
Submit your estimate request and we'll provide a complete contractor documentation package for your building's alteration agreement within 48 hours.
Related Service
See our full Co-op & Condo renovation service page for scope details, pricing, and the alteration approval process.
Co-op & Condo Service

FAQ

Co-op and condo approval questions.

Yes, if you live in a co-op or condo and want to do any renovation work beyond minor cosmetic changes, your building likely requires an alteration agreement signed before work begins. The alteration agreement protects the building and your neighbors by defining what work is permitted, what the contractor must provide, and who is financially responsible for any damage. Starting work without one can result in a stop-work order from your board.
Approval timelines vary widely by building. Some managing agents review contractor documents on a rolling basis and can approve in 2–3 weeks. Co-op boards that meet monthly may take 4–8 weeks. We help you submit a complete, board-ready package the first time — incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays. We account for board approval time in your project schedule so there are no surprises.
The most common requirement is $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate general liability, plus statutory workers' compensation coverage. Some luxury buildings or those in high-value neighborhoods require $2M per occurrence GL or an umbrella policy. Always request your building's specific requirements from the managing agent before comparing contractors — an underinsured contractor creates liability exposure for you, not just for them.
Yes. We regularly coordinate directly with NYC managing agents and property managers to submit documentation, answer questions about our license and insurance, and align on building rules before work begins. If it's easier for your managing agent to contact us directly, we're happy to facilitate that. Just include their contact information when you submit your estimate request.
Starting renovation work in a co-op or condo without board approval is a violation of your proprietary lease or condo declaration. The board can issue a stop-work order, require you to undo completed work, and in serious cases pursue legal action or block a future sale. We never start work in a co-op or condo without confirmed written board approval and a signed alteration agreement in hand.

Ready to navigate the alteration process?

We've done this before. Get your estimate and we'll build the board package alongside your project scope.

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