Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Design Blog
What is an SRO in NYC? Single Room Occupancy
In NYC there are different housing types. One unique example is the SRO. What is an SRO in New York? The term SRO stands for Single Room Occupancy. In New York City it is usually used to describe a Rooming House which falls under Section 248 of the Multiple...
Installing Mini Splits in an NYC Townhouse
New York City Townhouses and Brownstones usually have radiators and a boiler for heat and through the window AC units for cooling, unless they have been upgraded to a modern system. Mini Splits are a popular heating and cooling system for townhouses in NYC. Mini Split...
Curbless Shower Pros and Cons
When designing and building a shower you have generally two options to go with: a Shower Curb or a Curbless Shower. What is a Curbless Shower? A curbless shower is a shower where the bathroom floor is continuous to the shower without a curb or any other...
FISP Cycle 9 Local Law 11
In New York City Façade Inspection & Safety Program (Local Law 11), sets requirements for the inspection of buildings over six stories. These inspections operate on a schedule. FISP Cycle determines when inspection reports are due for which buildings. FISP...
What is Local Law 11?
You may have heard of Local Law 11, a regulation in New York City that requires repairs and maintenance of buildings. What is Local Law 11 in New York City? In NYC Local Law 11 of 1998 also referred to as the Façade Inspection Safety Program or FISP, requires...
Adding a Roof Deck to a Townhouse in NYC
Can You add a roof deck to a townhouse in NYC? In order to add a roof deck to a townhouse in NYC you will need to hire an architect to assess the existing conditions, obtain approval from the Department of Buildings, and design all necessary alterations to complete...
Adding a Floor to a Brownstone in NYC
If you own a townhouse in NYC and are considering enlarging it with a new addition, you may be asking yourself if this is even possible. There are many factors that will affect the feasibility of an addition to an existing townhouse, so the question is: Can you add a...
Renovating a Townhouse in NYC
If you are planning to renovate a townhouse in NYC you probably have a lot of questions. This is normal because renovating a townhouse can be complicated. If you intend to renovate your townhouse in New York City you will need to hire an architect, hire a general...
What is a Lot Line Window?
A lot line window is a window within an exterior wall of a building that is located on a property line, which is shared with another property. Lot line windows have specific code requirements and limitations that other windows do not. I am Jorge Fontan, an...
Do You Need an Architect for a Renovation in NYC
Many people in New York City want to renovate, whether it's doing a full gut renovation or just remodeling your kitchen and bathrooms there are lots of questions you will need answered. One of the first is going to be: Do I need an architect for a renovation in NYC?...
