Fontan Architecture Blog
Architecture, Planning, & Design Blog
FISP Cycle 8 Local Law 11
In New York City, the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (Local Law 11) sets requirements for inspecting buildings over six stories. These inspections operate on a schedule. The FISP Cycle determines when inspection reports are due for which buildings. FISP...
How to Use 3D Tiles for Your Bathroom
Color, pattern, texture, and accessory variations are some of the ways to enhance a bathroom design. One unique option to elevate your bathroom is to incorporate 3D tiles. Most tiles are flat, but 3D tiles have three-dimensional surfaces with ins and outs, creating...
Three Factors Affecting a Renovation Budget
New construction and renovation budgets are complicated matters. Many variables will affect the construction cost for a renovation. The easiest way to simplify this complex issue is to break it into three simple categories. The three main factors affecting a...
What is a QEWI? – NYC FISP
In New York City, buildings over six stories must be inspected once every five years to ensure the public's safety. An architect or engineer authorized to perform this inspection type is called a QEWI. What is a QEWI? A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector or QEWI is a...
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? When adding 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 the...
