Building in New York City starts with zoning and paperwork long before excavation. Tell us about your lot or your house, and we’ll explain what the rules allow, then either take on the project or refer it to our licensed partner contractor.
Start my build request Call or text (332) 333-8713
Construction services
- Home additions and extensions: rear extensions, vertical additions, dormers.
- New home construction: one- to four-family homes on vacant or teardown lots. [PLACEHOLDER: confirm the building types Naor actually builds]
- Major structural work: foundations, bearing walls, framing repairs. [PLACEHOLDER: confirm]
The steps every NYC build goes through
- Feasibility. Zoning district, lot size, floor area, height, yards, parking, landmarks and flood zone.
- Survey and design. Licensed surveyor, then a registered architect or engineer prepares plans.
- DOB NOW: Build filings. New buildings and enlargements are filed electronically; plan review comments are common.
- Other agencies. Water and sewer connections through DEP, utility service with Con Edison or National Grid, Landmarks where applicable.
- Construction and inspections. Foundation, framing, special inspections, plumbing and electrical sign-offs.
- Certificate of Occupancy. A new building or a change in occupancy can’t be legally occupied without a CO or temporary CO.
Zoning changed recently
The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity changes, adopted in December 2024, created new options for smaller homes, including ancillary dwelling units. Check what applies to your lot; see DOB’s ADU guidance.
Who does the work
Every request is read by Naor Harari. Depending on the scope, the borough and the schedule, the job is either done by NH Construction or referred to our licensed partner contractor, an independent company that handles all trades. If your project is referred, we tell you the contractor’s name before they contact you, and you sign a contract directly with that contractor. Our partner contractor may pay iBuyAHome a referral fee. [PLACEHOLDER: attorney to approve this disclosure and the vetting steps we actually perform, e.g. DCWP license check, insurance certificate, references]
Before you sign with anyone, including us, check the contractor’s license on the DCWP license lookup and ask for a certificate of insurance.
Thinking about selling the lot or house instead?
If building isn’t the right move, iBuyAHome also buys property as-is. How selling works.
Frequently asked questions
Do you build new homes or refer them out?
Both, depending on the project. Naor reviews each request; it’s either handled by NH Construction or referred to our licensed partner contractor, and we tell you who before they contact you.
How long does it take to get a building permit in NYC?
It varies with the project and the number of plan review rounds. Plans are filed in DOB NOW: Build, and objections must be resolved before approval.
Do I need an architect to build an addition?
Yes. Additions and new buildings require plans filed by a registered architect or professional engineer.
Can I add an apartment to my house?
Possibly, under the ADU rules or by changing the building’s occupancy. It depends on zoning, the building type and code requirements.