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Documents provide a paper trail that exists to protect all parties involved in a renovation. They are important for your record-keeping, and in some cases, can have significant legal consequences. 

Here are eight common tactics NYC homeowners often take to avoid a renovation nightmare—and why they backfire.

If there are major problems like a leaking roof, defective windows or buckled flooring on a brand new building, then suing an unresponsive sponsor might be your only option. If it is a minor problem that can be repaired at little cost it’s probably not worth it because lawsuits for a building’s construction defects can be very expensive and drag on for years.

Buying an apartment in NYC requires figuring out how much you can afford for a down payment, as well as monthly carrying costs and closing costs, and still have enough left over to pay expenses.

Post-closing possession is when a seller wants to live in their home for a few weeks after the closing. It's a no-risk proposition for sellers--and the exact opposite for buyers. Here's how buyers can protect themselves.

Involving an architect early in the process of a brownstone renovation helps avoid costly missteps and increases the likelihood you’ll be happy with the outcome, says the experts from Bolster, a New York City-based design-build firm that has created a seamless renovation experience.