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Home β€Ί Services β€Ί Local Law 11 / FISP
⚑ Local Law 11 / FISP Specialists

NYC Local Law 11 & Facade Repair Contractor

From facade inspection through DOB filing β€” we get your building back to SAFE status, get the sidewalk shed off your sidewalk, and protect your tenants. Serving all five boroughs from Queens since 2010.

Facade inspections, parapet repair, brick repointing, cornice work
All DOB & LPC permits handled β€” landmark-compliant
Same-day estimates Β· Fixed-price written quotes
NYC licensed Β· Fully insured Β· 5.0 Google rating
βœ“ NYC Licensed βœ“ Fully Insured βœ“ Since 2010 βœ“ 500+ Projects
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βœ“ Same-day response Β· No spam Β· Free & no obligation

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NYC LicensedGeneral Contractor
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5.0 Google25 Verified Reviews
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Same-DayFree Estimates
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500+ ProjectsSince 2010
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All PermitsDOB & LPC Handled
Understanding Compliance

What Is Local Law 11 / FISP?

If you own a NYC building taller than six stories, this law affects you β€” and missing a deadline gets expensive fast.

Local Law 11 β€” officially the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) β€” requires NYC building owners with structures over six stories to have their exterior walls and appurtenances examined every five years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) and to file a report with the NYC Department of Buildings.

After the inspection, your building gets one of three classifications: Safe, Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP), or Unsafe. Anything other than Safe means repair work is required β€” sometimes within months, sometimes immediately with a sidewalk shed up the entire time.

The cost of doing nothing: Failure-to-file penalties start at $1,000 per month and accumulate fast. An Unsafe classification without repair triggers civil penalties of up to $1,000 per month per location, plus the ongoing cost of sidewalk sheds (typically $400–$1,200/month) and potential personal injury lawsuits if anyone is harmed.
FISP Cycle Filing Windows
  • Sub-Cycle 9ABlock ending 4, 5, 6, 9 β€” Feb 2020 to Feb 2022
  • Sub-Cycle 9BBlock ending 0, 7, 8 β€” Feb 2022 to Feb 2024
  • Sub-Cycle 9CBlock ending 1, 2, 3 β€” Feb 2024 to Feb 2026
  • Cycle 10 beginsFebruary 2025 β€” verify your sub-cycle with your QEWI
What We Handle

Complete Local Law 11 Services in NYC

From scaffolding to final DOB sign-off β€” one team, one accountable point of contact, no subcontractor finger-pointing.

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Facade Inspection Coordination

We work directly with your QEWI engineer or architect to schedule inspections, install drop scaffolds, and document conditions properly the first time.

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Brick Pointing & Tuckpointing

Color-matched mortar repointing for failing joints. We use NYC-approved Type N and Type O mortar mixes appropriate for your building's age.

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Parapet Wall Repair & Reconstruction

Parapet failures are the #1 cause of FISP "Unsafe" classifications. We rebuild, brace, and waterproof to current NYC code.

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Cornice Restoration

Sheet metal, terra-cotta, and wood cornice restoration that satisfies both DOB and Landmarks Preservation Commission requirements.

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Waterproofing & Sealants

Penetrating sealers, joint sealants, through-wall flashing, and full waterproofing systems to stop water before it causes the next FISP issue.

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DOB Violation Removal

We pull permits, do the work, and shepherd the file through DOB until your violation is dismissed and your building is back to SAFE status.

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Lintel & Window Sill Replacement

Corroded steel lintels and crumbling sills are a Cycle 9 inspector's first stop. We cut, replace, and seal β€” without disturbing tenants inside.

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Sidewalk Shed Installation & Removal

Shed permits, installation, monthly compliance, and rapid removal once repairs pass final inspection. Every month a shed stays up costs you money.

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Landmark-Compliant Restoration

For buildings within historic districts, we handle LPC permit applications and use period-appropriate materials and techniques.

Why Building Owners Choose A1

The Difference a Queens-Based Specialist Makes

Most facade contractors are spread across all five boroughs and treat Queens jobs as overflow. We're based here, our crews live here, and we care about getting your building right.

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One Team, Start to Finish

No "we sub that out" runaround. Inspection coordination, scaffolding, masonry, waterproofing, and DOB filings β€” all under our direct supervision.

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Faster Shed Removal

Every month a sidewalk shed sits in front of your building costs $400–$1,200+ in shed rental alone. Our average repair-to-removal time beats the industry by weeks.

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Fixed-Price Written Quotes

Detailed line-item proposals after on-site inspection. No "T&M" surprise invoices. If we miss something in the scope, that's our problem, not yours.

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Full Liability + Workers' Comp

Insurance certificates available before contract signing. We carry the coverage co-op boards, condo associations, and commercial owners require.

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Direct DOB & LPC Experience

We've filed hundreds of permits and navigated dozens of LPC reviews. Your engineer doesn't have to walk us through the process β€” we already know it.

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References From Your Neighborhood

We'll give you the addresses of completed Queens, Brooklyn, or Manhattan projects so you can drive by and see the work yourself.

Our Process

From First Call to Final DOB Sign-Off

A clear, predictable path so you know exactly what happens next.

1
Free On-Site Inspection

We meet you at the building, review the QEWI report, and document conditions in detail.

2
Detailed Written Quote

Line-item proposal with materials, scope, timeline, and fixed pricing β€” usually within 5 business days.

3
Permits & Mobilization

We pull DOB and LPC permits, install sidewalk shed and pipe scaffolding, and stage materials.

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Repairs & Final Filing

Skilled execution, weekly progress reports, final inspection, and DOB filing to return to SAFE.

Where We Work

Local Law 11 Service Across All Five Boroughs

Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Queens, with active job sites across NYC and Long Island.

Common Questions

Local Law 11 / FISP FAQs

The questions building owners ask us before signing a contract.

What is Local Law 11 in NYC?
Local Law 11, also known as the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), requires owners of NYC buildings six stories or taller to have their exterior walls and appurtenances inspected by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) every five years and to file a report with the Department of Buildings.
Who needs to comply with Local Law 11 / FISP?
Any building taller than six stories within New York City is required to comply. This includes residential co-ops, condos, rental buildings, commercial properties, mixed-use structures, and most institutional buildings. One- to six-story buildings are exempt from FISP β€” but they may still have other facade obligations under NYC Building Code.
What happens if my building is classified Unsafe?
If your facade is classified Unsafe, the owner must install a sidewalk shed within 30 days and complete repairs within strict deadlines (typically 90 days). Failure to repair can result in DOB violations, civil penalties starting at $1,000 per month per location, and potential personal liability if anyone is injured by falling material.
What's the difference between SWARMP and Unsafe?
SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program) means conditions exist that aren't immediately dangerous but must be addressed before the next FISP cycle. Unsafe means there is an immediate threat to public safety β€” a sidewalk shed must go up immediately and repairs are required on a tight timeline.
How much does Local Law 11 repair cost?
Cost varies based on building size, height, scope, and overall condition. Minor SWARMP repairs may start at a few thousand dollars. Mid-size facade restorations range from $25,000 to $100,000. Full Unsafe-classification work β€” parapet rebuild, extensive repointing, lintel replacement β€” can range from $50,000 to $250,000+ on mid-size buildings. We provide free, written, fixed-price estimates after on-site inspection.
Do you handle the DOB filings and permits?
Yes. We coordinate with your QEWI engineer or architect, pull all required DOB permits (and LPC permits for landmark buildings), install scaffolding and sidewalk sheds, perform the repairs, and assist with the final filing so your building returns to SAFE status. You have one point of contact for the entire process.
How long does a typical Local Law 11 repair project take?
Small SWARMP projects: 2–4 weeks. Mid-size facade repairs: 6–12 weeks. Major Unsafe-classification rebuilds with parapet and cornice work: 3–6 months. Weather, permit delays, and tenant access can extend timelines. We provide a realistic written schedule with every quote and weekly progress updates throughout the project.
Can you start work before my QEWI files the report?
For Unsafe conditions, yes β€” emergency repairs can begin while the formal inspection report is being finalized, as long as we have written authorization from the engineer. For SWARMP and routine work, we generally wait for the official QEWI scope so the work matches what gets filed with DOB.

Sidewalk Shed Up? FISP Violation Hanging Over Your Head?

Let's get it off your building and off your books. Free on-site inspection, written fixed-price quote within 5 business days, and a clear path to SAFE status.