Dennis Greenstein Quoted in the New York Times

The Your Home column in the November 26 New York Times, "Renovation Contracts: No Point Is Too Small," addresses the importance of having a thorough renovation contract that includes detailed provisions for contractor/subcontractor and insurance issues.

Dennis H. Greenstein, a Manhattan co-op and condominium lawyer, said that apartment owners would face additional red tape. "Apartment owners almost always have to get alteration agreements from their boards," he said, "and it is the responsibility of the owner to make sure that the contract conforms to the requirements of the alteration agreement." For example, he said, most alteration agreements specify the hours and days when work can be done. Unless the contract reflects those restrictions, there can be a problem if the contractor expects to work early, late or on weekends. Alteration agreements also typically specify when the work must be completed and impose penalties if the completion date is not met. "The contract should provide for passing through to the contractor any penalties assessed against the owner," Mr. Greenstein said. The contract should also specify the amount of insurance required by the building; require the contractor to name the building as an "additional insured"; and make the contractor liable for damages caused to common areas or to other apartments.