Code: DIY (part of a legal process)
Description: (Do It Yourself) refers to construction, repair, or alteration work that a homeowner performs themselves without hiring a licensed professional. In NYC, most construction work requires permits and must be done by licensed contractors, even when the owner does the physical work.
Practical Meaning: You may do minor repairs like painting, installing cabinets, or replacing fixtures without a permit, but you still cannot do electrical or plumbing work unless you are licensed. Moving walls, adding bathrooms, replacing windows, or structural work always requires permits and licensed professionals, even if you do the labor yourself. If you already did unpermitted work, you must stop immediately, hire a licensed architect or engineer to file for an after-the-fact permit, correct any code violations, and pay fines.
Where You May See It: This term does not appear on official DOB documents, but you may see related language like "work without a permit," "unlicensed contractor," or "owner-performed work" on DOB violation notices, in BIS violation descriptions, on ECB hearing notices, or in discussions with your managing agent or contractor.
Why It Matters: DIY work that requires a permit can result in serious violations with fines from $600 to $25,000 depending on your building type and the scope of work. DOB can issue a Stop Work Order, require you to remove or redo the work, void your homeowner's insurance, and prevent you from selling or refinancing until violations are cleared. Unlicensed electrical or plumbing work creates major safety risks and liability if accidents happen.
Source: When you need a DOB permit