DOB-001: Adding Apartment Square Footage

Friends recently asked me about enclosing their balcony in order to add square footage to their Upper West Side coop apartment. This is a problematic proposition for two reasons: 1. Changing the building's square footage needs to be recorded with the DOB (Dept. of Buildings) as a schedule "A" change 2. The co-op board needs to consent to the added square footage, initiate the DOB filing and pay the DOB fees. The better strategy is to purchase the apartment next door and combine the two apartments into one. This action does not require a schedule "A" change of occupancy as per TPPN (Technical Policy and Procedure Notice) #3/97, but will mean a higher mortgage and increased maintenance fees.