Awning NYC: What Business Owners Should Know Before Installing an Awning

The fundamental fact that New York business owners need to know is that, while you create virtually any design you want for NYC awnings, there are rules that govern where and how you can install NYC awnings. So in some cases it might not be possible to get exactly what you want. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get something that’s entirely spectacular.

Here’s what you need to know about the rules, in a nutshell.

  • You have to get a permit before you can even begin construction of NYC awnings, because part of the approval process includes review of your architectural and/or engineering drawings.
  • If your building has been officially designated as a landmark, or you’re located in a “historical district,” you have to get a permit from the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission before you can apply for your permit from the Building Department. And by the way, each borough has a separate Building Department.
  • The permitting process will be far faster and less stressful if you allow your full-service professional awning company to handle it on your behalf. They know the people and the process better than you do.

Before you even get to the permitting process, you’ll need to know which municipal codes apply to your building and part of the City. And your landlord or neighborhood business association may impose additional requirements or limitations. These rules may cover aesthetics such as allowable colors and text, and they will certainly define size, materials, installation techniques and other factors that affect structural integrity.

Installing your NYC awnings is the last step, so there are a number of other things you should consider first about your NYC awnings project.

Illumination.

NYC is called the City That Never Sleeps because people work and play here around the clock. If your NYC awnings aren’t illuminated, you’re missing half the action in terms of potential customers or clients. That’s not good for business. You need light. In some locations, you might want to illuminate your NYC awnings even during the day.

Awnings can be lit from within or underneath, called back-lighting, or you can highlight them with external lights. You may be able to use low-energy lights, which will help reduce your electricity costs.

Design and materials.

Successful NYC awnings are uniquely designed for their business. The whole point is stand out from your neighboring businesses and from your competition, wherever they’re located. Your NYC awnings can also protect people from year round weather, shade your windows to cool your interior and create inviting, refreshing outdoor spaces for food and beverage service or other activities.

In other words, custom design is critical. Your one-stop awning company can help with every detail, from giving you great ideas and guidance to producing outstanding graphic design, fabricating your awning and installing it using an OSHA-certified crew. They can provide full color autoCAD drawings for you or your architect or contractor, and they can provide full color renderings so you can see exactly what you’re getting before you approve it.

You can get a fast quote on price, and the entire project can be completed in a surprisingly short time, too.

Franchise-friendly.

If you’re a franchisee, you also have to take your parent company’s wishes into consideration before installing NYC awnings. Here’s another area where your awning experts can help, if you choose a company that’s used to working with franchise corporations. They can easily interpret the specs provided by your franchise headquarters, and they can serve as professional liaison between you and corporate staff.

You never have to become an expert on NYC awnings to get just what you need. And with an experienced pro at your side, it’s not just the permitting process that will go more smoothly.

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