What To Expect From Us

We at Robert Chernack, Architect, P.C.,  strive to provide a convenient and enjoyable experience when planning and designing your project. My design style is varied, to respect the clients request and to provide guidance and visual examples in helping to make your project customized to your needs and desires, however complex or simple that may be. Our office is accommodating to all conditions and situations, with day and evening hours available for meetings. We offer a wide range of Architectural Services, including but not limited to the following:

​

• Designs, Plans, Permits, AUTOCAD, and 3D Drawings
• New Home Designs
• Extensions, Alterations, Conversions
• Cabanas, Garages, Sheds, Decks
• Restaurants, Retail, Office Designs

• Legalizations and Expediting Services

• Large format printing Services

​

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL!!!

​

At Robert J. Chernack, Architect, P.C., our services cover all types of projects including residential, commercial and industrial projects. We are dedicated to providing our clients with prompt, professional and friendly service.

Our goal at Robert J. Chernack, Architect, P.C. is to stay up to date with market tends & materials, all state codes, Town & Village zoning requirements, so that we can always offer you the latest and most current information and services.

In order to attain our company goals, we offer special services such as free estimates and personalized customer service. Give us a call today and allow us to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. We look forward to speaking with you.

​What to do first​
 

• Find a copy of your survey. An Architect, and eventually the Building Department will need copies of the property survey. Some towns and villages will require an “updated” survey, or you may not have a Survey. To obtain a copy of your survey, you can check down at the Town or Village, as they sometimes have a copy on record. You can check your closing papers, or contact your closing attorney.
If all else fails, you will probably have to obtain a new survey. Call our office for a list of Surveyors in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

​

• Prepare a “House Ideas” folder, with any ideas, photos, articles, etc. that will relay your hopes and desires, and do make any sketches, or drawings however crude, to realize and relay spaces, connections, layouts, etc.

​

• Hire an Architect to review your project, and bring the ideas to paper as a guide for the new construction to your house. An Architect will provide Signed and Sealed Plans to obtain a building permit, and ultimately to bid out, and build your project from.
I would not recommend a drafting service, because your project, however small, is your chance to have additional space that functions, and looks pleasing. A drafting service may not have the skill, schooling, and experience to review all options, and prepare a professional set of plans contractors can actually accurately bid and build from. You may save a few hundred dollars now, but can cost you thousands during construction, and could result in inaccurate construction quotes, etc.

 

• LEGALIZATION: Many times people own their house for many years, but have an existing addition, garage conversion, finished basement, etc. that was never permitted or "legalized" with the town. Our office has filed numerous "maintains" or "legalization" of existing non-permitted additions, apartments, decks, garages, and all types of existing structures throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. We have really seen an increase in this process over the past few years. (Towns want the tax money)

 

• Obtain a Building Permit Application, and any other documents needed for permit filing from the Township, or Village in which you reside. Often, our office have most Town, and Village Forms in office, or with some Towns/Villages, you can obtain forms online. Most applications (and other paperwork) need to be signed and notarized by the homeowner.​

​

• Meet with Contractors to review prices, personalities, experience, etc. and ultimately have someone you are comfortable with construct your project. Our office will provide copies of your plans at preliminary, and finished stages to help move the project along in an efficient way, and to confirm project falls within budget.

​

• Obtain insurance & workman’s compensation documents from your contractor for the Town/Village to be submitted with the permit application. Often the town or village needs to be listed as the co-insured. Some Towns, and Villages will allow you to file plans prior to obtaining a Contractor, and his or her insurance. However, a Building Permit is usually withheld until documentation is supplied.​
 

• File your project with your Building Department. Based on your projects location, and scope of work, you may also need a plumbing permit, and permits from other agencies. Homeowners can usually file an application package with their town, or you can have this office file your Permit applications.​
 

• Prepare for the construction work to come. Based on your project, you may have to store furnishings, etc. away from the house or work site. Based on the project, you may need to set up a temporary cooking area (or have a lot of Burger King) if Kitchen renovation is planned.
Some projects may require you to move out of your house for a while, and for the safety and sanity of your family, you may need to look for temporary living arrangements during construction.
You may also want to obtain a “time clause” in your contract with the contractor, to minimize time out of house, or all its uses. Protect any valuables, landscaping, walks, drive, lawns, etc. and coordinate with your contractor , what’s to be protected, kept away from, and off of during construction.​
 

• Take a nice vacation after the construction work and mess are done, you may need it.​
 

• This is a Basic Guide to the plan preparation, and filing process needed for Residential work here on Long Island. Any other question or concerns please call our office anytime.