New York City's Non-Primary Residence Surcharge raises important questions for owners undertaking major residential renovations. This article examines how the surcharge may apply when a property is under construction and can’t be occupied as the “Primary Residence”.

Why luxury renovation and construction projects succeed or fail in New York City — and what to do about it.

New York’s construction access laws just saw their biggest overhaul in 50 years. For townhouse owners, the 2025 update to RPAPL §881 fundamentally shifts the power dynamic, ending the era of "neighbor ransom" and silent delays. Discover how the new "commercially reasonable" standard protects your budget and keeps your project on a defined, 60-day timeline.

Keeping projects on budget is not luck. It takes clear planning, disciplined tracking, and the right team. At Align, we bring order to complexity with proven systems that track every cost and keep scope, schedule, and value aligned.

Contractor selection is more “dating” than bidding. Choosing the right contractor means looking beyond accolades - and asking the right questions. Learn a structured, outcome-first process that protects your budget, timeline, quality, and peace of mind.

Construction happens, and insurance shouldn’t stand in the way. Explore how Align helps you secure smart coverage that protects against common gaps—from wrongful denials to missing subcontractor policies—and keeps your project moving forward.