“Furnished Rooms” on a C of O?


Does anyone know what exactly the terminology “furnished room” means on a C of O? We are in the processing of buying a brownstone that has one floor currently being used as SRO housing (3 apartments that share a common bathroom). The other floors are regular apartments (3 1-family units). I know banks won’t generally lend to SRO houses, but I don’t understand exactly what this “3 furnished rooms” on the 3rd floor would mean to an apppraiser. Two of these “furnished room” units have small kitchenette (burner/sink), but they could easily be removed (someone suggested this to avoid the appearance of being used as an SRO).

It total, it says the property is: “3 families and 3 furnished rooms; Class A multiple dwelling – converted.”

If anyone could help me decipher what this means, especially in terms of getting a mortgage, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Categories: C of O
By Gravy | 07/03/2008 2:30 PM | Comment

C of O for an addition?


We are looking at a house (Landmark Dist) that has a 1-story extension built many years ago. When I checked the C of O (issued in late ’50s), it seems like it was never amended to include the addition. The addition is part of the ground floor rental unit. Is it illegal to rent the space without a C of O? Is it a violation to have an addition without a C of O?

If anyone can help clarify the implications of this it would be very helpful. Thanks!

Categories: C of O
By Gravy | 06/05/2008 11:59 AM | Comment

Kitchen Solariums


We are thinking about trying to build a solarium off our kitchen (there is a ground floor extension below), possibly with a small deck/terrace extending off the back. If anyone has undertaken a similar project and can RECOMMEND AN ARCHITECT with experience working on this type of project, it would be appreciated, as are any personal stories or advice on solarium renovations. This will likely be part of a total kitchen reno. Thanks.

Categories: Renovation
By Gravy | 05/28/2008 4:53 PM | Comment