English Basement Question

I am not an architect, but here's my understanding. If the basement is more than 50% above grade it's legally habitable space. If it's more than 50% below grade, it's not. Changing the C of O will require approved plans and satisfactory inspections confirming that you've met code requirements. Good luck.

Posted by: guest at September 13, 2007 3:49 PM

I have a frame building in Greenpoint that has a C of O of "One Family with 4 Boarders" but is being taxed as a 2-family. I bought it in a state of being an illegal 3-family set-up. After some research of options (including consulting mega-expeditor Scott Schnall) a frame house cannot BECOME a multiple dwelling (3 or more units), but of course there are many frame houses with 3+ units that are allowed out of grandfathering.

SO the only option for us frame 1-fams at best is a becoming a 2-family, which should be fairly "easy". Call Scott Schnall at 718-875-2036 on the dot at 7am when they open--they only have 1 phone line and it is always busy! Basically with him you can sketch out the current/future configurations, he turns them into plans, and submits it all to the city WITHOUT an architect.

Good luck and keep us posted!

P.S. My place now is legal with 1 kitchen :)

Posted by: guest at September 13, 2007 5:28 PM

How does he do this without an architect?

Posted by: guest at September 14, 2007 7:39 AM

Why not put the rental on the top floor, and include the English basement in the owner's duplex (or triplex depending on the house).

If you find it's illegal to rent out the basement, that would be the only answer. Plus, keep in mind English basements will occasionally flood in bad storms. Even the the most dry ones. You do not want to have to deal with paying for a hotel for your tenant while you clean up and dry out their living space.

Posted by: guest at September 14, 2007 4:36 PM