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November 18, 2008
Length of time to change SRO designation
Has anyone had experience changing an SRO to a two family c of o.
How much time is needed to finalize the paper work?
Comments
A lot depends on luck & who you deal with at the department. I had a couple of friends who got one in no time but then another couple evidently alienated someone & it took them 10 years & lots of expensive legal help & alterations - both interior & exterior.
Posted by: Arkady at November 18, 2008 4:17 PM
It's not just paperwork, you also have to file drawings showing how you're reconfiguring the building.
Someone, I know just converted an SRO on the UWS to a two family (he wanted to convert to a one-family, but the last remaining tenant wouldn't leave). It took him two years. Many legal battles with the tenant, who's still there. Numerous stop work orders, landmark issues, etc.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at November 18, 2008 4:38 PM
I will likely be facing this situation in Harlem soon (awaiting acceptance of a short sale). It is clear to me that you definitely need an architect + expediter involved, and the cost can be as high as $20K, and it will take months but shouldn't take more than one year if you have a cert of no harassment (which we do).
Does anyone have a recommendation for a specific expeditor + architect who has experience converting Harlem SRO's? I have spoken with a few people, but I'm not yet sold on any of them...
Posted by: el_salar at November 18, 2008 4:52 PM
Took us about 18 months, though that was in part due to getting some of the actual work completed. We had our Certification of No Harrassment when we bought the place, and approved plans (which we modified). Plumbing and electrical inspections went fine, then had one small issue on the overall inspection which was quickly rectified.
Used Schnall and Schnall. Their a bit rough around the edges to deal with but get the job done.
Posted by: 1842 at November 18, 2008 5:03 PM
As has been suggested, one of the real obstacles to a conversion is the Certificate of No Harassment required for an SRO. Can be tricky and potentially very time consuming.
El salar, there is a Harlem homeowners yahoo group that is very informative and should be a great resource for something like this. Haven't checked in recently but do a search and you should find it no problem.
Posted by: housebywe at November 18, 2008 7:42 PM
Here it is.. http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/harlemhome/
Posted by: housebywe at November 18, 2008 7:43 PM
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