chrismcnally's Profile

  • 2004
  • Brooklyn
  • Bedford Stuyvesant
  • Rental

Author's Posts

July 22, 2009

Buying a Reno'd Brownstone

My partner and I are looking to buy a renovated brownstone in Bed Stuy. We have an accepted offer, but the home inspector says the plumbing and electrical were done with out permits, and from what he can see was not done professionally and possibly not to code.

I think that most of the bed stuy renos that we have seen and will see have been done without permits and probably not to code. Since the walls will be hiding most of the work there is no way to know.

I have a few questions. Is anyone familiar with renovations for sale in the area and should I always expect the home inspector to say the plumbing and wiring are not professional? What is the risk in buying a building that did not have permits pulled. A complete renovation. Could my homeowners insurance refuse to pay in case of fire or flood from the wiring or pipes?

Feel free to tell me your reno purchase experiences. Thanks!

Posted in Forum by chrismcnally at 10:46 AM | Comments (16)
Categories: Inspector

Author's Comments

We just worked with Joe for a home inspection. He is excellent. you will need more than just a normal home inspection by the sounds of it. Nevertheless, here is how to reach avt and joe

718 720 5088

Posted by: chrismcnally at July 22, 2009 9:25 AM in response to Architect / Engineer Report

My friend's building was broken into in May 2009 in South Slope/Park Slope. They used the fire escape to get to the roof, and then they broke through the roof into an apt. The roof had an old skylight that was glass on the roof but covered in the apt by a sheet rock ceiling. The tenant did not know there was a skylight. They busted through the skylight and then the ceiling and they were in the apt. They escaped through a window and down the fire escape in back.

I think the neighborhood residents should look for this roof and fire escape vulnerability and fix it.

Posted by: chrismcnally at May 22, 2009 11:29 PM in response to increase in apartment break-ins?

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

This is a bit frightening to me. How small do you think a skylight would have to be to make it impossible for a burglar to fit through?

Posted by: StuyMom at May 23, 2009 11:27 AM in response to increase in apartment break-ins?