there are different types of contractors. Some are like me that we quote well not to have to negotiate, and then some quote to see how much they could get away with. If your quote from this contractor is in the middle of the pack you should go with him because he knows values his work and is probably not trying to get over you.

Posted by: leoqueloquen at July 6, 2009 9:12 AM in response to Contractor Estimates

if the meters are new and no one ever filed for them you will need to get an architect to file them and get a plumber to pull a permit as if he was installing them new. He will not have to do any work but to justified them being there a permit needs to be pulled.

Posted by: leoqueloquen at June 4, 2009 4:14 PM in response to Filing for utility meters

yes it is a simple job that could be done in a couple of days. you will need an architect to approve the plans of the deck with the DoB. the new codes don require firescapes on three family house. I just did a similar job in which the person used the firescape as a bridge inside the home

Posted by: leoqueloquen at June 4, 2009 4:06 PM in response to changing a fire escape into...

since I work alot in the DoB there is no reason for you not to change the CO. Since you are already hiring an architect to convert the 2 units into 1 he should just change the CO in the process. Your taxes will be less as a to unit building and you will not run the risk of getting fines from the DoB.

Posted by: leoqueloquen at June 4, 2009 3:59 PM in response to Using 3unit townhouse using as 2

I have a 3 family. I am not complaining because I have a good situation, but I can also tell you that refinancing is easier to do on a 2 family and you will get better rates, because it's less of an "investment" property. Also, if you sell the house the banks might require the buyer to put a greater percentage down, which will make it more difficult to sell. Just some other things to keep in mind...

Posted by: hoffster at June 5, 2009 9:20 AM in response to Using 3unit townhouse using as 2

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Posted by: live212work at June 5, 2009 8:53 PM in response to changing a fire escape into...

The real problem is for refinance/resale/etc, in which case you must must must have a c of o that reflects the actual state of the house. So probably no rush but you should do it eventually!

Posted by: feral at June 23, 2009 12:55 PM in response to Using 3unit townhouse using as 2

If the job is smallish maybe you can pay for labor only and ask the contractor to provide a shopping list of material and supplies. If you buy the stuff on your credit or debit card you can return the extra stuff for a refund.
Remember a great deal of stuff (or small quantities) can be delivered overnightfo a small charge. (home depot and lowes.)

Posted by: Ysabelle at July 6, 2009 9:59 AM in response to Contractor Estimates

If he's not flexible, all other things being equal, it might mean he's busy, which might mean he's good. It all comes down to references, seeing the work he's done, seeing a jobsite he is currently working on, and picking someone reliable who will do what they say the way you want it done, and do it well. Price is just one part of the triangle - good, inexpensive, fast - you can usually have any two, but almost never three at once.

Just because there's a recession does not mean this guy is hungry...

Posted by: raphael9 at July 6, 2009 6:43 PM in response to Contractor Estimates

Sometimes it is a power struggle.If the price is not too high from what you want and his references, licensing and work are good then you can go with him. You also have to feel comfortable.

In this market it's surprising how many contractors are not negotiating. One guy gave me a quote that was too high and i told him I scaled back the scope because I did want to use him and then asked him to price the new scope accordingly. He then said it would be the same price. I said sayonara.

THen he called me to see if I still needed a contractor- guess the work slowed for him but no way he had his chance.

Posted by: argentina at July 11, 2009 8:34 PM in response to Contractor Estimates