adding on in a co-op
We have a rare opportunity to purchase an unused storage room adjacent to our small apt (in Ft. Greene) and add on an additional 250+ square feet. The space is currently unlivable, basically a garage type space so we’re talkin major reno here. We need a larger home b/c our family is growing and it…
We have a rare opportunity to purchase an unused storage room adjacent to our small apt (in Ft. Greene) and add on an additional 250+ square feet. The space is currently unlivable, basically a garage type space so we’re talkin major reno here. We need a larger home b/c our family is growing and it is now way too expensive to move up in the hood. This could be a wonderful investment or a complete nightmare. Should we go for it or move to a cheaper neighborhood?
The Bx and Staten Island are affordable.
This would never be approved by the building department. Minimum ceiling heights are 7′-6″ in multi-family buildings.
I suggest moving to Queens. That’s the only affordable Borough.
Ceiling heights of 7 feet do not add value to your apartment. That’s a dog house. would you pay %800/sf for that?
Ceiling Ht. less than 7′. that is very tight, but if your family is on the short side… it may work for you. Hire a design architect and see what he/she thinks have them consider the entire space as there may be other options. Moving is totally your decision…
You could also (possibly) dig the new space so that you take a couple of steps down and you have 9 ft height. Definitely talk with an architect or two (all I’ve dealt with offered and in-site consultation for free), do the same with a constructor and discuss potential issues and rough cost. Speak with the board to ask about price, and be ready to make an offer.
This could be a great opportunity, do look into it quickly before it’s gone.
Good luck!
I would contact an architect to give you some idea of what you’re looking at, and possibly a GC in terms of any plumbing, etc issues. It sounds like it would improve your quality of life as well as add some value to the place should you ever decide to sell.
Get a dungeon-mistress first. Then go shopping in the west village, and outfit your new sadomasochism room with whips, chains, and cages to your hearts’ desire.
What’s confusing? See how much $$$ the condo board would want for the space, then get an architect in to tell you what you’re up against. There’s a helluva lot to be said for not moving, especially when you’re in a great hood like Ft. G.
And if you decide against it, do please let us know where the cheaper neighborhood is.
We are on the ground floor, and the floors should be level with the added on space. However, the ceiling height would be a factor. After finishing the ceilings and concealing the plumbing, wiring, etc., the ceiling height would definitely be below 7ft. This is our main concern. I don’t think plumbing would be a major problem to extend. We have had no pest problems…
Taking the first steps is a bit confusing…Do we get an architect first, or a lawyer, or talk to the coop board (they have informally said that they want something done with that unused space, and our idea was mentioned, without rejection)?? What would your recommendation be?
What is the construction of the adjacent room? Is it level with your floor? what are the ceiling heights? Can you extend plumbing to it? It sounds like you are on the ground floor, is there a mouse, cockroach or termite problem?
It’s too tough to give advice without more information. It could easily become a “den” or the master bedroom suite. Can you get plumbing/drainage to it?