2 Family to 3 Costs, legality
I have a Brownstone in Brooklyn, it is already a 2 family house, but I would like to make the basement into a 3rd apartment. I know that the certificate of occupancy for the house says two family, but I have seen other houses that are the same configuration as mine that have the basement…
I have a Brownstone in Brooklyn, it is already a 2 family house, but I would like to make the basement into a 3rd apartment. I know that the certificate of occupancy for the house says two family, but I have seen other houses that are the same configuration as mine that have the basement as a separate apartment, and that is what I would like to do.
I would also like to clarify that when I say basement apartment, it is the bottom floor in the house, but it is not underground. The basement in this house is maybe two feet below street level, it has its own door in the back and the front of the house, and it also has windows in the front that are normal size, that look out onto the street.
I am mostly concerned about the legality of making this work. I am not too concerned about the appearance the actual apartment itself, because I will be the one living in it. I realize I will have to put in a small bathroom and a kitchen, but I was curious to know how what are the roadblock I might face, and much it would cost to legally make this apartment a viable living space for me?
They REALLY don’t like to do that. The DOB rejects these all the time–they don’t like to go up in units. The ceilings have to be at least 7′ tall, if not more. You’ll need an architect to do the paperwork.
If you are living in it, though, you probably can just live there. It’s illegal to rent out most basement apartments, but since you own the space, you can do what you want with it.
I will have to check the C\O, but I don’t think I have an accessory unit, would that be something that I could easily file for? Also does anyone know of a website that where I could easily look at housing rules and regulations, so I at least have a better idea of what I need before I go talk to an architect?
going to a 3 family, you have to have proper fire suppression throughout, or fire escapes. of C/O is for a 2 fam, and you have an accessory unit, just see if you can get taxed as a 3. saves you the whole conversion cost and other crap associated with it.
your going multiple family, subject to multiple dwelling laws. There are egress, fire rating, handicapped accessibility, among a few of many issues. You wont know how stringent/flexible the DOB is going to be until you file plans and know what plan examiner you got. Technically anything is possible, call an architect.
It should not be a major issue as long as you have windows and multiple exits. They are going to tax you as a three family. You know you have to pay the piper. Check with any lawyer who is practical and see what your options are.
The Boiler and hot water heater are both on the floor I am looking to make the apartment in. That is the bottom floor and there is no floor below that.
Where is the boiler and hotwater heater? Do you have other soace below that?