I have to apartments that I want to connect – NOT combine. Meaning that I don’t want to remove one of the kitchens. Rather, I want to put in what is known as a ‘door of convenience’, something that used to require a simply-gotten permit from DOB. I am told by several contractors that these are no longer allowed, but I think they actually are – one just needs a savvy expediter. Has anyone done this successfully and can you tell me how and with whom? There was one expediter who told me he could do it, but the fee was outrageous. Help? Thx.

P.S> If anyone knows how easy/difficult it is to then get permits to take out the door and reinstate a wall between the apartments, that info welcome as well. Thanks very much.


Comments

  1. Well, that does it DIBS, as long as the OP takes bout the plaster and lath in small quantities, over a considerable time period 🙂

  2. Doors are easily put into a load-bearing wall. Just add jack studs and make a lintel out of two 2 X 8s with a piece of plywood sandwiched in the middle.

  3. Bob — I actually had the image of two medieval tapestries on either side, hung from a gilded pole. But secret entrance bookcases would be AWESOME. Even better than the fish tank idea I posted in the Shower/Tub forum.

  4. Umm…

    (1) You own both apartments? If yes, go to questions 2.

    (2) Is it a load bearing wall? If yes, wait for someone else’s response. If no, go to question 3.

    (3) Hire a contractor, cut a hole and put in a door.

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