Need Advice: Conversions
My family owns a 4 story (plus basement) house in brooklyn. We are considering changing it from a 3-family to a 4-family. What are the cons of doing this? What changes will we be required to make to meet building codes? what kinds of things might our house need in order to make this transition?…
My family owns a 4 story (plus basement) house in brooklyn. We are considering changing it from a 3-family to a 4-family. What are the cons of doing this? What changes will we be required to make to meet building codes? what kinds of things might our house need in order to make this transition? It is very difficult to find clear information on this anywhere. Thank you!
Hey few things,
There’s a reason most places are not 4 family but 3 or 6 family. It has to do with taxes – substantially more and little difference btw 4-6 family might as well go for 6. 4 or more becomes “commercial” property as well so a regular home owner would have to apply for a commmercial loan rather than personal which would limit you to selling at a later date. (bad niche, too small for large investor too big for regular couple) As everyone else mentioned, the cost will run high up. I’d suggest doing what most people do, make one apartment connect to the other level for larger space (like 1st to basement) so you can rent for more and not go through so many hassles. I’ve seen this done in many places… not sure if they have papers done or not… keep existing stairs and you should be fine doesn’t affect normal egress. Lastly, most basements may not qualify there’s a building code that dictates whether your basement is habitable or not… something like 50% height to street qualification. someone can tell you more I’m sure in this forum
jock you have it backwards, he wants to go up not down.
Thank you very much for your help! Alot to think about. I appreciate you responding to my questions.
Going up in number of families, you’ll definitely have to have sprinklers if you don’t already. That’s the biggest thing. Other than that, there are a whole host of other code requirements that you’d have to meet.
The only way you’re going to get a complete list is by having an architect visit the building, walk through every floor, and make a list of all the specific items that might need to change to meet code.
If you haven’t had a job filed with the DOB in a long time, then consider that you may very well have items that don’t meet code already and would have to be fixed for a new C of O even if you’re not changing the number of families.
There is a lot to consider. You should call an architect and discuss the specifics in as much detail as possible.
Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture
Multidude of requirements. Where do you want to start ? Hire a professional architect or engineer and get moving if you want.
You have to consider egress, MDL issues, light and air, zoning density, sprinkler system. Enough said ?
and your taxes will go way way up.
Going down is easy. You will need a permit and to change the C of O.