Converting a 1-family to a 2-family
I am interested in a house that is categorized as a 1-family house. What would it take to convert the ground floor into a legal rental unit? Also, how much does the paperwork usually cost, and how long does it take? Thanks!
I am interested in a house that is categorized as a 1-family house. What would it take to convert the ground floor into a legal rental unit? Also, how much does the paperwork usually cost, and how long does it take? Thanks!
I converted a 1 family (with no C of O) 3 story brownstone to a 2 family with a garden level 1 bedroom and a 3 bedroom upper duplex and it was no big deal. The biggest cost was for the architect drawings. I wrapped it up with a new addition so I don’t know what the conversion cost was. There is very little difference between 1 and 2 in terms of DB requirements. A fire rated wall to separate the apartments, an exhaust vent for the first floor stove (recirculating carbon filter) and that was about it in terms of construction. I didn’t use him but Scott Schnall (architect) does this all the time and will tell you pretty quickly what you need.
What do you mean by “categorized as a 1-family house”? Does it have a CofO as a one family or does it not have a CofO at all but is listed with DoB as a one-family. If the latter, **I believe** it might be possible to get a “Letter of No Objection” from DoB to use it as a two-family.* You need to speak to an architect or a RE lawyer about this.
*EXPERTS: Please correct me if I am wrong about this.
First you need to see if the zoning will even allow it. Then there are fire rating issues. Cost would depend upon how much would need to be done. How long? The drawing would depend upon how much needs to be done, but maybe a month. Filing a month or so. Contact an architect, you will need a permit and a new C of O. There are several of us here on the board. Good luck!