1- Family to 2-Family Conversion

Hello, I’m in the process of purchasing a single-family home in Queens. I would like to convert the property into a two-family residence. There are plenty of multi-family properties in the immediate area, I doubt there will be a zoning issue. The current owner filed a permit with the DOB to make an alteration to the property and the contractor did not complete the work and does not plan to complete the work. I’m purchasing the property as-is. Can someone help with recommending an expediting service and architect. Looking for basic two-family layout, I do not need a high-end architect or costly expediting service. Please help. Thanks!!! Cbry

cbry

in Construction 10 years and 7 months ago

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alberl7 | 10 years and 7 months ago

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well,it is very complex now.I have no idea.

cbry | 10 years and 7 months ago

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I just emailed Agustin, thanks “364 house.” I will continue to search and thanks everyone for your advice. Anyone please feel free to chime in.

cbry | 10 years and 7 months ago

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I spoke with an Architect this week and he told me that he would not handle the DOB filings. In the process of looking for architects, and I’ve read about a lot of bad experiences with expediters. I really appreciate the help!!!

cbry | 10 years and 7 months ago

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Hey, The original permit was to raise the house by one level. With the additional level three bedrooms and one bath are in the plan submitted to DOB. Currently the home is a complete shell in the interior of the original ground floor of the property and the second floor which has just been added including a new roof. So I have to finish the complete project which includes plumbing, electrical, etc..

364house | 10 years and 7 months ago

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Contact Agustin Chae at achae@mimarchitects.com He has worked on similar project in Queens

364house | 10 years and 7 months ago

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You initially need an Architect who is familiar with the building type, zoning, code and DOB procedures – Not an Expeditor. Your Architect will determine if he will handle the DOB filings or if the filing is best handled by an Expeditor. This is not a difficult DOB filing. The DOB application that’s currently filed is most likely an Alt. Type 2 which can probably be incorporate within the Alt. Type1 application for the conversion from 1 to 2 family and then be withdrawn or administratively close prior to issuance of the new certificate of occupancy.

Augustiner | 10 years and 7 months ago

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Unless you want to sell one of the units converting a 1 family to a 2 family doesn’t makes a lot of sense financially. It’s an expensive and time consuming process. Just renovate your 1 family and sublet a part of your home.

resident2 | 10 years and 7 months ago

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You make no mention of what the current owners permit was for. If it does in fact have approved plans and a permit to convert to a two family, it sounds very doable. If it does not, then the current owners permit and alteration application needs to be withdrawn or closed out in some fashion. To convert a one family to a two today is not as easy as it once was. You need an expeditor that works in Queens all day, to look into this buildings particular situation. Anyone that says they work in all the Boroughs is like any trade that says they do everything….nothing properly or efficiently. I do not have any buildings in Queens, so i have no recommendations for an expeditor/engineer or architect in Queens. You could go to the DOB in Queens and ask the cashier in the Plans department which expeditor does most filings in Queens, they will be able to point them out to you because they will be there all day every day.