Converting a 2 family into a three family home

I purchased a two family built in 2002 I finally recieved my COO in 2007\. It has three floors and a basement first floor is an open space with garage. Second and third floor are full 2 br apartments. I would like to convert the first floor and garage into an apartment. If anyone can guide me on the right direction and not make any expensive errors on this project.

jasonperna

in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 9 years and 8 months ago

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jasonperna | 9 years and 8 months ago

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Thank you all for taking the time out to give me this much needed insight.

jasonperna | 9 years and 8 months ago

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Thank you all for your advise and time. It’s a brick home built in 2002\. The garage is part of the first floor. I also checked in with zoning and was told due to the amount of unit the parking requirement would be waived. I don’t want to get into a black hole of spending resources that I don’t have.

curiositykilledthecat | 9 years and 8 months ago

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Know that if the structure is wood-framed, this conversion will not be allowed by DOB. Good luck!

dorkofwindsor | 9 years and 8 months ago

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I am not an architect or an expert but i would strongly encourage you to search the archive. it is very expensive, as you will need plans and the whole house will need to be fitted with an an expensive commerical sprinkler system etc. It is not a small event. The whole house may need to come unto current code for an alt-1\. You will be dealing with the DOB gestappo / black hole who may contradict things your architect tells you and string things out for 6 months, a year… etc. You may need new fire blocking, your taxes weil be re-assessed upwards,,,, i encourage you to search the archive before finding someone who tells you it is doable and downplays how difficult and expensive the change will be. Hearing others discuss, personally there is no way on earth i would ever consider (legally) going from two to three in the current dob environment.

shahnandersen

in Dept. of Buildings (DOB) 9 years and 8 months ago

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Does the zoning permit multiple dwellings (a 3 family is, a two family is not)? Does the zoning require parking? If so you can remove the garage. Do you have adequate buildable floor area if the ground floor is counted? Is the “basement” floor at least 50% above legal grade? Also there are a lot of building code requirements for three family building that are not required in two family ones. Can you meet them? You need to get a review by an architect to determine if it is possible and what you have to do if it is..

resident2 | 9 years and 8 months ago

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The whole process is an expensive time consuming can of worms that is not worth it. You will never get the rent roll to make it worth the time & money and re assessed Real Estate tax bill for your effort. If you want a 3 family family, then sell this & buy a 3-4 family house.