Change house from a 2 to 3 family

I’ve got a two family brownstone. Ground floor and middle floor as one unit and top floor as the second unit. Basically what I want to do is make the middle floor into a legal apt by adding a kitchen, give it its own electric and gas meter. What do I need to do? Just a contractor? Do I need a architect? What am I looking at as far as a estimate? How long would/should this take? Any suggestions?

trini73diva

in General Discussion 3 years and 10 months ago

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jimhillra | 3 years and 10 months ago

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As an architect who has done it several times, I have to agree with the statements above. Depending upon a great many things, this can be a lot of work if the layout is not conducive to three families. And even if there’s not that much reconfiguration, you will most likely need to sprinkler the entire building, which is definitely a lot of work. It will most likely be decades before you recoup the expenses.

mozeeatupu | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Bad idea. You’re going to increase your taxes, costs and regulations with no upside..
If you want a 3 fam, buy a 3 fam.

Guest User | 3 years and 10 months ago

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Not to mention C of O change which is a big headache that you don’t want.

resident2 | 3 years and 10 months ago

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The whole building will need to be bought up to a whole new set of building codes.
If you want a three family it will be much cheaper to sell your current house & buy a three family.
Your Real Estate taxes will also be re-assessed to an amount that will take away all of your 3rd apartments income+++ !
Don’t even waste your time consulting an Architect. They will tell you it can be done and send you down the big money pit…..

shahnandersen

in General Discussion 3 years and 10 months ago

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As well as becoming subject to the multiple dwelling law.

Guest User | 3 years and 10 months ago

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terrible idea….you will need an architect to file and probably need to add sprinklers and reconfigure the hallway…not to mention opening yourself up to new had and gas regulations …. a few hundred thousand