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Author Topic: Buying a 2 family house - modification questions  (Read 2172 times)

Offline NYCWriter

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Buying a 2 family house - modification questions
« on: January 21, 2009, 02:20:58 PM »
Hi,

I'm looking at buying a 2 family house in the area and I was wondering what the deal is with building modifications and permits. I'm looking at a house that is For Sale By Owner and it appears that he expanded the back of the house to take up space in the backyard. However, there's no permit or anything listed for that kind of construction work on the NYC Dept of Buildings of website.

* If I buy the house, am I responsible for ripping any work done without a permit?
* Is it possible to get that kind of work that's already done, approved?

Thanks!
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Offline Shelby2

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Re: Buying a 2 family house - modification questions
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2009, 10:45:16 PM »
I have never owned a house so I'm not sure of the answer, but you could try looking at this document about illegal conversions published by the Queens Borough President's Office

I know you are not specifically talking about extra illegal dwellings within the house but I think your issue is related:

If I HAVE  AN ADDITIONAL DWELLING UNIT IN MY HOME, HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS LEGAL?
If you added the apartment to your home without first getting a permit from the NYC Buildings Department, it is illegal, and you must either remove the apartment or seek to have it legalized. If the apartment already existed when you bought the home, you should check the Certificate of Occupancy for the building, or speak with a licensed architect or engineer. Downloadable C.O.’s may be obtained from the Building Information System (BIS) on www.nyc.gov/buildings.
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Offline racert

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Re: Buying a 2 family house - modification questions
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2009, 02:25:10 PM »
If you make an offer, make sure that it is contigent on an inspection.  (Which should be done anyway)  The engineer/inspector will check to see if the house has the proper c/o.  Also you may also have trouble getting a mortgage if it is illegal because it would probably show up in the appraisal for the bank.

I can recommend a good home inspector if you are interested.

Good luck. 
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