Converting basement into a one bedroom permit or no permit ?
7 Replies
Jamie Hobson
from Baltimore/ DC Metro
posted 7 months ago
I have a single family property where I want to convert the basement level into a one bedroom rental in order to capitalize on rental space and bring in additional income. All I need to do is add a small kitchen, and it’s ready to rent, trying to save on costs, should I get this kitchen permitted? Should I even convert it?It’s a buy and hold rental property and I have no intention on selling... advice?
Alan Feldman
from York, PA
replied 7 months ago
on top of a permit to build, you may need an annual rental inspection. depends on your local municipality.
Also basement bedrooms need fire escapes, like egress windows.
better do it with permits.
Matthew Irish-Jones
Real Estate Agent from Buffalo, NY
replied 7 months ago
@Jamie Hobson there can be a lot more work than you think to get a basement permitted for living conditions. I would advise you to 100% absolutely get a permit. If there was an issue and someone got hurt or killed living in an non-permitted basement you will have a very large issue on your hands. Your LLC may not even protect you if you have one, and your insurance company will leave you out to dry.
Where I live you need an access and egress window at a bare minimum to have a permitted basement. That can be a costly endeavor by itself depending on the foundation. There are a lot of other codes to follow as well. I would have a conversation with your local building dept first.
Jamie Hobson
from Baltimore/ DC Metro
replied 7 months ago
@Alan Feldman thanks! I didn’t know basements needed that!
Jamie Hobson
from Baltimore/ DC Metro
replied 7 months ago
@Matthew Irish-Jones thank you! I didn’t realize how much went I to this! Can it get pricey?!?
Matthew Irish-Jones
Real Estate Agent from Buffalo, NY
replied 7 months ago
@Jamie Hobson yes it can. If you are adding a kitchen you need to move plumbing, potentially gas lines, I already mentioned the egress issues, and there may be further codes and restrictions depending on your local municipality .
I would call the building dept first... then figure out if you can afford the remodel, and all of the regulations.
Jamie Hobson
from Baltimore/ DC Metro
replied 7 months ago
@Matthew Irish-Jones thank you so much!
Tony Merchan
Real Estate Broker from New York, NY
replied 7 months ago
@Jamie Hobson yes get a permit , you don’t want the city to come and give you a violation those can be up to 10k or more depending on the conditions.