Cost to update a brownstone in Boston

[Alan M.]

Does anyone have a sense of what it cost to update (not gut) a multi-family that's based in a brownstone in downtown Boston?

3 units, about 2,000 square feet each. 3 beds, 1.5 bath...potential to make it 4 beds and 2.5 baths as part of the update. Basement is 2,000 square feet and unfinished as well.

[Dan K.]

Hi @Alan Miegel

For the basement you’re going to want to do some zoning research to see what FAR is allowed and how many dwelling units you can have. You also need to consider the fact that you’ll need to points if egress. In recent years the city has become tougher when it comes to finishing basements.

As for the work, you can save some money if you sub it out yourself. That being said, because it’s a multi, you’re not going to be able to pull your own permits because it is a multi.