Legalizing Basement vs Lifting House

[Kay Mayes]

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying to get the full potential out of my 2 family home w/full basement. I bought this house with a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom in the basement. It has an electric stove, its own boiler and hot water, its own meter and all rooms have windows. The basement is 2/3 above the curb level.

I want to make this a legal apartment. Is it best I lift the house to get the basement at ground level or attempt to legalize the current basement set up? Your advice is greatly appreciated.