Turning a SFR into a duplex

[Chris John]

I was curious to know what goes into turning a SFR into a duplex in terms of zoning, etc? Can you just put up drywall and add a kitchen? Do you need to get the city involved, etc.? Does the house have to be zoned R2 already or does it even matter? I'd love to know some strategies, feedback, stories, etc. if you're willing to share them. Sorry if this is in the wrong section.

Thank you!

[Moises R Cosme]

Chris, 

1. You need to check zoning

2. You need to reach out to the building inspector, they will need to classify the house and you will need to provide them plans for the additional unit

I highly recommend calling the town before you do anything...  I walked through a property in Charlton, MA a few weeks back.  The owner of that property spent $400K to add an in law and an additional apartment on the side of his single family property... The contractors pulled the permits and completed 80% of the work, but then the building department got involved shut down the entire project and forced him into out of the property.  The building department refused to issue an occupancy permit, and he subsequently lost the property.  

Working through bureaucracy is annoying, but going through the proper channels will keep you out of bad situations.