Highlands, NJ · Member since 2016 · 52 posts · 9 votes
Good Morning All,
I am asking a few questions on building a Multi-Family house on a lot of land that I am planning on buying.
If you have experience with Multi families, id really appreciate any feedback~
I am looking to buy a 4 family house (to keep it residential and not commercial), and I will be living in one of the units and renting the other 3 out.
Now my questions are...
1.) Is there any suggested ways to help pay for the mortgage loan while the house is being built?
2.) I want to build at least 3 stories high, how do I know the height limit that I am allowed to build in a residential area?
3.) What is the zoning requirementss for a 4 family house in a residential area?
Architect & Investor · Bothell, WA · Member since 2015 · 102 posts · 78 votes
9y
Hey Stephen,
I agree with Brian in many aspects. The truth is that building is very complicated, but you can find the zoning maps on the cities website and simply Google "(city) Municipal Code" and look at the "zoning" section. However, the building needs to meet the International Residential Code, the energy code, and be permitted through the city (Planning, building, fire, Civil, etc.). I am absolutely biased, but hire an architect. I am happy to help you navigate these waters to make sure the project is feasible. just send me a message.
Westminster, CO · Member since 2016 · 68 posts · 22 votes
9y
Stephen,
I'm not exactly super-experienced, but here is what I know based on what you have asked.
1. Whenever you're building a home (pretty sure this would apply to a 4-unit as well) you wouldn't have a mortgage during the construction process, you'd have what's called a "construction loan". it's not the same as a traditional mortgage. Once the property is completed, then you would switch it over to a traditional mortgage.
2. Building up would be a matter of checking with local city ordinances to see how high you can build. The community I grew up in had height limits on buildings at the city code level.
3. Again, this would be best to check with the city you are planning on building in. That information should be of public record and easily found through "the google".
At least that's my $0.02 worth. That and $5 may get you a small at Startbucks. :)
Architect & Investor · Bothell, WA · Member since 2015 · 102 posts · 78 votes
9y
Hey Stephen,
I agree with Brian in many aspects. The truth is that building is very complicated, but you can find the zoning maps on the cities website and simply Google "(city) Municipal Code" and look at the "zoning" section. However, the building needs to meet the International Residential Code, the energy code, and be permitted through the city (Planning, building, fire, Civil, etc.). I am absolutely biased, but hire an architect. I am happy to help you navigate these waters to make sure the project is feasible. just send me a message.
Real Estate Investor · Encinitas, CA · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
9y
Stephen Wiater First, I'd call the local planning department. At the very least, to confirm what is on their website about zoning requirements. You could also drive-for-information and look at a new(ish) 4-unit and use the assessors site to see how it is zoned. Have you talked to other developers in the area? I know where I buy it's tremendously difficult to build "within city limits" but if you cross into the neighboring city it's surprisingly easy. You never really know what weird stuff like drainage requirements might exist, how easy it is to get exceptions granted, etc.