skinny hallway in possible purchase

[Michael M.]

Found a good 2 family where the numbers work nicely.  Classic flip job with laminate floors, new coat of grey paint, etc.  Only thing that is weird is that there is a hallway that measures only 30 inches across.  It is a short hallway (about 6 feet long) that provides access to the living room and 2 bedrooms.  It felt a little narrow so I took out the tape.  Everything else in the house seems perfect.  Is this something that I should worry about, or is it not a big deal?  Doesn't look like there is any space to widen the hallway easily.  The house is over 100 years old, but this looks like a recent renovation...

[Jared W Smith]

Thanks @Scott Wolf,

@Michael M. You are right, when people go in and renovate or flip and do not take out permits, there are areas which are just plain weirdly laid out or blatantly against the code. This is because they aren't engaging an architect (or engineer) whom is familiar with what is allowed and what is not. 

Bottomline, if you are renovating / flipping this property and floor plans will be developed for NYC permits, a 30" hallway would not be legal. I'd have to look at the circumstance in NYC Building Code but 36" is usually the minimum. Also logistically, how is the occupant going to move their furniture through a 30" hallway? Stuff like this is exactly why flippers need experience and/or need to engage a design professional. Who ever was there prior wasn't acting correctly.