All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

Gotta love when GCs blame the Architect. (Hint hint I am an Architect) 

FYI- Architects don't place boilers on plans as a final location. It's up to the GC to walk with heating/mechanical subcontractor to establish the best location in mech. space and orientation for his ducts/piping. 

If your GC is considering this "architect mistake" and benefiting from the extra work as a change order (more money to him) you should be weary. 

Second thought: What Mechanical contractor installs a boiler based off architect floor plans when they're installing the system!?

Unless you know of a very good GC, provided by someone you know well and knows construction, I would not recommend this route. As an architect myself, this is what we do- space planning. Creating an efficient design aids in the comfort of your tenants. Get a local architect on board.  (Also look at what permits are required. You may need an architect/engineer anyway.)  

I understand I will have to bring something to the table. I have a couple backers which I am in talks with. We would compile our funds for that 10-25% downpayment if necessary. Thank you for the contact. I will reach out to him. 

@Ceasar Rosas- Yes, I run my own small practice- Architect Owl. I tend to stick to my local counties however most of my corp. work experience is within all of NYC. What type of projects do you tend to receive request for? PM me.    

I have researched these options, however I have to work out the time frame between purchase and being rent ready. Thanks for your comment and advice. 

 Good point utilizing the property as collateral. I did not think about this option. Thanks! 

@Christopher Polanco I am an Architect and have worked with several local contractors. I just recently wrapped renovations at my own SFH I just purchased in Yonkers last year. Private message me for my email and I can give you a few contractor contacts to come check out your project/needs.

 Welcome to the site. I am sort of new here also. Happy to see another local. 

Hello all, 

New here and wrapping my head around the logistics within a buy-and-hold strategy on a rehab multi-family property. I am in NY, not NYC- Westchester & Rockland Counties. I am looking at a 5-Family property on a .5 acre lot. Probably a "B-" neighborhood. It's about 5,000 SF with 3-2bdrm 1 bath and 2-1bdrm 1 bath units. The area is zoned for apartment, low density (value-add?). This property has been vacant/decrepit since I can remember (at least 15-20 years). The reason the properties and others like this strike an accord with me is I am an architect and utilizing my professional experience and connections, I know I can turn this into a rent ready building fairly easily.  (This one is likely to be a full gut.)

In looking at financing, being classified as commercial due to 5-family, how would you go about financing the construction? I'm inclined to contact a local portfolio lender. I am assuming I will be able to get the property for a very low price. What typically would I have to put down for construction loan? In my research, the loan can be given based on expected rent rates for the area. These rates are dependent on the lender I assume. (75%, 80%?) 

Anyone have portfolio or other lender contacts local to Westchester & Rockland Counties (NY) that they've used?  

Any insight or contacts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you   

I am an architect licensed in NY. I work in NYC and Westchester County. Is the property in NYC/NY? If so.. there is no way a legal bedroom can occur without windows in a new development. Building code requires "light and air" as well as a minimum square footage of glazing per bedroom. This is also a life safety issue and retroactive, no grandfathering. You need to re-think your plan and question why your architect thinks he can give you 2 illegal units.  

@Arav N. The city's concern is getting the property completed to code. At this stage I doubt the city is worried about quick turn around to collect taxes. 

If this is a third party then that means the city may be overwhelmed and cannot keep up with the construction occurring or this works out better for their staff. Either way, you should have enquired when the sample mock ups were completed as to the remaining construction. Having it in writing goes along way. It seems as though you assumed things would go smoother after mock up but never asked specifically or got it in writing. 

I'd advise to contact the township and talk it out. Don't make demands with them or the third party. They can make things very difficult for you. I deal with inspector in NYC and Westchester County and you tread lightly and sometimes you can't do anything about it.