All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

That's not entirely correct. I am an architect in NY and have been presented with many clients that do not know if they have the money to take on small to large residential improvements. If you have a good local architect, they should be able to understand yor scope of work as well as a preliminary review of the property to determine a ball park cost. I've done this a few times. I'll work with my client and then reach out to my contractor contacts. In my book this is a property analysis and it's probably $700-$2k depending on how detailed a report and varying factors with property location and existing condition. 

Sent you a PM. 

@Steve DellaPelle, I do not know the specific building codes in MA, however here in NY, zoning is generally based on each floor when it comes to houses and bedrooms. Therefore, in your case it depends what the property's attic was originally zoned for. If you have the Certificate of Occupancy (or equivalent) which states what your local building department has it classified for, then it should be clear what the attic/top floor can be used for bedrooms. It will literally state how many bedrooms for each floor. 

Being an architect, it always rubs me the wrong way when, while I was shopping for homes for my family, a realtor would say it's 4 bdrms. HOWEVER, what a realtor says means nothing for the legality of a bedroom. Sometimes i can walk into a bedroom and know it's not legal and the homeowner added it on, split a big room into two or something to increase space. Nevertheless, I digress.. 

Thank you @Vaughn Smith!

I am an architect whom lives and practices out of Westchester County. I do not think you could legally create a "tiny house" from the garage. Currently the garage is classified as an accessory structure and not habitable. You would be converting this to a 2nd building/home on the same lot (unless home spans more than one lot). Zoning, setback requirements and a list of other things would have to be reviewed. Let me know if you need help @Eder Aldana

Hello @Raza Rizvi

I am a Registered Architect in NY State. I have a contact for your plumbing plans. I have contact for a few engineers. Are you still in need?  

Wanted to chime in... 

There are several factors that go into the legality of bedrooms. Some of the issues include light & air requirements, minimum head height, minimum room square footage, minimum glazing square footage to name a few. Local zoning requirements and Floor Area Ratio (FAR) may also be an issue. (Based on my architectural experience and the laws/codes in NYC/NYS.)  

The inability to rent may be one hiccup if the person inspecting is knowledgeable enough. Your biggest problem would be in the sale of the property. If not legal, the attic would be deemed for storage and nothing more.  Hope things work out. 

Thank you @Jonathan Pflueger 

Thanks @Cassio De almeida. Yes I'd like to start with multi-family residential with a buy and hold strategy to accumulate a portfolio of properties. I am sticking to where I know best, Westchester County and possibly in the Bronx.  

Thank you @Dmitriy Fomichenko. This is very helpful. I'm getting use to the areas within the site. 

Hello, I am a new investor joining here. I acknowledge I have much to learn. I am a licensed Architect in NY with many construction industry connections which lend itself to owning property. I am ultimately looking for financial freedom. Thanks in advance everyone.  

Hello all! My name is Jared. I am new to investing and new to Bigger Pockets. I've perused the site the last few months and felt that it was time to take action and engage. 

I currently own a coop (rental) and recently purchased a single family home for my family as our primary residence. They are both located in lower Westchester County, NY. I've spent the brunt of my youth and adulthood in Westchester therefore I am well versed on locations, just need to match this with the real estate knowledge.

Also i am in a very related field. By profession  I am a licensed & registered NY State Architect. I have taken part in the renovation of both my properties as well as many other single and multi-family residential properties. I have connections to contractors, plumbers, electricians, material suppliers (counter tops, tiles, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, etc.) as well as engineers, home inspectors and surveyors. 

I am here to help others with connections but also gain knowledge to dive into investing in the near future. Thanks in advance for your help in my growth.      

Would love to hear how and what properties you started with here in Westchester or other parts of lower NY. (Not NYC. I know this is a different animal.) Starting out is daunting to say the least. Is the first investment deal the most stressful?