All Forum Posts by: Eric Mcginn

That's kind of what I was thinking, but I wonder what they'd want for a "walkway" non skid coating would be easy but if they want all railings to code all Along the whole roof then I'll probably be better off doing metal fire escapes on the side windows. 

Thank you for the input, I will measure the distance from the window sill to the third floor carpet, it's pretty low, let me see if I can attach pictures. If I can make it just under 20' by bringing the window all the way to the floor that would be great. 

So the thing about the roof is that it continues down such that it's much lower to the ground than the third floor windows. 

I have a 4 unit, there are some bedrooms on the third floor that don't quite meet egress requirements because it's a 22' drop from the window sill instead of the maximum 20' 

I've been thinking of solutions and came up with something that I think might just work. An egress roof window would get you into the roof which could get you over to the second floor stairs, I'd have to add a few more stairs but that would be easy. 

The main question is the roof pitch, can any amount of roof pitch be part of egress? I think it's about a 2/5 pitch. I know ultimately it's up to the town / marshal 

Thank you for responses! 

I was aware of the violations and egress issues and was priced accordingly, I got a killer deal and luckily the 4 rooms on the third floor are extras and not needed by the tenants (kids no longer live there) so I have time to figure out my plan and still have four rentable units. 

Am I able to do plumbing and electrical repairs according to IBC? Or is that just a town question? 

I hear you about the shoveling, I'll plan on getting it done at my expense. 

Ok crazy idea,my understanding is trying that is the finished ground level of the egress window in less than 20' drop than it is allowed for fire egress. Right now it's 22' and I'm considering building a small deck to raise the ground level 3' 

Exterior illumination, can it be motion activated? Solar? Or always on dusk to Dawn? 

3rd floor is split/seperated in half, 
Two bedrooms on one side and two bedrooms on the other side. Each side has its own stairs that comes up the center of the house. 

I think after this I'll be going with another duplex next time! 

for snow removal, that sounds like a tricky situation. Is a landlord always liable if a tenant slips on a slippery exterior surface? 

This question also applied to my third floor egress issue. I've verbally told them that it is not for habitation, I'll have them sign something. But how am I supposed to control and be aware of their use of the rooms? Do I have to board off the third floor? 

Im excited to have just bought a nice Quadplex in Sanford, southern Maine. 

I already own a duplex and sfh that I have rented to LTR tenants for several years so I'm familiar with deing with tenants. 

However, I'm learning that things might be different with a quadplex vs duplex. At least code enforcement seems to be a little stricter with it. 

First off, am I necessarily responsible for walkway shoveling? At my duplex I have a plow come through but the tenants and responsible for their own walkway and stairs. Id like to do the same thing here and will eventually put it in the lease. 

They are also asking for all sorts of exterior and interior egress illumination which had me surprised. 

Lastly are third floor bedrooms which have egress windows that are 22' tall so I have issues and may need fire escapes. Anyone have thoughts or ideas about that? 

They wanted me to run fire sprinklers but it's looking like I'd need a new water main and the total cost would be $30-$50k so I'm planning on dealing with egress instead. 

Thanks for any advice! 

Hello,

I’m dreading tax season because I’ve done pretty well this year. First question, is it too late to spend my money on repairs for this tax bill?

Second question, do I have to pay taxes on a title insurance settlement? I got ~$10k because of an undisclosed easement on a property I bought. It seems to me that I'm not gaining or losing value, aka insurance is giving me only what I've lost in value because of the mistake, no more. So my thinking is that I shouldn't have to pay taxes on it. Of course, I'm not a CPA so this is probably wishful thinking. 

Thinking this will be the first year ill owe money :-( 

Kennebunk savings has been great to work with. Mark Ross knows what's up over there and they were able to do some things other banks couldn't even consider doing in terms of multi units in Biddeford and getting the best LTV

I’m from Arundel, went to Kennebunk hs my friends and family are all there and north shore boston. Are you familiar with the gentrification going on there in Biddeford? It’s crazy! When I bought the place 4 years ago there were dozens of duplex options for under $100k, now there’s nothing close to that price range. 

Wells is beautiful!