All Forum Posts by: Steve Sandrews

in Mass you can avoid sprinklers by using IEBC chapter 14, a fire safety analysis of the building.  It must be an existing bldg that you are adding a unit too.  Max bldg size in Mass is 7500 ft2.  Ask your architect about this

In Mass you can avoid sprinklers by using 2015 IEBC chapter 14, a quick fire safety analysis of the building and exits.  Ask your architect.  If you need assistance shoot me a line. 

Hi all,

In Mass you do not need sprinklers when adding units to an existing building if under 7500 ft2 as long as your CSL or architect does IEBC chapter 14 Performance Compliance report. (International Exisiting Bldg Code, used almost everywhere in the world)

You need to fire proof apt doors and fire proof painted walls/ceiling in the exit stairs.

Most Bldg Inspectors and Architects don't know this.

I am a CSL in western mass who writes these reports for about 2-3 k or just tell your architect to use IEBC chapter 14.

YOU NEED ZONING FIRST

OWNERS SHOULDN'T TALK TO BLDG INSPECTORS! only builders and archetects.

Hi, I just completed and was approved in Worcester for a change of use A-2 single unit and 2 R units to an r-2 3 unit.   Zoning was not an issue in this case.  

Owner had kept contacting Bldg Official.  I suggested only her contractor or I speak with him.  They dont like dealing with owners. (Kinda like mechanics charge more for you to watch and help haha)

Chapter 14 IEBC is key.  IBC only for new construction.

I am unaware of any "city" law trumping MGL or IEBC.  

Hi all, new member

Former Mass State Engineer, contractor,consultant,landlord.

Mass DOES NOT require sprinklers in change of use, renovation, adding additional units to EXISTING buildings under 7500 ft2 as long as you use:

IEBC 2015 chapter 14 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE.  Building does NOT need to be brought up to current code either. Commercial/residential mixes are fine.

Performance Compliance rates 21 specific fire safety requirements and as long as you can meet those you are OK.  Typically involves fire proofed exit ways/doors and updated smoke alarms.

MOST inspectors do not know this.  I have done these PC reports in Greenfield, Worcester, Northampton, Turners, Blackstone, SF.  It is there in black and white in the code, no idea why it is not known.

Any engineer, architect and sometimes a CSL can do it, or contact me ($2-3 k for the PC report from me).

 

Mass still uses 2015 though due to change in a year or two though I cant imagine Performance Compliance would change much

IEBC 2015 chapter 14 Performance Compliance allows no sprinklers (7500 ft2 max bldg size in Mass).

IBC allows one exit I believe if sprinkled.

But if this is a shell then sprinkler install is easy and cheaper.  How much of a percentage of total project cost could it be as a shell?  Go new or go home, haha

Hi all, new member

Former Mass State Engineer, contractor,consultant,landlord.

Mass DOES NOT require sprinklers in change of use, renovation, adding additional units to EXISTING buildings under 7500 ft2 as long as you use:

IEBC 2015 chapter 14 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE.  Building does NOT need to be brought up to current code either. Commercial/residential mixes are fine.

Performance Compliance rates 21 specific fire safety requirements and as long as you can meet those you are OK.  Typically involves fire proofed exit ways/doors and updated smoke alarms.

MOST inspectors do not know this.  I have done these PC reports in Greenfield, Worcester, Northampton, Turners, Blackstone, SF.  It is there in black and white in the code, no idea why it is not known.

Any engineer, architect and sometimes a CSL can do it, or contact me ($2-3 k for the PC report from me).

 

Thanks for your time!

At this point I am not interested in any more rental property or leveraging. I do not have losses from the 5 multi families i own and am just wondering if I use Schedule C this year then FAFSA (Federal Student Aid) is more likely to consider me a small business and thereby exclude this asset from financial aid calcs, however if i use E as I have in the past they will count it.

I have no other assets or retirement accounts. I am a small business and I thought the IRS considers me as such (I am single also, no spousal income). Of the 4 college financil aid offices I spoke with 2 have said do not count it as an asset and 1 has said to and 1 had no response.

Hi, i'm new to forum and searched this topic to no avail

I am completing my first kids FAFSA for college student Aid. They allow asset exclusion for farms and small businesses. They say if you have rental property and use schedule E then your real estate assets count as family assets and cannot be excluded.

However if you use schedule C for your rental property you can exclude the assets as a small business.

I started using Schedule E 20 years ago when I had rental properties and a "real" job (W-2).

For over 10 years now I only make money as a small hands on landlord, purchasing, rehabbing and renting and sometimes selling houses on a small scale (12 units total) but still use schedule E, but list myself as a real esate professional according to IRS.

I do my own taxes via software.

Should i start using schedule C this year, and eliminate schedule E. I know I then need to pay FICA/Medicaid if I have a profit but it is small ($20K plus 30K in depreciation)

Anybody have thoughts or links?

Thanks