All Forum Posts by: Maureen F.

Hi Matthew, I am interested in building an ADU in the basement of my Dorchester three family. It has a high ceiling and there are two exterior doors. Would greatly appreciate your advice!

Sorry @jiva segaran ... But we have decided not to pursue the project at this time. It sounds like the property you're looking at may already be a done deal?

The cost depends a lot on how many feet are being replaced.  With this info you may be able to get rough quotes without them coming out. Photos of the land would be helpful especially if you want to price the digging method as well as the burst method. Digging is generally pricier.

@Richard Beatty -- interesting!  Here's an article about it:

https://www.architects.org/news/additional-dwellin...

It's not targeted for my neighborhood, so doesn't apply ... yet.  Also doesn't sound like there would be a restriction to rent only to a relative.

@taoufik K., Will the new drywall extend to the floor, or just to the top of baseboard? If the latter the baseboard won't look right. (Same issue with door and window trim). Or tear out the baseboard and re-use? Or new baseboard? If the old are good quality could be hard to find comparable. On the other hand if they might be lead-painted replacement could be cost effective.

@Taoufik K.,  Would appreciate contact info. Did you go thru an agent?

Check out the Boston Home Center, they have info for first time home buyers including 3Ds. There's City and state financing programs for purchase and renovation.

The City might try to make you install fire sprinkler system if you replace much drywall.

@Taoufik K. --

 The owner isn't pursuing it currently for several reasons -- he's occupied with refurbishing the rest of the house, and also, the basement is rented out for storage.  I've found out that a variance would be required; it's possible but not easy to get approval and there's no guarantee of success. The building department has an aversion to below-grade units so it's harder to get approval than for an above grade project (such as attic expansion). An investment would need to be made for architecture and legal.  I think the folks who are buying such buildings and condo-izing/flipping are not doing it because of the approval timeframe (could be a year or more) which would stall their entire project.  It's less difficult to get approval to renovate the basement and make it an expansion of the first floor unit. Also the cost to create a unit would be much higher than I originally thought -- relocating existing plumbing, heating and electrical and adding separate systems is expensive. So the short answer is no. Would love to hear from any Boston owners with experience about this.

@Chad Duval - it has City sewer.

@Patrick Wheeler - I'm also a follower.  Pictures from 6 months ago look great!  Do you have an update for us?