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Legalizing a room?

Started by glamma
about 16 years ago
Posts: 830
Member since: Jun 2009
Discussion about
We have a room in my grandparents house in Queens that I don't think is legal. It was not on the original title, it was added after the house was built but before my grandparents bought it in the 1950's. I spoke to one engineer who said it would cost $12k - $15k to legalize it, but that if we were across the border in nassau, it would be a cakewalk and a filing fee. This figure seems absurdly high to me, but i have no idea about this sort of thing. Anyone? Bueller? Thanks in advance...
Response by nyc10023
about 16 years ago
Posts: 7614
Member since: Nov 2008

Sounds a bit scammish. It's really not an issue unless you want to sell, and even then, it's not an issue if you discount enough or explain the situation. The room could already be legal (i.e. within the code) but it's the plans with the DOB are not current (very common).

Ask around on the Brownstoner forum.

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Response by glamma
about 16 years ago
Posts: 830
Member since: Jun 2009

thanks nyc10023! how are you doing?

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Response by drdrd
about 16 years ago
Posts: 1905
Member since: Apr 2007

I've never understood the why but I remember when looking at single family homes in Los Angeles the realtor would always mention if a structure or a room was not "legal" so I'm following this with great curiosity. Perhaps a realtor or lawyer or architect, etc. will have the answer.

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Response by nyc10023
about 16 years ago
Posts: 7614
Member since: Nov 2008

Hanging in there, glamma. Brownstoner forum is a great place to post this question, as non-recorded changes to buildings happen all the time in bstone Bk.

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Response by alanhart
about 16 years ago
Posts: 12397
Member since: Feb 2007

nyc10023, weren't you thinking of having a baby? Did you change your mind?

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