Buying a condo contingent on ability to convert

I'm a potential new condo-owner considering buying a one bedroom but would like to be able to convert it to a two bedroom (want to either share with my sister or rent out the room). Given the crack-down on temporary walls my understanding is that many buildings no longer allow this. Though, some brokers still say that once I own the place I am free to do whatever I want to it. I have done some... [more]

I'm a potential new condo-owner considering buying a one bedroom but would like to be able to convert it to a two bedroom (want to either share with my sister or rent out the room). Given the crack-down on temporary walls my understanding is that many buildings no longer allow this. Though, some brokers still say that once I own the place I am free to do whatever I want to it. I have done some research and it looks like the "correct"/legal way of going about making a one bedroom into a two bedroom is via a lengthy/costly(?) permitting process and then getting the new layout approved and filed with the NY department of buildings (I think that's what it's called). However, I'm wondering what people (either brokers/buyers/renovators) have actually experienced given the scenario seems a bit circular -- i.e., how can I bid on and buy a place contingent upon being able to convert it given my understanding is that I won't know for sure that it is 100% allowed until the DOB is involved? Is it simply saying the following when submitting bids? "I am offering $x for your condo contingent upon the condo's approval of allowing me to officially convert it to a 2br"? Is there anything else I should be thinking of? Thank you for any insights! [less]