Joining 2 adjacent apartments

Path,

You should be able to combine apartments but you should check with your building before you buy. You will need to get architectural drawings as well as the proper permits

One of the worst parts might be that the combined resulting maintenance/cc's could go through the roof....

what happens to maintenance/cc typically ? they re just combined (simple addition) too no ?

You'll need Building Approval first, LPC (landmark) approval if in landmarked district, and DOB approval. Depending on how the building is filed you may also need to file for a change of C of O. If you can email me the address, we can look into it, geisner@builtinstudio.com. You can find the current C of O for your building on the DOB website.

Construction-wise, the only thing you are really required to do is remove one of the kitchens.

In a condo, either you or the condo association (I've seen both) files an Amended Condo Declaration and plans to combine the two tax lots.

CCs are the total of the two. E.g., 1% of the Common Interest plus 1.5% of the Common Interest equals 2.5% of the Common Interest.

If you want some hallway space, that's licensed from the condo rather than having Common Interest assigned to it. (In a co-op, on the other hand, the co-op would just allocate some additional shares to the hallways space.)

in many cases, the common charge may come down a little based on how the building calculates it

No. In no case can CCs go down. To do that, the corresponding reduction in the two units' Percentage of Common Interest would have to be divvied up among the other unit owners (increasing their CCs,) which cannot happen.

From the construction point of view: you will need to hire an architect to develop the plans/ file with the management. Hire an expediter (usually thru architect) to file with the DOB/landmark (if applicable). Hire contractor (he will take care of permits. If you are interested we can give you more information we have been doing it for 18 years in the city: 212 685 6358 Andrew

I agree with GA_12, there is a lot of work involved in getting apartments combined legally. You need to involve the right people.

On the apartments themselves, there is also the matter of getting value from the space. If you have two contiguous apartments and decide to combine, consider yourself incredibly lucky and a combination is still a steal compared to an original 3+ bedroom. Worth the trouble if the situation is right...

Thank you everyone! Very valubale comments. Will certainly contact you guys if the project moves forward.

You will need to file with DOB showing the combination of units with removal of one of the kitchen's (now would be a time to renovate if you were planning it). You will also need to file an application with the Dept. of Finance combing the two tax lots. The application package includes 1) amending the condominium declaration 2) amending the offering plan 3) amending the Schedule B and by-laws 4) show floor plans of the units before and after the combination. DOB and DOF plans and applications need to be prepared by an Architect while a lawyer needs to draft the amendments to the condo deck, Schedule B and by-laws.

DOB guidelines on combining Apts. here:
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/codes_and_reference_materials/tppn0397.shtml
DOF Condo Apportionment process:
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/pdf/property/pro_506.pdf

Please contact me if you need help in this process. I have experience with Condo/Co-op unit combination's and renovations.

www.studiolabdesign.com

great information. Any insight on what's needed when just installing a door in the wall between 2 adjacent condo units? I haven't seen any reference on the DOB site for this case. The unit ownership remains separate, but is there a code for the door (does it have to be a fire door for example)?

much appreciated.

SE didn't refresh the thread after finishing their review of the comment. Any thoughts on the previous post?