c/o for existing 2nd floor dormer and bathroom (Hempstead: for sale, how much)

[lihousing]

Has anyone gone through the process of getting a certificate of completion (or variance---depending on the town) for a dormer and bathroom that were added to the second floor? I'm thinking of purchasing a house and the seller doesn't want to provide one. I know this isn't ideal, but the purchase price has been discounted significantly to make this tempting.

The house in question is in West Hempstead. We spoke to the Town about it and don't think it's too onerous. Just not sure how much it would cost for an architect to draw up the plans. If anyone has done it before, can you give an estimate of the costs involved?

Thanks!

[GPC]

Are you going through a bank to purchase the house? Generally a bank will require a certificate of completion as a condition to close. My house had a rear dormer when we bought it and a few years later we blew out the front so what was once a cape with a rear dormer is now a colonial. I believe the architect fee was $2,000 to draw up the plans that had to be submitted to the town. Then there are fees for the permit, electrical inspection, plumbing inspection, etc. It would be better for you if the current owner did all of this and like I said before, it may even be required if you're going through a bank. I believe you could possibly close without this paperwork if it's an all cash purchase.

[Kbinspections]

Don't do it. Worst case....you have to tear down the dormer......they did not discount it that much. There are many other homes for sale. Why wouldn't the owner get it? ost likely they are hiding a major issue.

Variance is not the same as a CC or CO. Did the footprint of the original house change?

Suffolk or Nassau? What Town?

[lihousing]

The footprint of the house hasn't changed. They added a small addition (not sure if it's technically a dormer) to install a bathroom on the 2nd floor where there wasn't one originally. It is directly over the first floor bathroom.

We spoke to the Town (Hempstead) and they said we'd have to apply for a "permit to maintain" --- that it would not have to be removed, but maybe brought up to code. We plan on redoing the roof and the bath eventually, so we think that we could take care of any code violations (if they exist) then. We already had an engineer's inspection and there were no red flags. Plumbing is in working order, no leaks, etc so we don't think we'd necessarily need to go down to the studs and re-do. Maybe just update a few features.

[LIgirl74]

I sent you a PM on this matter. I hope it helps you in whatever decision you decide regarding the house.

[Burb]

Originally Posted by lihousing

Has anyone gone through the process of getting a certificate of completion (or variance---depending on the town) for a dormer and bathroom that were added to the second floor? I'm thinking of purchasing a house and the seller doesn't want to provide one. I know this isn't ideal, but the purchase price has been discounted significantly to make this tempting.

The house in question is in West Hempstead. We spoke to the Town about it and don't think it's too onerous. Just not sure how much it would cost for an architect to draw up the plans. If anyone has done it before, can you give an estimate of the costs involved?

Thanks!

My advice FWIW would be to press the seller in to getting the proper CO expedited. A seller not willing to get a CO would make me concerned that their not disclosing something about the construction. If time is their issue, have them escrow a sizeable sum until they get the proper sign-offs.

If you're convined this is the right house for you and you want to move forward without a CO, I'd add in worst case cost assumptions to completely rebuild the space and double it, then add that to the price of the house, if you still believe it's under market go for it.

[Kbinspections]

It will be a couple of grand for the drawings. It will have to be brought up to today's codes. There are front and side clearances for the toilet. You will have to get an NYSFU certificate for the wiring and punch some holes in the walls.

Burb is on the right track plus the taxes will go up.

I would still have them do it or pass on the house.

[JonnyTrees]

You also may need an updated survey to get CO. If anything else has changed on the property: additions, sheds, decks, etc that are unknownst to the town or if walls, fence, sheds etc don't have proper setbacks, be prepared to rectify the issues at your cost.

[buildercrystal]

You're better off buying a 1 story home, or a cape- and doing work yourself. A great way to go is to make a mother/daughter, if your having family moving in with you, you can get a permit and make it a legal 2 family. Go here: Brookline Builders - Home

[MALBAY74]

Hello I about to get estimates on a full dormer with five bedroom , and one bathroom and a/c etc does any have any good contractors and pricest thanks