Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Well, it's only dangerous if there's a fire . If he's referring to no firewall between the units, that means if a fire starts in one, it can easily spread to the other. You should check local code requirements, and call your insurance company.
Sorta annoying that the inspection report did not have more details...
I would check with the insurance agents to be 100% sure, but generally if the property is old and the previous owners have insured it (which is all but certain...) then you can too. Might need a special "multi-family attached" rider that costs a little more, but almost certainly NOT a deal killer.
Depending on other construction details (shared attic space, plaster-on-lath walls, radiators vs forced-air heat) the firewall may not be the most important bit of info about the overall level of risk of fire or contamination from the other half of the duplex.
You need to weigh the VALUE against that presented by similar properties that may have broader appeal / less downside, something that is an individual choice...
Well, it's only dangerous if there's a fire . If he's referring to no firewall between the units, that means if a fire starts in one, it can easily spread to the other. You should check local code requirements, and call your insurance company.
Sorta annoying that the inspection report did not have more details...
I would check with the insurance agents to be 100% sure, but generally if the property is old and the previous owners have insured it (which is all but certain...) then you can too. Might need a special "multi-family attached" rider that costs a little more, but almost certainly NOT a deal killer.
I walked around with the inspector today and I can ask him more questions because I have his phone number. If I make an offer on the house and it is accepted, he will do a more thorough inspection. I am glad you think it is not a deal killer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chet everett
Depending on other construction details (shared attic space, plaster-on-lath walls, radiators vs forced-air heat) the firewall may not be the most important bit of info about the overall level of risk of fire or contamination from the other half of the duplex.
The house is all plaster and has oil, forced air heat. I believe the attic is separate--but a wall, apparently mandated by the rental code, prevents access to the attic stairs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chet everett
You need to weigh the VALUE against that presented by similar properties that may have broader appeal / less downside, something that is an individual choice...
thanks for the reply/advice!
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
. If he's referring to no firewall between the units, that means if a fire starts in one, it can easily spread to the other. You should check local code requirements, and call your insurance company.
