Converting a two family to a three family

[Mohamed Farih]

Hello I am a new home buyer in Newark NJ.  I just bought a two family home in Newark NJ and want to convert it to a three family home.  The house has an above ground basement and more than enough space to convert it to a three or two room apartment.  I have checked if the house is in a three family zone and the house is zoned in a three family zone.  It makes me think why didn't the previous owner try to convert it or maybe he/she was going to but decided not to.  

• My question is what else should I check before I convert the house to a three family?  
• How do I go about converting the house?  
• What should I expect? 
• What are some common obstacles people face in Newark NJ.
• What is an estimate to convert the home?

Thank you in advance for your help.