Tearing down an existing SFH in Worcester Mass

[Syed Khan]

Hi everyone, 

I am looking to submit an offer for a house that will be teared down and it is zoned for a duplex. What are some of the pro active items I should consider that would go into tearing the existing house down and building a duplex on it. 

Points I have considered so far:

- Asbestos and Lead certificate before getting the demo permit (Price $5k)

- Demo ($15k)

- Confirmed with building department that it is zoned for duplex

-Town and water sewer at the street

- From talking to experienced builders, they mentioned use $100/ sq ft as your calculations to build.

- What plans would you suggest I should look for - Colonial duplexes or split ranches. Which one's would be the easiest/ cost effective to build for a first time builder? 

- I have been told it takes upto 3 months to get all the permitting done for new construction. Is this true?

Thanks a lot everyone!