Attic in duplex

[Katie Miller]

Hello all,

I'm looking at buying an additional question and have a unique scenario that I'm hoping someone else has run into. The present owner was attempting to renovate and live in one side. In his efforts, he removed the staircase to the attic on one side. The attic has great headspace and would be a wonderful finished space to add to the building when we reno. Because the one staircase has already been removed, I am considering just giving the one unit the entire third floor. 

Here are my concerns:

1. Has anyone done this before? Any issues with fire rating on the floors? Would I have to fire rate the attic floor even though the ceiling below was never removed?

2. Any concerns with long term value? Obviously one side will rent significantly higher due to the extra space.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'm looking forward to hearing if anyone else has run into this. Thanks in advance for the help!