2 Family convert into 3 Family - Everett MA

[Sean Bibeau]

In need of some advice and guidance! I purchased my first two family in Everett in a business zone. Unit 1 is 1200 sq ft and unit 2 is 800 sq ft. I have a unfinished  basement that I would like to add square footage. My plan is to take away 400 square feet from unit 1 then add an additional 400 square feet downstairs - making it three units at 800 square feet. Top unit will has 1 bed / 1 bath + office, then the two bottom units will be 1 bed / 1 bath with leaving common area in the basement with laundry. Both bedroom and bathroom in the basement will have a window (i don’t know the codes for this - but they are pretty large). To do this, I will need to move existing heating units and washer/dryer in the basement to make it work. 

Again, this is a first! I don’t know what I’m looking at for permit costs, converting costs, moving heating unit pricing, etc etc! If anyone has any advice, connections, suggestions, all the above - I would love to hear it all! 

Thank you so much!
Sean

[Lien Vuong]

I would start the conversation with the City of Everett first to see if it's convertible and you meet all the parameters to do so. I know this city really well and they're pretty strict on conversions, it's not something you can add willy nilly bc they're trained to drive around and look for unpermitted projects. After that and you see that it is permissible I would consult a zoning attorney in Everett and confirm you meet all the metrics and then start shopping for an architect to draw up the plans from there. 

PM me if you'd like a zoning attorney in Everett - I know a rockstar one that has a tight relationship with the city.