Has anyone ever considered taking down the divider in duplexes?

Question

I just feel like it would be cool. But im unsure if it is feasible let alone productive. Get a duplex rent it to people on both sides. when they move out tear down the wall.. put a huge area rug in the middle of the new "great room" rezone if necessary? and take care of whatever tax issues it causes. Then Live in it until you sell it overpriced?

I made all that up, there could be a thousand other variations on it. I just tried to get my point across.

Is this possible?

I made all that up, there could be a thousand other variations on it. I just tried to get my point across.

Is this possible?

Mike Reynolds · Answer

For your first question load bearing is the most common. On a party wall it just depends on who is buying the truss as to whether it is load bearing or not. If the truss on the party wall has "studs" that go straight up and down that is a gable truss and not load bearing. Most times though they go the cheaper load bearing route and add the studs later for the fire wall.

A fink is a component in the truss. It will usually be angled and takes the load and distribute it equally throughout. There may be one or two sets per side.

Robert Whitelaw · Answer

This would seem like an odd change to the "highest and best use" of the property. Not saying there would not be situations where it might make sense, but it would not be something I would do. Duplexes tend to make more cashflow than single family units. If it is already set up to satisfy the housing needs of two families and it benefits the landlord at a higher rate, why change that?

In this scenario, I would just keep renting out the other half of the duplex and pocketing the profit till it makes sense for me to purchase an SFR and still keep the duplex - then rent out the side I vacate. Very sexy.

R

In this scenario, I would just keep renting out the other half of the duplex and pocketing the profit till it makes sense for me to purchase an SFR and still keep the duplex - then rent out the side I vacate. Very sexy.

R

Andrew Johnson · Answer

@Michael Johnson You're definitely going to narrow your group of potential buyers at resale.  You'd have to figure out what to do with the extra kitchen space.  Not to mention if you double the square footage of the house you'll likely end up with a (relative to the size of the house) small master bedroom, closet, and master bathroom.  If your pour money into the property to address the kitchen, right-size the master bedroom/closet/bathroom you'll probably end with the best house in the neighborhood.  The "best house in the neighborhood" usually ends up selling underpriced (not overpriced) because the surrounding homes and area drags the value down.

Wayne Brooks · Answer

Generally, it would make no economical sense, even if you could do it for free.  You'd have 2 kitchens to deal with, and a weird layout.  Resale value would be hurt since you are in a duplex/rental neighborhood and No One would pay a premium for a larger SFR in a rental neighborhood.

Chad Fernendaz · Answer

I agree, even if you bought then resold it, the resale value will be higher since there are 2 dwellings on the property instead of one.

Michael Johnson · Answer

@Mike Reynolds Ok cool. thanks for clarifying that. hoping to get into something similiar to that sooner versus later. but slow and steady.

Michael Johnson · Answer

Interesting.. best case scenario is that, you sledge hammer it down and sweep it up. (understatement of course) Worst case scenario is expensive re-engineering. In your opinion what is most common? load bearing trusses or non? Im sure it varies widely.... I understand a truss is the triangle support from wall to wall for the roof, but dont see what a "fink" truss is. @Mike Reynolds  Thanks!

Mike Reynolds · Answer

Well that's just it really. It may not be load bearing if the truss is a fink type truss. Assuming it's a truss at all. It may even be conventional frame.

Let's say worse case scenario it is conventional frame. Then yes something major would need to be done above ceiling to compensate for that load. I wouldn't have a problem doing it because I have done these types of remodels before. Even so far as to take that part of the roof completely off and add trusses in that section.

Best case scenario would be just take down that wall if the truss above is already load bearing. That's why a said have an engineer look at it because he will know.

Michael Johnson · Answer

Interesting, yea I was wondering about the load bearing walls. Would you ever consider doing it? Do you think it would be more "work than worth" Or in the right situation worth a try?  @Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds · Answer

I would also add that even with my experience, I would not do anything without an engineer looking at it first.

Has anyone ever considered taking down the divider in duplexes?

Most Popular Reply