Separate heat and hot water in a 3 flats

[Suduk N.]

I'm about to close a MFH in Chicago. It is a 2 flats with a legal basement making it a 3 units property. It has 3 electrical boxes and 3 gas meters. Currently, there is only 1 huge old gas hot water furnace that services the whole house and 2 hot water boilers, 1 services the basement and first floor and the other one services the top floor.

I have been quoted $18k for a complete forced air, central air system for the 3 units. The contractor will run the gas, ductwork and take out the old radiants, pipes and furnace. The price includes 3 furnaces installed in each unit and 3 condensers installed on the roof. Each unit is about 1300 sf. I will have to get an electrician to run the wire for him. I don't know how much it will cost me for the electrician yet.

Questions:

1) What do you think of the $18k quote for the work I listed?

2) What is the rough cost for the electrician to run the wire for the furnaces and condensers?

About the hot water boiler, I'd like to separate all utilities.

Questions:

3) Do I just need to install another hot water boiler so each unit will have its own and rerun the gas and water pipes for the one boiler that is being shared by 2 units now?

4) What about common area like the garage and back yard? Do I need another electrical box or just put it on one of the boxes and refund a bit of money to the tenant? Anyone in similar situation?

5) How much is a rough estimate for this plumbing job?

Thank you,

[Jaysen Medhurst]

Hi @Suduk N., I can't answer all of your questions, but hopefully can help with a few.

Contracting quotes widely based on location and the actual job. Run the numbers by a local REI pro or contractor.

I know it gets hot in Chicago in the summer, but why put in a forced air system? That's a BIG job, which often includes opening up walls for the duct work. Might be simpler/cheaper to use the existing piping and separate the systems that way.

Most tenants are fine getting window units for the Summer. I'm not familiar with your market, but unless this is super high end, I don't think you need central air.

1300 sq ft isn't huge. There are combo furnace/instant HW units that might be a good fit for you. Just saw one installed on "Ask This Old House" a little while ago. 

You will need a 4th "landlord" electrical meter to cover outside and shared hallway lights.