Converting a Legal 2-Unit to a 4-Unit Property in Brooklyn, NY

[Cameron Best]

I'm currently looking at buying a legal 2-unit property in Brooklyn, NY. The property is two-stories plus a basement and is quite spacious. I was originally looking at this as a gut renovation of a two units, but recently started thinking about converting the two above ground floors into 4 legal units and living in the basement as a house hack. Being that this is New York, I know the permitting can be a challenge - I have looked up the zoning and it is R6, so I don't anticipate there being any zoning issues. 

I'm mostly trying to assess what additional steps I would need to take to convert if to a 4-unit property, if I was already planning to gut it and renovate it to begin with as a 2-unit. Is it two additional permits and C/Os? Or will there be lots of new requirements? 

I would be very interested in hearing from anyone in NYC who has done this.

[Eric Hajdu]

Cameron,

I am in the process of doing the reverse, converting a legal 4 family Brooklyn townhome into a single family home.  The process has been laborious and expensive, you would want to start with an experienced architect who will act as the point person for engineer, expediter, etc.

It is my understanding that the DOB is much less cooperative when your trying to expand the C.O. and go up in amount of units, it's not impossible, but will be challenging.  I would really do the math, as 2 larger well finished units will often command similar rent to four smaller units, and you'll have less headaches/tenants.  

Feel free to message me or reach out if you want any further information, best of luck!

Eric