All Forum Posts by: Paris Naberschnig

@Paris Naberschnig  First, call your city zoning department and ask if the zoning allows for duplex.  Second, ask if each unit will be required to be provided with off street parking  (I believe that your zoning will require 2 off street parking spots per unit, which generally will be required to be behind the front yard).  If the zoning allows for duplex houses and parking is not an issue, then will be required to legal separate the units. That will require a permit (you will never get separate utilities without them).  You will need to separate the units, add the required fire rated separation wall/ceiling, ensure each unit has bathroom and kitchen, ensure sleeping rooms have egress windows, separate the electrical/gas at a minimum, separate water if possible, get different addresses, ensure proper entry doors for each unit.  While it is possible, it is not super simple.  I finished doing this to a house that was built as a 1500ft2 duplex but not legally (it had existing separate bathrooms and kitchens), and it cost me $24,700 (self managed).  To add a kitchen would add at least $10k

The insurance market in Louisiana is an absolute mess right now. The state has lost almost two dozen insurance carriers so there are not many left to choose from at this time. If you're willing to take on the additional risk you can raise deductibles and reduce coverage for now. We may have some additional carriers soon. 

See the following links:  

Louisiana homeowners could see lower property insurance rates next month

Donelon Announces Nine Companies Applied for Over $60M in Insure Louisiana Incentive Program Funding

And check this out:  Homeowners Rate Comparison Guide An Online Tool to Help Shop Your RateDid