Cieling Hieght To Low?
Hi All
Im looking at a converted 2 story that I want to convert back to duplex.
As the Realtor and I are walking through this place I notice the 2nd floor cielings are only 6'-4" or 6'-6" (forgot to take a tape measure with me). Im from northwestern Pa. does anyone know of a code saying this cant rent. Have a friend at Hud checking but I figured this would be quicker.
Thanks
ED
I don't know if it would violate any regulations to rent a place with a ceiling that low but it I can think of other problems. I have been told that many lenders will not give a loan on a house with low ceilings. I don't remember what the usual height requirement was, but it was at least 7 feet, maybe more. Also, I have never purchased a two story duplex because I was told years ago that they don't rent very well. On the other hand, if the price is low enough, and the maintenance and taxes low enough, anything can work.
Cieling hieght is a big issue with this house but one I can overcome by ripping out the existing cieling and vaulting it.Didnt want to deal with the blown in insulation.
But since it was brought up what about the 2-story duplex thing.
thanks
ED
In my opinion celing height makes a place look a lot bigger than actual square feet. Increasing a ceiling to 9' to 10' makes a HUGE difference! However it makes a pain for drywall. A low ceiling has the opposite effect. I definately would look into changing it.
"I" before "E" except after "C".
Sorry, sometimes I'm a little uptight.
International Code says 7 ft......however check with your local inspection department
NC
International Code says 7 ft......however check with your local inspection department
NC
Just check how uptight the zoning and any boards are in your area. Is it zoned multifamily or was it a home job to make it a duplex. If the neighbors complain will zoning come down on you? In some of my districts non-zoned multifamilies were grandfathered in, but if they were ever sold or if they sat vacant for more than 6 months they convert back to single family.
Brenda
Hi Elock,
Like I mentioned above, I have heard that two story duplexes don't rent well. That is why I have only bought side by sides in the past. I heard part of the reason is the fact that you have to climb stairs, and partly it's because they are more noisy than side by sides. It follows that they often rent for less even when they are rented. This is only a general observation though. If you have a location that is in demand and limited competition, this shouldn't be a huge concern.
quite possible the cieling can be modifiedfrom within the existing structure. All this is supposition and conjecture. Get a builder friend to have a look at it and see what he or she thinks (notice I said "she"?).
Vaulting is not always an easy or cheap thing to do. In many states if it is not your primary residence then you must have a contractor do the work and that means $$
Hello again all
Checked Hud has nothing on the books against it. Their usally the worst code sticklers.
As far as vaulting the ceiling goes thats going to add about 3000.00 on to the rehab I didnt want to spend. Also it has a tendancy to push out the exterior walls.
Thanks to everyone who responded
ED
davmille
I misunderstood what you where saying about the duplex thing. This ones going to be a side by side.
I do own 2 up and down and noise definatly becomes an issue.
Thanks
ED
I HAVE SECTION 8 RENTERS, I AM IN THE PGH,PA SECTION OF THE STATE. THE CEILINGS HAVE TO BE 7 FEET. THE BEDROOMS HAVE TO BE 7O SQUARE FEET, ONE WINDOW AND ONE OUTLET. LORI
Hello Lori
I deal alot with section 8 and the info I got came right from a sec.8 Inspecter as far as the cieling hieght goes.
But and there always is a but, I didnt know about the 70 sq. ft. thing Thats interesting because one of my apartments has a VERY small bedroom{I think it used to be the master bedrooms closet} and I never got asked about it.
Thanks
ED