Creating "true" Duplex

Comments(5)

• 
  bgrossnickle19th April, 2006

  Before you do too much research, find out if the city will even allow it. In my area you could not get a permit to add an extra electric meter or water line to a SFH. Hell, they will not even let you build an extra kitchen.

• 
  d_random20th April, 2006

  Thanks for the warning Brenda, the place I am looking at is already a complete duplex (w/ kitchen, etc.), but is on one meter and shares water. Idea of cost for each?

• 
  bgrossnickle20th April, 2006

  So it is zoned multi family?

• 
  lavonc20th April, 2006

  Lets assume, for a moment, you have all the permits/approvals to put in another meter.
  
  In Buffaly, NY, (it is important to also assume this process differs from city to city/ state to state) they allow you to either put in one or two meters on a duplex. However, to install two meteres, it requires two separate main lines in from the street. I was given a bid of ~$2K ... but keep in mind this is Buffalo where labor is really cheap.
  
  However, another thing we heard about was to put in submeters from the main meter. This is where you are still ultimately responsible for the water bill but you meter each tenants usage and charge them.
  
  Please note that I have not done either of these ... only researched the possiblities. You may want to call a few plumbers and ask if they have ever done either.

• 
  d_random21st April, 2006

  Thanks lavonc & brenda, i got my answer.