Building A Duplex
(by BTD [WI])
Aug 6, 2002 6:58 AM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by Steve [MI])
Aug 6, 2002 7:54 AM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by Darrell [MI])
Aug 6, 2002 8:30 AM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by Carolyn [MO])
Aug 6, 2002 9:49 AM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by mlr [MI])
Aug 6, 2002 10:26 AM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by Chris [VA])
Aug 6, 2002 11:10 AM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by CAW [OR])
Aug 6, 2002 12:20 PM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by Steve [TN])
Aug 6, 2002 12:55 PM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by mlr [MI])
Aug 6, 2002 2:49 PM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by Jim [OH])
Aug 6, 2002 2:56 PM
RE:
Building A Duplex
(by BTD [WI])
Aug 7, 2002 7:30 AM
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Can anyone share some insight in building a duplex? I am looking to owner occupy my first building and have been considering a new construction due to the poor condition of most of the building on the market. Does anyone have any recommendations or hints they could share? Thanks Brian --207.190.71.140 |
| Use a plan that has the garage in the center to help with noise reduction and privacy. --198.155.235.7 |
| the poor condition of the homes in your market should have proportional prices. if so, i am certain buying those would be a lot cheaper for you. just an idea. i hate when people don't answer my questions specifically and give me advice on the side when i am sure about something, so forgive me in advance. i just have a lot of people i know that think you get into this business and make money by building new, but one could never do that in my market. good luck! --12.32.77.81 |
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I own mainly property built in the 20s, and the construction then seemed much superior to what I see out there now. If you built new, I would think you would want to upgrade a lot of the specifications. As an example, I have a daughter who had a new house built about 8 years ago. It was a high dollar house. When you flush the toilet upstairs, it sounds as though a flood is rushing through the pipes when you are downstairs. There is a huge entry hall, but only a dinky utilty room and coat closet. When they went to finish their basement for a kids play area, they discovered they really should have had one more course of concrete block for the foundation in order to have the ceiling height they needed. Of course, it has the benefit of better insulation (a big plus) and new mechanicals. --152.163.189.136 |
| If I was building a duplex now, I would concentrate on making it handicapped friendly. Doesn't necessarily cost more, but that is such an untapped market. I have several calls each time I run an add asking about doorway sizes, accessability. My DH was in a wheelchair for a while last year and I never realized the difficulty it would be to be in that situation permanently. I think you would have the potential of gaining long terms tenants if you had the capability. --64.7.162.67 |
| I like mlr's idea a lot. If it's handicap accessible, it will also be perfect for elderly who are beginning to have difficulty getting around but still want to be on their own and independant. And the population is definitely going to be aging quite a bit over the next few decades. Probably the largest growing market out there. --205.68.95.65 |
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When you buy the lot, try to find one that is in a residential area. Most duplex lots are in multiple housing areas, and there you are at the mercy of the surrounding landlords for the condition of the neighborhood, which affects the value of your property. Where I live, I can build a duplex for less than buying one. I second the suggestion to put the garages between them for quiet and privacy. They will rent more like houses if you can separate them with the garage, fencing and landscaping. I like the idea of making them handicapped convertible, Just making doorways wider and some bathroom modifications should do it. That will make them easier to sell. Good luck --66.62.156.9 |
| I really like MLR's suggestion. I've already had that idea ... building a duplex, 1 story on a slab (no ramps needed), on the bus line, 36 inch doors in and out, low light switches, rails, etc. Specifically for the disabled. Only two problems for me: I too new to the LL biz to feel comfortable building and it's hard to find a building lot here that is in a nice neighborhood that also zoned for a duplex. --198.151.12.20 |
| Steve, Some areas have special dispension if you are building for the handicapped ... or are at least more flexible in giving variances. --64.7.162.209 |
| BTD, I see that you're in Wisconsin. Wausau Homes has an excellent double modular package that they factory make and ship to the site. These are not double wides, or one size works for all type buildings. The floor plans have many options and patterns. The walls are lifted into place and it is amazing how quiet they are to experience. If I lived in Wisconsin, I would be dealing with them. My brother in law did this and was better than pleased and he doesn't please easily. --63.185.40.50 |
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Thank you all for you responses. You have given me many things to consider. Brian --207.190.71.140 |
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