Considering building a two story duplex as a rental for myself. Thinking 28 x 40, one unit up stairs one unit downstairs. Two bed, one bath for each unit. What can I expect for differences in code when building a rental? Are there special considerations for fire exit for the second floor? How about sound proofing the floor between the two units?
upnorthframer
(From my last post, I will not be doing the drywall taping!!!)
“If you think education is expensive, try ignorance!!!”
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Lots and lots of regional variation with regard to codes for rental units. In some places anything under 4 units or so goes under the radar, while in others you gotta build to darn near commercial standards.
Virtually everywhere you've got to have two viable exits from the second floor, though often one can be a deck with no stairs.
I think that with under 4 units you will probably be governed by the International Residential Code. It does allow for less stringent requirements with regard to building / occupant safety, but not much that you wouldn't do anyway.
For us in Indiana, there are no particular codes for soundproofing. Likely you will have to one-hour fire rate the separation between your units, however. That is relatively easy with 5/8" gyp. brd. and fire caulk these days. The inspectors love to see the red caulk.
If you are building from scratch, a wood floor system with 2" lightweight concrete topping will suffice for the rating (w/ 5/8" gyp on the ceiling), as well as create a nice sound barrier. For units side-by-side, there are quite a few fire barrier wall systems these days to assist in achieving 1 - 4 hour ratings.
I think the "live in one side and rent the other (or one floor / other)" is a great feature in today's housing market. But that's just me. I think most folks wouldn't want to fool with renting a unit, even if it DID help pay the mortgage.
HTH.
In our community, needs a mulit family zoning,"B-1" must provide off street parking, 2 spaces per unit. Like mentioned under 4 is less restrictive, over 4 must provide enclosed dumpster, can not rely on curbside pick up. We just enacted a rental inspection program, must register and be inspected. Basic smoke alarms, handrails, no peeling paint, no leaky roof, ingress/egress. all that good stuff.
Just basic residential construction until you get over 4 units.
I have a over under unit and the top apt. is hard to rent even at reduced amount. Never rent the top unit to someone with young child (noise jumping on the floor).
I was in an apartment where they used the lightweight concrete on the floor and was quite impressed with it's sound-deadening abilities.
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