What is Flexing/Convertible?

If you are new to NYC housing market. You would soon learn that “flex” doesn't refer to an apartment with muscle but rather to a studio, one-bedroom , two-bedroom, or three bedroom Apartment Spacious enough to be converted up one level with the addition of a pressurized wall or fixtures. Another word for flexing is Convertible.

On this current rental market, it may be possible to find a Convertible one-bedroom in a full-service(luxury) building south of 96th Street in the $3000 per month range, But finding a comparable two-bedroom unit in this price range and location is extremely unlikely. For couples, the potential to flex an apartment, whether it is rented or owned, is also appealing, since it means the option to stay exists if and when they decide to start a family.

When considering a flex, make sure you ask these questions upfront:

• If you hope to gain approval for a wall before renting or buying, know where the wall will be installed and who will likely be contracted to carry out the work. Bear in mind that if you’re looking to add a bedroom, it will need to meet the legal definition of a bedroom as defined by the New York City Housing Authority (in a one- or two-bedroom unit, the room will need to occupy at least 80 square feet of floor space and have at least one regulation-size window).
• Even if a wall can be installed, carefully consider whether or not flexing the unit will meet your needs. What are your priorities? Soundproofing or light? In an ideal world, no one would be forced to choose between these two seemingly essential features, but this is New York City where housing compromises are a way of life. While a pressurized wall offers better soundproofing, depending on the availability of windows, the wall may block out most or all of apartment’s natural light. If light is a priority, a sliding door wall may be preferable.
• What is the likely long-term return on investment? If you’re an owner, consider whether or not the wall will add value to your apartment. If you’re a renter, consider whether or not the cost of installing a wall, which will likely run between $700 to $1,500 depending on the type and size, can be recuperated. Renters may also want to consider the relative benefits of investing in a more expensive sliding door wall, which can be moved and remodeled, versus a pressurized wall that will become a permanent feature of the apartment.

You can hire a contractor to install a wall that uses the pressure from the floor and ceiling. Typically, these can be erected in a few hours with the help of companies in the city who specialize in building flex or pressurized walls.

Once you start searching online for NYC apartments for rent, you will occasionally see listings that announce, “Opportunity for flex 2 bed,” or 2 bedroom / flex 3 bedroom apartment.” This means that the “flex 2 bed and above” it is really measured to be divided. Just Read the description tp indicate “flex apartments” in.

Under is the floor plan of a one-bedroom with a sizable living room that can be converted into a two-bedroom apt:

You will lose a portion of the living room as your common space, but this is NY and you cut corners whenever you can.