building codes: Articles tagged with “building codes”

Q: I am planning a remodeling project, and want to find out what has to be done, and what steps are involved to create a pass through wall between my kitchen and family room.

As I know that this is a load bearing wall, what are the things I must do and the sequence to be done with respect to ensuring stability of the supported ceiling?

Q: We installed one half inch masonite siding inside a 30x50 foot room for commercial use. Our town has recently become incorporated, and I heard that the code states that the ceiling must have a one-hour burn through rating. How do I find out if this is true?

Q: We built a 5-sided bay window on the corner of our house. How do we put roofing over this area?

Q: I am in the process of building a new home. I have been told that the CABO requires the installation of a vapor barrier, house wrap type product. I have searched this code and found vapor barrier mentioned in many places but cannot identify that it is applicable to a house wrap. Can you please advise me of the code site number that requires this?

There is more to building than sweat and sawdust. Whether building a custom home, adding a bonus room over the garage or remodeling the kitchen, your friendly local building department must be taken into account. You must anticipate their input, and add to your schedule the necessary time for approvals, processing, re-drawing of plans and re-working the changes required to meet code.

Q: I would like to enclose my carport. At this time it is attached to the house with an adjacent wall. Do I need plans or permits? Should I hire a draftsman or a licensed contractor?

A large wiring project adds a considerable load to your main electrical service. In about 25 percent of all homes, some type of service upgrade is needed before new wiring can be installed. For example, many homeowners will need to replace an older 60-amp electrical service with a new service rated for 100 amps or more. A licensed electrician is needed for a job like this.

Q: I want to put up a wall to turn a den into a bedroom. Do I need a permit to do this?