If you’re planning on doing some DIY remodeling on your home, it’s important to be aware of the building codes that apply in your area. Building codes are designed to ensure the safety of both the people who live in buildings or homes, and the people who work on them. By following building codes, you can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
As a DIY homeowner, it can be easy to make mistakes when it comes to building codes. After all, it’s a challenge to keep track of the different zoning regulations and building codes when it’s not your job to do so.
If you need more than just a little help for your newest renovation project, contact At Home Pros. We can help shorten the journey from initial idea to finished project by providing you with a connection to qualified professionals in your area.
Here are some of the most common DIY remodeling mistakes that people make:
- Not getting the proper permits
- Not following the building codes
- Using the wrong materials
- Not doing the work properly
- Not getting inspected
Here’s more about the missteps homeowners tend to make when they have the willpower to make a project work, but perhaps lack the know-how.
Not securing the proper permits
Getting the proper permits is essential for any major remodeling project. There are certain regulations and requirements that you must follow if you plan on making major changes to your home. Building permits in particular are used when you make changes to the plumbing or mechanical infrastructure, or changes to the structure of the house itself.
Permits help to ensure that the work is done safely and that it meets all of the required codes. If you don’t get the proper permits, you could be fined or even have your project shut down.
Not following building codes
It’s critical to follow the building codes when you’re remodeling your home. A building code is a regulation that deals with modifications to residential or commercial buildings. Building codes usually deal with the position and number of electrical outlets, ventilation, the number of fire alarms and the required number of bathrooms.
Building codes are in place for a reason, and they’re there to protect you and your family. Here are the most common building codes that DIYers often get wrong:
- Electrical: It’s unwise to tackle a wiring or electrical project without the help of a professional, as mistakes can be dangerous — risking electric shock and fires. If you are trying to better understand your system, take a look at the NEC, or National Electric Code®, which explains many of the basics.
- Plumbing: If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, it’s important to know about the Uniform Plumbing Code. In addition, there will likely be additional local codes you will need to understand. These are specific guidelines about the types of materials plumbing projects can use, as well as the placement and number of faucets.
- Decks: Decks can be tricky, especially if you’re not a professional. There isn’t one single code for deck construction. However, decks have to adhere to codes about stairs, ledger boards, railings, and other varied structural elements.
If you don’t follow the codes, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk. Be sure to check out local building codes before you start a project so you don’t end up making a costly mistake like using the wrong material.
Using the wrong materials
When you’re remodeling your home, it’s important to use the right materials, as the wrong choice can lead to problems down the road. For example, if you use the wrong type of drywall, it could start to crack and peel long before it’s supposed to, causing costly cosmetic and structural issues.
If an inspector finds evidence of a toxic material like lead paint or asbestos tiles, you’re looking at a surefire code violation. Asbestos was banned from use in building material since 1972, but it can still be found hidden in ceiling tiles, plaster, insulation and flooring.
The health issues only arise when the asbestos materials break down over time and the particles get into the air. If humans breathe these particles in, they can cause severe health problems, including cancer, so a professional must conduct the abatement.
Another example of using wrong materials: repairing a deck with poor-quality materials that won’t last. Using a wood that rots quickly and can’t sustain a lot of weight is a recipe for disaster.
If you are considering renovations and want to make sure that you’re not using the wrong materials or doing improper work, contact our experts at At Home Pros for a free list of prescreened home service professionals in your area.
Not performing the work properly
It goes without saying, but it’s also important to do the work properly. If you’re not experienced in remodeling, it’s a better plan to hire a professional, as they will be trained to handle the project safely and correctly.
For example, it’s not hard for an untrained DIYer to measure imprecisely. For instance, if you don’t measure from the manufacturer’s point of view (that is, inside versus outside), you may not get the right results.
Building codes and safety regulations may seem like a hassle and a roadblock to getting the job done quickly. But ultimately, they are there to protect you as a homeowner; avoiding them only costs you money and more in the long run. For many DIY renovation projects, hiring a professional is the most effective way to avoid higher cost and serious consequences that could affect your health and safety.
Professionals steer your right by adhering to codes, getting the right permits, and scheduling any necessary inspections, as well as by using the right materials and proper tools. At Home Pros is an excellent way to get your bearings at the start of your journey, so you don’t face hefty consequences in the long run.