Building codes are put into place to protect the heath and safety of the people residing in the home. Each state has their own codes based upon the specific conditions which exist in that region.
For instance, Sarasota area building codes reflect the likelihood of the home encountering strong storms and high winds due to hurricanes at some point. Therefore the building codes dictate how a roof is to be constructed, and what strength windows are required. These codes most likely differ from the requirements of a home in a different part of the country not prone to high winds.
Homes are Often Not Up to Code
New construction are always built up to the latest building codes. In fact, the codes in place dictate everything from the windows, to the electrical panels, to the distance between the toilet and the wall. The codes are strictly enforced and if you are purchasing a new home, you can be certain that the home is up to current code when you purchase it. The general contractor could not sell it to you if it were not.
However, because codes change, it is very likely that any resale home is probably not up to code. Should you worry about that fact? It depends in the situation. Remember, the codes are in place to protect the health and safety of the people who live there. When a home inspection is conducted, the inspector will generally only highlight those items which would present a hazard to the new homeowner. A common example of this would be if electrical wiring was not installed according to code. If someone has lived in a home for many years, they often have some “do it yourself” projects they have installed. Electrical wiring, improperly installed or overloaded, can cause a fire and should be fixed immediately.
Th building codes state that a permit must be in place for items under the code. You an check public records to see if permit was pulled for the roof, for instance. Many times, however, a building code infraction is not necessarily in need of fixing. If someone changed their kitchen cabinets, they may not have permits – but those upgrades will probably not become an issue.
One building code violation which is often seen in Sarasota, however, is much more serious. Real estate investors often purchase older homes, renovate and “flip” them. In the past, we have seen many unpermitted improvements, such as turning a garage into a third bedroom, or even adding an entire room onto the house. If these improvements were done without permitting, the city can impose fines or even require the improvement to be torn down. The penalty always falls on the current homeowner, even if they were not the ones to do the work. That is why it is so important to make sure you understand if the home you are purchasing is up to code.
As Sarasota and Longboat Key general contractors with a longstanding reputation in the community, Lindahl Construction builds every new custom home with exceptional quality and attention to the smallest detail. However, we also perform renovations which adhere to all local codes – and can help you bring your home up to current code. If you suspect that you need to fix some code issues, or if you are looking for an addition or renovation you can trust – call our team today. We are dedicated to building you a beautiful, quality and safe home.