Code violations can be challenging to deal with. Florida Building Code requires that all property owners take action whenever a code violation is noticed on their property. This article will discuss what needs to be done for these building code violations and how they may affect the value of your home or business in one way or another.
Importance of complying with the codes
We always need to comply with Building Codes. This is because not complying would harm our properties and even the Structural Integrity of buildings, which could then lead to worse things happening that are more expensive to fix and even hazardous.
Building codes cover every type of building, including commercial structures, multi-family buildings, industrial facilities, and homes. They range from enforcing mechanical standards to refraining from using flammable materials and proper evacuation measures.
Architectural safety is a prime concern for codes. Low-quality construction can lead to injury and death in the event of a fire, or when structural collapse occurs.
Be mindful of codes when constructing buildings. Although the most important priority is public safety, you want to make sure all your construction adheres to building codes and is properly built.
What Is A Code Violation And How To Fix Building Code Violations Florida
A building code violation is a listing of violations that need to be corrected. It can refer to any number of unapproved items or structural problems, but they all have one thing in common: the homeowner doesn’t necessarily know how to fix them!
Don’t panic if you get an inspection notice about your house and find some issues with your building codes; you aren’t alone.
It can be a little overwhelming when the inspector tells you there are building code violations, but it’s not as bad as it sounds! Fixing building code violations in Florida is easier than one might think, and here at AG Construction and Design, we’ll show you how to correct any problem your house or building may have.
The best way to overcome a building code violation is to stop it before it starts.
Always contact your local Building Inspector to get a list of required permits before you start any construction or renovation project on your home!
Know the difference between what is considered an emergency and what can wait, which will help determine how quickly you need to fix things from breaking down in a storm.
Understand what types of violations you might be facing. Sometimes building code violations are nearly unavoidable. To make the necessary changes, you must first understand the violation and why it was found noncompliant with your city or jurisdiction’s building code.
Things To Immediately Do When Your Property Has Zoning Code Violations.
Don’t Ignore The Notice! Building violation notices are real!
Please send a letter of acknowledgement back to the Code Enforcement office that you’ve received their notice. This is not just for show; it will establish your intent and begin the start of what could be an amicable agreement between two parties. We’ll help you with all your city code violations. Just give us a call, and we’ll make sure to get back to you right away!
Do Request A Time To Discuss your building code violation.
If you think the notice is incorrect or need more time to fix it, ask for a meeting with the Code Enforcement Officer. You can also propose an alternative course of action if they don’t want to meet. It could be that this has already been done, and they are just waiting for you to comply so that they can strike the property from their list of violations.
Do Fix The Code Violation!
If you believe there is an issue with what Code Enforcement has found, fix it as soon as possible and make a copy of any documentation related to this repair for your records. If not, we recommend working out an agreement with them on the next steps. We can help you fight city code violations through our professional services.
If You Are Not A Builder, Please Consult Your Local Building Authority
If you are not a builder or a licensed contractor, please consult your local building authority. As a good DIYer, you should know about tools and techniques. But the top-notch ones know their way around Local building codes. If you are trying to complete projects as a “Owner-Builder” we advice you to adhere to your own local Building codes. Whether you are located in a hurricane prone or flooding area, each of these areas require things to be done differently. Use the industry experience of our team to get you back on track if you find yourself in a difficult situation.
Do Not Try To Fix It Yourself; Code Violations Cost Much Money
Time and expertise are valuable, and code violations cost a lot of money. If you try to fix it yourself, you might not get the job done in a reasonable allotted time. You could also waste money on something that is not very important and eventually have to pay someone else to do it anyway. At AG Contractors and Design is the go-to company for all your needs to repair building code violations. From Work without a Permit, tub to shower, Garage Conversions, Illegal laundry rooms and Baths, and even non-permitted electrical work done, we can help you with any problem you may have on your property. Hiring us can help save time and money.
If you are a property owner or property manager, it is essential to understand specific building codes. We know it’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but who wants to get fined or have their property taken from them and be forced to rebuild if something happens?
Our team of licensed architects and engineers will ensure that you are in code compliance with building codes and have a plan to keep your property looking great.
How Do You Find Your Local Building Code?
You can find your local building code on the city’s website. You may have to go through a few clicks, but it will be there somewhere. Some of these codes are available in PDF formats that you can download and print out for future reference. The next step is figuring out what violations apply to your situation.
Another helpful way to find all the building codes for a building is to visit the city’s website and search for “building code.” Usually, each type of building has its property page with information on that specific area and links to related codes. Talk to a local home or building inspector to gather advice and information on the codes.
How Do You Find Your Local Building Code?
You can find your local building code on the city’s website. You may have to go through a few clicks, but it will be there somewhere. Some of these codes are available in PDF formats that you can download and print out for future reference. The next step is figuring out what violations apply to your situation.
Another helpful way to find all the building codes for a building is to visit the city’s website and search for “building code.” Usually, each type of building has its property page with information on that specific area and links to related codes. Talk to a local home or building inspector to gather advice and information on the codes.
Types Of Violations And How To Avoid Them.
Remodeling Projects
Interior Remodeling is a tricky area in the code world. It’s best to consult with an architect or engineer before starting any work, even if you’re only working on small projects like installing new kitchen cabinets.
There are two main types of remodeling violations:
– Working Without a Permit: its cheaper, often times less material is used, required material is not used, and expensive labor is avoided. As a Owner-Builder, you can make certain changes. But if the magnitude of the change requires the expertise of different traits, and physical space is inevitably altered, you may need to pull a permit or a Master Permit. A permit enables the City to inspect and maintain quality control as the homeowners representative, ensuring work is done correctly and piece of mind for the homeowner.
– Work without Inspections – If your contractor starts or finishes work without notifying the building department, or not passing required inspections, that’s a code violation as well. Obvious Construction defects must be avoided before they become Hidden Defects.
Structural Repairs
Handle significant repairs that involve work on interior or Load Bearing walls, such as wire connections, plumbing, and insulation. These must be inspected, therefore a building permit must be pulled.
To avoid local code violations, make sure you have the proper permits and inspections before starting work on any project. A Permit enables the work being performed there to continue without interference from neighbors.
Missing Or Damaged Smoke Detectors
The number one thing that people forget to do when maintaining their homes is checking the battery in their smoke detector. When a person fails to check, they can find themselves with an expired or missing battery which will most likely result in emergency chirping sounds throughout the house. To avoid this annoying problem altogether, we recommend making sure you have fresh batteries on hand and set up a schedule for regular checks of your home’s safety features!
Check Your Home For Any Outdated Or Unsafe Wiring To Avoid Energy Code Violations
- Enforcement of energy efficiency can effectively reduce the carbon footprint, climate change, or even your own health. They are enforced by building code inspectors who might not know to check for them if you don’t ask, making sure that they understand what is important when inspecting a new home!
- Keep your home safe from drafts.
- Ensure proper insulation is in place to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house
- Prevent heat and cold leaks into your ductwork, preventing water damage
- Improve the efficiency of your windows by adding additional U-Factor
- Wiring Connections Outside Junction Box House fires are a serious concern when it comes to electrical wiring. That’s why many communities require that an electrician do any new wiring alterations, and existing wiring must connect with junction boxes.
Avoid Lead Paint Code Violations
Lead dust is a significant factor in the health of your home, and it can get everywhere if you don’t take precautions.
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition create hazardous lead dust by disturbing lead-based paint, which can harm adults and children. Lead dust gets all over the house when not properly taken care of so its important that even before starting work on a project check for any hazards from chips or other debris left behind as well as checking with contractors about how they plan to handle these dangers during their remodeling project
Lead paint has been outlawed since 1978. Laws prevent contractors from taking specific precautions without going into the interior of the walls to avoid code violations if you’re a DIY homeowner, but not if you’re hiring them. However, your contractor must still adhere to much stricter requirements than they would with other work due to lead poisoning risk.
Put up any signs required by local building codes such as maximum occupancy rate or exit signs.
When it comes to what you need for your commercial property, there are a lot of factors that come into play. One of the most important is making sure your signs comply with local building codes. For example, if your business space has more than 50 people in one area at once, then you will likely be required by law to put up a maximum occupancy rate sign and an exit sign. If this sounds like something you’ve been putting off or worried about doing yourself, we can help! Our team of experts are ready and waiting to partner with you on any signage needs so that all legal requirements are met while still ensuring the best aesthetic result possible for your space.
What do you need to get done or do you have a question on specific building codes?
New construction, a permit for an addition, or maybe want to know if your house is up-to-date with modern up to date building code laws. No matter what type of project you are looking to tackle in Florida, our AG Construction and Design team can help! We’ve been working on projects since 2000 and we understand how things work here in this area and have helped many customers along the way. If you are interested in hiring someone who will manage your project from start to finish while also making sure every detail is taken care of during that process, then look no further than our company.
We are experts at fixing all Florida building and zoning code violations for commercial, industrial, and residential properties. We also specialize in consulting with future Restaurant or business owners to educate them on the best way to legalize their business location with local and county ordinances, the best solutions to any problem you might have with your new or existing Home and Business construction project.
