How can I fix my code violation?
Many homeowners don’t realize that they’re living in violation of their local building department codes until it’s too late. By then, they’ve likely been fined and may even be required to bring their home up to code. Ignoring small zoning code violations can lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road, so it’s important to be aware of the most common ones. In this post, we’ll take a look at five common violations of building codes that you should never ignore.
Lack of a fire escape
Building code violations that can affect your safety should definitely take precedence over things like little cracks in the driveway or chipped siding.
One of the biggest dangers comes from homes that lack a proper, accessible fire escape. Because firefighters need to get inside homes quickly to help people who may be trapped if there’s a major fire, it’s crucial for them to be able to access your home quickly.
Most fire departments train to enter the building using ladders, so you should make sure there’s somewhere for them to place a ladder securely. Fire escapes must be accessible from all bedrooms and should allow people to get off the second story of the house without needing to go back into the building.
Broken smoke alarms
Having an extra smoke alarm can’t hurt, but not having any at all is a surefire way to get fined.
When properly installed and maintained, smoke alarms give you the best chance of getting out of your home safely in the event of a fire. Residential properties need to have at least one functional smoke alarm on each level of the home and outside of every sleeping area. They should also have a carbon monoxide detector if there’s a fuel-fired appliance or attached garage in the home, or if you have an attached garage.
Improperly installed heating systems that could pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if they malfunctioned
If it’s getting too cold in your home, you may be tempted to turn up the heat to its maximum setting. It’s important not to do this if your heating system is malfunctioning, though.
It’s also important to ensure that your heating system is in good working order and is installed correctly before you turn it on to avoid any particular violation from the local government county construction department.
This means making sure the flue vents are properly outside (if you have a chimney or fireplace) and ensuring that there aren’t any cracks, holes, or loose sections of ventilation piping.
If any outlets in your house don’t work, get them fixed soon!
One of the most common violations is when outlets don’t work. This can be a result of loose wiring, lack of insulation around wires, and more.
Outlets may not seem like a big deal compared to things like kitchen appliances or structural stability in the home, but having unworking plug-ins could cause problems for your HVAC system or other appliances.
Take into account that a building permit must be obtained to ensure that the wiring in your home is done according to the building code.
Electrical wires not in a metal conduit
At the time of writing, metal boxes enclosing exposed wiring are mandatory. This is to ensure that electrical wiring can’t create a fire hazard by coming into contact with another source of heat or flame. The most efficient manner to enclose wiring is using metal boxes.
Missing or damaged guardrails on stairs and decks
Guardrails are crucial for stairs, balconies, outside stairs, etc. This doesn’t mean that you need to buy a brand new railing system – simply repairing the current one should suffice.
If the entire railing system needs to be replaced, you’ll need to obtain a building permit ahead of time.
Finally, if you see any mold anywhere in the house, call a professional right away before it spreads any further!
Unsafe structures can be caused by a wide range of factors, but mostly they’re a result of deteriorating foundations or roofs, problems with the plumbing system, or electrical wiring that needs to be re-done.
Mold can cause a structural problem if it rises to the rafters. So, if you see mold anywhere in your home (especially on wall joints or ceiling intersections), make sure to contact a professional as soon as possible! The last thing you want is for your home to be condemned because it isn’t structurally sound enough to pass inspection.
Open permits are another way of getting fined. If you think that a permit may have been left open during the construction process, it’s best to call your local building department to find out if any fines were issued because of this violation. If you are not aware of open permits, the best way to find out is by calling us, AG Contractors and Design to give you advice and help you find your way to make your home safe. We are here to help you!
