If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t have a lot of money saved up for when something goes wrong. In fact, according to recent studies, almost half of all homes in the United States have at least one code violation. And while some violations can be minor and easy to fix, others can be more serious and costly. But before you start panicking, there are a few ways to fix building code violations without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some simple ways to get your property in compliance without spending too much money. So read on and learn how to take care of your home!
Ensure that your gutters are clear from debris and leaves
Miami Dade county has very strict code requirements when it comes to the condition of your exterior. For example, if you have a home with gutters that are clogged with debris and leaves, you can be fined or forced to remove it at your own expense. But the good news is that this is a very easy fix – simply clear your gutters of debris and make sure that they’re in good working order.
Zoning requirements call for all gutters and downspouts to be clear from leaves and other debris at all times in order to prevent the buildup of stagnant water. Residential properties are also required to have gutters that are sloped away from the foundation of the home.
Test your smoke alarms monthly to ensure they’re working
Did you know that the Miami Dade county building codes require all homeowners to test their smoke alarms once a month? This is because there have been too many cases of people sleeping through fire alarms and losing their lives as a result.
If your smoke alarm has reached the end of its lifespan, then you must replace it according to the local government thus avoiding zoning code violations.
Replace or repair any unsafe structures on your home
Construction projects could result in the appearance of unsafe building structures on your property, such as scaffolding and construction debris. If you fail to remove or repair these items, then you could be given a citation from the Florida building department that will have to be resolved before the next inspection.
In order to avoid this from happening, you need to check the building code requirements in your area and make sure that all construction sites are in compliance with them.
Patch holes in exterior walls, ceilings, and floors to prevent water damage
For example, in Miami Dade County, it’s required that all exterior walls and the lower section of roofs must be patched to prevent water damage. If you fail to do this, then you could be fined or forced to fix the problem at your own expense.
Repair damaged siding with paintable patching compound and color-matching deck stain/paint
If you have holes or cracks in your siding, then you can patch them with paintable patching compound and color-matching deck stain/paint. However, if the damage is too bad, then a replacement will need to be done before you can repaint.
Replace your old, outdated light fixtures with new ones
If you have light fixtures on your property that are not up to date or installed properly, then you’re putting yourself at risk of being cited by local zoning inspectors. You may also be violating someone’s personal safety if you don’t take care of this issue.
You can usually find an up-to-date light fixture that’s similar to your current one at your local hardware store. However, if you’re having trouble finding one that matches, then just replace it with one that has the same wattage as the old light.
Inspect all of your pipes for leaky joints and cracks – seal them up if you find any
It’s also important that you check your water pipes at least twice a year to make sure they’re not leaking. If you have leaky joints, then these can cause serious problems with your plumbing system and could even lead to water damage on the property.
Don’t neglect your exterior! Fix any code violations before they become an even bigger problem
If you have a home with gutters that are clogged with debris and leaves, or if there are cracks in the siding or holes in the roof, then you can be fined by local building inspectors. But it’s also not safe for you or your family to live like this.
AG Contractors and Design (H2)
Code violation repair is our specialty! AG Contractors and Design specializes in all kinds of home repair work, including roofing, siding replacement, roof leaks, plumbing issues, electrical work, new construction, window replacements, remodels, and so much more!
If you live in South Florida and you need any repair work done on your home or any help with code violations don’t even hesitate to contact us! We’ll be happy to assist you – we offer free estimates and all our work is guaranteed so you can feel confident about hiring us for the job.
Make sure that you check up on these things at least once a year and fix any code violations before they become even bigger problems. Doing so will ensure that your home is safe, secure, and in compliance with the local regulations.
