The building code is the law set by the local, state and federal governments around how buildings should be built. Building codes tend to be most specific at the local government level, where they may describe specific measurements for entrances, exits and other areas. Following the building code and making sure your contractors follow it is critical to home improvement success. How can you navigate the building code? What should you watch out for?
Do I Really Need a Home Inspection Before Buying a Home?
Do I really need a home inspection before buying a home? This building inspector explains why it’s so important to hire a professional, qualified home inspector. Last October, we answered a question from a reader asking when it is okay to buy a house that was updated without pulling necessary permits. (In some areas of [...]
Does Our Condo Association Have a Case Against the Builder?
Does our condo association have a case against the builder? They found out the roof was built against code and the cost to repair is upwards of $150,000. Q: In 2006, we purchased a condominium in Chicago on the third floor of a 3-story building. Over those years, we’ve experienced water issues with the roof [...]
Basement Needs Fire Exit
Building codes vary from municipality to municipality. But in many places, if you have a basement that is used as a bedroom, building codes may require that you provide a fire exit, either a window or a door.
Refinance To Keep Home After Divorce
When couples divorce sometimes the woman agrees to keep the home rather than lay claim to the man's retirement benefits. But is this a fair trade? It's worth reconsidering trading a home for retirement benefits when the housing market is poor or if the home has home improvement work that wasn't built with building permits or up to code. If one spouse does decide to keep the home, it's important to refinance the property to remove the name of the parting spouse from the mortgage loan.
Canceling New Construction Real Estate Contract
Can I cancel a real estate contract? A reader that wants to walk away from a real estate deal because there are too many issues with the house, builder, and real estate agent. However, you usually can't just terminate a contract. The buyer must determine if the problems are enough to truly prevent occupancy.
Purchased Home Found Not Up To Code
A homeowner finds out five years after buying a home that certain parts of the home do not meet code. There are zoning and building codes just about everywhere in the country. Zoning codes regulate what can be built and where, as well as regulating how things should be built.
How To Resolve Missing Building Permits
When you buy a home that's had home improvements made without building permits, it's up to you to rectify that with your local government. In many cases, the local government will allow you to buy the building permits after the fact and consider the work in compliance with the building code. If you discover that the home you want to buy has had work done without building permits, you can stop the closing on the house.