Permit Timing

[David D]

When is the right time to apply for a Building Permit for a single family home?
As soon as the plans are ready?
As close to the 120 day permit limit?
Or sit on the plans until ready to build?

[Kapohocat]

Definately before code changes.....




Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
"We help make building your dream home a reality"

[Rob Tucker]

Yep, you wouldn't want to miss a chance to build the last sub standard home before the codes require you do better.



Punaweb moderator

[oink]

Ouch, that was cold.
If I could get it together in time I would want to get permitted before major changes, just to keep the permit aggrevations to a min. I plan to have my house engineered to post Andrew S. Fl hurricane standards and if I can, Cal earthquake standards.

S. FL Islander to be

[Rob Tucker]

Sorry for the heavy sarcasm. It sounds like your intentions will not be impacted by any code changes here. The current code in Hawaii allows building methods that have been discredited most everywhere else. South Florida codes are among the most developed in the nation.

My guess is that the biggest effect of the code upgrade will be to actually require a foundation for a home. At this time people are still building using precast concrete blocks which, in my opinion, are the structural equivalent of a mobile home.

While I often hear complaints about building codes I shudder to think what would be built if there were no minimum standards.

Punaweb moderator

[Kapohocat]

Touche Rob!

If your plans are not drawn, have them drawn to the 2006 code. if they are drawn, you might spend the extra money and have them re-drawn to comply with 2006.

I guess I work closely with one builder who "overbuilds" compared to HI County standards. Wouldnt think of using the precast piers and does grade beams in slabs where the house structure is up in the air, using plywood 5/8" sheathing (not purlins) for roof structure (and likes your roofing Rob!!)...doesnt cut any corners.... so it is sometimes hard for me to think of others doing it.

-Cat



Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
"We help make building your dream home a reality"


Edited by - kapohocat on 10/03/2006 09:44:17

[Rob Tucker]

No offense intended Cat! I know you know your stuff.

Oink, When upgrading the structural design of a home the cost effect can actually be relatively minor. Taking a roof design from an 80 mph wind load to a 120 mph wind load might (depending on design) involve merely more frequent Simpson connectors or upticking from a #8 screw to a #10 screw in a tighter pattern.

My personal experience in disaster recovery is with earthquakes and firestorms. The most evident failing I observed in the Northridge Earthquake was simply workmanship. The codes don't matter much if they are ignored and inspectors can't find the weak links.

Generally speaking the most consistant loss of property and life is from fire - not major natural disasters. Fire resistance is generally not required in residential building except for attached garages and under stairwells.

I think you are wise to take a serious approach to your home's structural design.

Punaweb moderator

[oink]

I've had the eye of three hurricanes pass over my house in three years. Two in one year. I like the idea of living in an armored tank.

S. FL Islander to be

[Rob Tucker]

I am living in an armored tank. I like it.

Punaweb moderator

[bystander]

quote:

---

My guess is that the biggest effect of the code upgrade will be to actually require a foundation for a home. At this time people are still building using precast concrete blocks which, in my opinion, are the structural equivalent of a mobile home.

---

So this means no more post and pier houses? I've always wondered why houses are built on post and pier here. It actually costs less to build a house on a slab foundation.