It is said that PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
That is actually a misnomer,being that it is a half truth at best.
In reality practice makes perfect only when you practice aright.
As this site is geared towards home improvements and the like , I thought that the following might be of some value in the long run.
1. One known fact is that INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE IN THE BUSINESS TO COLLECT…..NOT PAY .
2. Another, is in the fact that a great many have an aversion to drag a building permit when doing a project, in the thinking that their taxes will be effected, contingent of course on the extent and or scope.
3. All jobs do not require a new permit, but more do than not.
4. Example : If one plans to replace a window or door with a unit of the same, or lesser, size there is no need to drag a permit because no structural changes are demanded, whereas adding a larger unit involves the replacing of headers, and so on.
A set of exterior stairs leading to upper floors may or may not require a break, dependant on the total height required, but may even be condemned if codes are not followed . { big costs if so ].
An owner may suffer loss ,[ not being paid for fire damages ], if when building a new work shop in a garage he failed to install fire coded sheet rock on the wall adjoining the home. [ attached garage applications ]. As would be the case if fire starting in the shop also damaged the home.
The same applies for hurricane clips etc. in wind prone areas.
One of the first questions that an owner will be asked by his broker is, ” do you have a valid building permit for the job.
Solution, protect yourself. Code books when needed cost about $48.00 on average.
If you do not care to go this route at least find someone with building savvy , the peace of mind alone is worth it.
I am not an inspector, but have been in the building, remodeling, and refurbishing business since 1962, and have witnessed some horror shows, the results of trying to do work ” on the cheap”.
Just food for thought, with the hopes that some will find the advantage of ” practing aright ”.
Norm.














7 comments so far
MRTRIM
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746 posts in 1873 days
posted 1861 days ago
its usually cheaper to go the expensive route !
normand
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19 posts in 1870 days
posted 1861 days ago
Howdy, Mr. Trim,
I am absolutely convinced of this also , although I must confess that I gleaned this mainly by observation over the years.
Norm..
” Where your heart is, there is your treasure also “
MsDebbieP
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618 posts in 1887 days
posted 1861 days ago
the codes are their to protect us and the next home owners.
Of course there are the horror stories of “not passing” and just dragging out the process.. but for the most part “passing” does give a peace of mind.
-- ~ Debbie, Ontario Canada
normand
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19 posts in 1870 days
posted 1861 days ago
Hi again Debbie ” Ontario ”,
When we relocated to Nc. we bought a 1930’s farm house , of the plank design, and I think that the building codes were established 3 weeks after it was built, ...... [ kidding ].
Dragging out !
I know of a few instances where a brand new house was made to sit unoccupied for several years, just because someone tried to pull a quickie,..... talk about expensive !
One of the best parts about being versed with the codes is that you can successfully argue a point of difference when a local inspector lends HIS INTURPRETATION to the code, for whatever reason.
[ And they are famous for this] , safe in the knowledge that most have not bothered to familiarize themselves with the code : I.e. all that an inspector dictates is not of neccessity a true account.
Your point on protection is right on spot.
Norm.
[ where your heart is, there is your treasure also ]
normand
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19 posts in 1870 days
posted 1857 days ago
We never had that option, just the local codes centered on the national code.
That would have made too much sense I suppose !
I may have to stand corrected here, there may have been a dual code before ” 62 ” when I hung out my shingle, and started out for myself.
However, since we moved from Ma. to Nc. a couple of years back, and ,....I want nothing to do with that cesspool of a state, I’ll probably never know.
That was interesting , information wise .
Thanks for the comment .
Norm.
pappyjohn
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8 posts in 1860 days
posted 1836 days ago
Norm, Mr Trim, Ms Debbie, TopE-5, I concur and agree whole heartedly. I was first introduced to the codes out in Calif. in 1988 at Mira Costa College. I do believe that the Calif. Building Codes set into motion for a National (Somewhat Unified Building Codes by States). I also agree that the Codes are in place not to hinder or cause undue cost, but to ensure that Quality, and proper methods, materials, and safety restrictions are followed. So the individuals that think that saving time, or money is more important then they should be avoided. Last month I had an individual, wanting me to construct a 14×24 deck. 8 foot off the ground. Well, I drew him up some plans that incorporated 2×10 joists for the deck, and he felt that 2×6 joists would be fine. I told him that I would not build it with that lumber and That was that. Simple fact I wouldn’t have the guilt of someone getting hurt on my concscience. To me Safety is my main concern with outdoor projects. Thanks for listening.
-- Your brother in WoodWorking John
normand
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19 posts in 1870 days
posted 1834 days ago
Good morning Papa John,
I am ever amazed at the number of those out there that have [ perhaps] bought a ‘how to’ book, and end with just enough knowledge to make them dangerous !
There is that, which is called the ’ right use of logic’ ; but reasoning must evade any who conclude that a 2×6, will carry the same load as a 2×10. over a predetermined span.
I am always reminded of the one who didn’t know ’ ST…...UFF ’ from putty, and all of his windows fell out !
You were right to refuse the work, because bad work will hound you the rest of your life; in addition to your reasoning.
Thanks for the thoughts,
Norm.
As in the words of a 40’s song : ” I go to sleep counting my blessings “