11/27/2024
Greetings!
As a reminder, and to provide a little perspective, because sometimes we just need to be informed by those that have seen from all angles. So here it goes. Hold on tight.
When a homeowner or a business owner choose to renovate, remodel, or build additions to the home or build enclosures that may or may not include structural work or new electrical services without the use of a registered engineer or architect, these are some of the possible outcomes that arise from performing these illegal, unpermitted, uninspected, clandestine construction activities, just to name a few.
#1) FIRE HAZARDS can arise when new electrical systems are installed by insividuals who are not well versed in the NEC, National Electric Code. We can talk about this for hours. Not only is a properly engineered plan a must, but the electrician must be well qualified at implementing these codes and avoiding and spotting the potential for fire hazards related to the new electrical work that is designed.
2) STRUCTURAL FAILURE occurs when structural elements of the home are not taken into consideration before a build. Usually the live and dead loads of a home or building are well calculated precisely to accept the weight of building materials and humans that will occupy the space. When we alter these elements without the use of a structural engineer, we risk collapse and failure of the structure by wind forces and weight forces. Florida has some very specific criteria that must be met when building exterior walls and elements that will interact with these natural and man-made forces.
3) FLOODING AND LEAKING will occur if proper waterproofing of the building elements are not done in the proper sequence. This can be caused by things like enclosing a garage without raising the floor to an elevation above the crown of the road in front of the home. Leaving foundations unprotected from moisture intrusion is the number one cause of cracking to surface elements like, floor slabs, tile, stucco, showers, and new windows. Sometimes you won’t even realize that there is a water leak until the black mold starts growing on the interior walls and ceilings and then it’s too late and you have to gut the whole place to deal with the mold.
4) ILLEGAL UNPERMITTED CONSTRUCTION AFFECTS THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME. This is something you will experience when you go to sell, and the buyer asks to see the permit history on the home. I see this a lot.
I can go on and on…
My advice to anybody considering remodeling renovating, additions or new construction. Do it in a way that you protect yourself and the people who will be in your home or business. Do not be lured by fast talking handymen, tradesmen, and people who want to make money to provide for their family by putting yours at risk for injury or worse, G-d forbid.
Please make the right choice.
I am available to help you consider all your options.
I am licensed, insured, and i have 35 years experience to share with you. Just reach out.
I hope this makes sense.
All the best, and have a great Thanksgiving!
