Questions tagged [building-regulations]

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31 votes
7 answers
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Extension cord and power strip safety

I've heard that there are some safety and building code issues involved with using extension cords or power strips (surge protectors) for anything other than temporary use. What are the issues, and ...
jrdioko's user avatar
  • 841
25 votes
8 answers
70k views

Does a homeowner need a permit for electrical work in Massachusetts?

Does a homeowner need to obtain a permit from the town in order to do electrical work on his own house in Massachusetts? The unofficial answers I can find online (e.g., this forum and the websites of ...
Vebjorn Ljosa's user avatar
22 votes
4 answers
183k views

What is the proper way to run wires along/across basement ceiling joists?

I want to add an electrical outlet in my unfinished basement. It makes sense to run the wire along the ceiling because that's where all the other wires are. What is the proper way to install NM ...
Vebjorn Ljosa's user avatar
22 votes
6 answers
2k views

What "code" applies to projects that I do in my own home?

A good portion of the answers and discussion on this site references "code". What does a DIY-er need to know about code as it relates to project in their own home? Most of what I can find online ...
Portman's user avatar
  • 1,099
21 votes
3 answers
28k views

Is notching a flange on an I-Joist ever acceptable?

My home builder said that the following notch in a flange on an I-Joist was acceptable, but I've read that you're never supposed to do so. Is that true?
gibbo's user avatar
  • 313
20 votes
2 answers
48k views

Is there supposed to be a gap between the wall and the roof?

We bought a new house last year. Going up to the loft we noticed there is a considerable gap (5-6 cm) between the roof and the wall, like this: Is it supposed to be like that? It's freezing up there ...
algiogia's user avatar
  • 485
15 votes
6 answers
70k views

Why won't HVAC supply stores sell directly to the public? [closed]

I am quite shocked that every store in my very large metropolitan area that sells HVAC supplies requires purchasers to have HVAC contractors license. Which makes it very difficult for a very ...
amphibient's user avatar
  • 7,487
14 votes
8 answers
38k views

Can I put an outlet inside of a wall?

I want to mount a tablet to a wall with a charger but I don't want the charger to be visible. Can I put a normal wall outlet in the INSIDE of the wall and just plug in the charger inside the wall? ...
Programmer's user avatar
  • 2,050
10 votes
4 answers
4k views

Why are "Attefallshus" (Attefall houses) in Sweden not allowed to be on a land without a big house already on it? [closed]

Since 2014, house owners are allowed to have this kind of "mini house" built on their property. It's treated as a "real house", with its own address and somebody can live there and ...
R. Flicker's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
10k views

Foundation for structure on bedrock

We have the mixed blessing of a giant swath of exposed Canadian Shield on our property in Ontario. Literally a big flat area of exposed rock, no soil whatsoever. Scale is hard to see, but a ...
user2152081's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
20k views

Does the code inspector look at preexisting work, or only at recent work?

I would like to have my service panel upgraded from 50 to 200 amps by licensed electrician, but am worried about preexisting code violations. If I had it upgraded and a building code inspector came ...
Shawn's user avatar
  • 91
6 votes
2 answers
5k views

Where can I get electrical plans for my new house?

I'm planning a few upgrades to the wiring in my condo that will require filing plans with the city. It would make my life a lot easier if I had the existing electrical plans (and probably other ...
JayL's user avatar
  • 3,398
5 votes
1 answer
2k views

How much weight should a deck of a given area support?

How much weight should a deck of a given area support, either according to building codes or convention? In my local (Massachusetts) building code, I found the answer for floors (40 lbs/ft2 live load)...
Vebjorn Ljosa's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
496 views

How do building setbacks work on corners of the section? [closed]

Say that local regulations prohibit building within 10' (3 m) of a side boundary. And say that my side boundary has an internal corner as shown in the attached image. When determining how close I may ...
Bruce's user avatar
  • 143
4 votes
3 answers
3k views

Is having a window in a room that is below grade a requirement?

This would be in Charlotte, NC, Mecklenburg County. I vaguely remember hearing somewhere that rooms that are below grade are required to have a full size window in them or they can't be considered ...
Turk's user avatar
  • 96
4 votes
6 answers
65k views

Do I need a vent fan in an interior laundry room?

I am renovating a few rooms including an existing laundry room. It currently has one exterior window and another openable window onto an existing mudroom (which also has exterior windows). After the ...
bib's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
7k views

Timer needed on bathroom vent fan?

Does the International Building Code (IBC), or International Residential Code (IRC) require a timer on bathroom vent fans? (I realize all code is local, but just trying to get the standard rule.)
bib's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is stacking material under an I-Beam to make it level structurally sound and passing code?

Saw this in my new home construction, I am concerned, wondering if this is common. Thanks!
bladefist's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
4k views

Building code requiring rooms to have internal windows?

I am staying at the Radisson in Colorado Springs this evening and I notice that some of the rooms, in an extension built about 15-20 years ago, have large security windows facing into the hallway. The ...
Tyler Durden's user avatar
  • 6,887
3 votes
1 answer
930 views

What can happen if someone doesn't get a building permit for a renovation?

What are the possible repercussions if someone doesn't get a building permit when doing a renovation? I have heard many people I know say they never got a building permit to get "x" done and they have ...
Programmer's user avatar
  • 2,050
3 votes
4 answers
77k views

How close can light fixtures be to fire sprinkler heads?

I'm planning to add several rows of fluorescent light fixtures in my garage, which has partly recessed fire sprinkler heads. Does code specify how close fixtures can be to the sprinklers? Common ...
JayL's user avatar
  • 3,398
3 votes
1 answer
401 views

Fire door modification beyond trim allowance

So I bought some fire doors. "The doors comprise cellulosic (flaxboard) cored, timber framed leaves". The Certifire certificate of approval is here: https://www.jeld-wen.co.uk/getmedia/...
fractor's user avatar
  • 133
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

Can an alcove tub be installed with most of it behind a wall?

Please forgive the quick sketch for the concept, but I'm wondering if the following is prohibited by code, or failing at that, a bad idea in general. I have a small (6'8" x 9'3") bathroom that needs ...
user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
419 views

Running wire through sole plate and joist at an angle

I am cutting a new outlet in the wall between my living room and dining room. Below is an unfinished garage with completely accessible joists where I can run wire. There are double joists directly ...
000's user avatar
  • 318
3 votes
4 answers
35k views

Can I install a sink that drains into this floor drain?

I would like to install a sink in my basement but the only drain that is close to it is being used for the HVAC. Can I use this existing drain for the sink as well? This is roughly how the drain is ...
Programmer's user avatar
  • 2,050
3 votes
3 answers
8k views

Popup outlet on kitchen island - is it against building codes? California

I've seen these small round popup outlets. I spoke with a contractor we have doing a remodel of our kitchen and he said it would violate building codes. Didn't even give me a chance to show him what ...
merk's user avatar
  • 627
3 votes
1 answer
520 views

Am I required to replace a non code compliant balustrade?

I am purchasing a flat in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. Prior to purchase, I had the building inspected and they've noted that the balcony balustrade doesn't meet height requirements for my ...
Anthony's user avatar
  • 141
3 votes
1 answer
173 views

Smoke/CO Detector Location Within A Bedroom

This question concerns smoke/CO detector placement within a bedroom (the code is pretty clear regarding outside-of-bathroom & distance-from-kitchen-appliances). Given a 12x10ft bedroom, with the ...
sil80's user avatar
  • 567
3 votes
1 answer
773 views

What is the safe/proper way to run non-metallic conduit between floors?

I need to run a CAT5 line and a 22/4 alarm wire from my 2 story attic to the first floor. I have access to the interior of the walls (I will re-dryboard). I'd like to run carlon ENT from the attic ...
BozoJoe's user avatar
  • 257
3 votes
1 answer
286 views

What are the building regulations in the UK for fitting a light in a bathroom?

What designs of lights are allowed? When do I need to get a building regulation inspection?
Walker's user avatar
  • 6,219
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

Is it legal for a home/condo owner to do any electric work in Chicago? [closed]

As of June 18th, 2018, the City of Chicago Department of Buildings poses the following in their FAQ. Q: Can owners do their own electrical work? A: No. Due to the potential for electric shock ...
Will Haley's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
74 views

Can the parties who sign a building permit be liable in any way, shape or form of water damage to a building? [closed]

Suppose you have a condo building. That condo building was built 10 years ago. The statutes of limitations is only good for 6 years (for negligence purposes). There is water damage to the condo's ...
JustBeingHelpful's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
196 views

What is the difference between “Planning Permission” and “Building Regulation” in the UK and when do I need to get them?

It can be very confusing to know what is covered by “Planning-Permission” and what is covered by “Building Regulation”, so can we have a short answer with links please.
Walker's user avatar
  • 6,219
2 votes
2 answers
5k views

In Canada (Ontario, specifically), is 'CL2' rated cable acceptable for in-wall installation?

I've got a bunch of cable to install in the wall for my basement reno and have an excellent source for various cable types (speaker, video, cat6, etc), but the cable 'only' has the US CL2 rating, and ...
Russ's user avatar
  • 161
2 votes
3 answers
31k views

NEC 6/12 rule clarification

I understand that you must have an electrical receptacle 6 feet from any obstruction or break in the wall, such as a doorway, and no more than 12 feet from the previous electrical receptacle. Does ...
Programmer's user avatar
  • 2,050
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

How to buy a land and build a cottage in the United States?

I plan to buy a small residential land (<1 acre) to build a vacation cottage there. Since I want to explore possibilities across different states, I am searching for possible options over the ...
Googlebot's user avatar
  • 121
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

Are all of these smoke detectors required?

My house has eight smoke detectors; one in the basement, one in an upstairs bonus room, and six on the main floor. The main floor is "T" shaped; the bedroom area forms the top of the "T", and the ...
fixer1234's user avatar
  • 6,108
2 votes
1 answer
898 views

How do I tell if an electrician is "qualified" in the UK?

(All of this is with regard to living in England, UK). My wife and I bought a house recently, and it clearly needs a bit of work on the electrics and a number of other jobs which would affect ...
Samuel Harmer's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Can I get bathroom permit in old house (1950s) which doesn't quite meet modern codes?

I want to add bathroom in my basement. The house was build in 1950s so its old. The basement ceiling hight is not great, max 7 ft (unfinished area). I have had couple of contractors and plumbers come ...
zar's user avatar
  • 313
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

What does the Plumbing Code say about securing a bathtub faucet to the studs?

My son is renting an apartment. It looks as if the bathtub faucet (spout and valvehandle) are only secured by the grout of the tile and haven't been properly secured at all to the studs. I know that ...
Jay Stevens's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
339 views

Can PEX be used for the trunk

Currently I have a length of galvanized steel pipe (3/4") from the water meter, which is feeding the main trunk (3/4" copper). The water pressure in the house is very low, and I suspect it is due to ...
Tester101's user avatar
  • 132k
2 votes
2 answers
241 views

Building code in Canada

Are there any online resources for determining building code requirements in Canada? For example right now I need to know what the proper diameter for a dryer vent to the outside should be. Last ...
matt wilkie's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
301 views

Drafty light switch box on exterior-facing wall

Is this an example of shoddy contracting and/or building code violations for a house built in Tennessee twenty years ago? exterior facing wall light switch, no fire caulk on edges/holes, w/ cold draft ...
Patrick Parker's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

How close can garage overhead storage be to fire sprinklers?

I've recently been looking at getting overhead storage racks for my garage which has several standard pendant sprinklers. The racks I am looking at are 4' x 8' and have rigid brackets, vertical posts,...
HanniballRun's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
6k views

How do you determine the date a house was built?

I was told our house was 18 years old when we bought it. The date it was "built" was listed as 1998. However, the building permit was issued in 1996. What determines the date a house was built, when ...
Programmer's user avatar
  • 2,050
2 votes
2 answers
676 views

Building Regs for 1st Floor Bathrooms

We are installing a Bathroom in an existing bedroom on the first floor of a 3 bed victorian terrace. We've heard building control have regulations regarding the double joisting or sistering of joists ...
Andrew McGregor's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is this elbow coming from toilet a suitable fixture for DWV?

I had new plumbing installed and someone told me the elbow used under my toilet is incorrect. The company says it's fine. I'm trying to determine who is right. Here is the fitting: The manufacturer ...
Eric's user avatar
  • 243
2 votes
2 answers
62 views

what type of guard rail is needed on an open part of a 5 tread stair

I am putting a long continuos handrail along the closed wall of my stair but need to know what is required at the bottom where 5 steps are open on the other side?
Jane's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
13k views

Where in the Canadian building or plumbing code is the 15" toilet clearance rule?

I've heard numerous stories occurring throughout British Columbia where, apparently, inspectors enforced a rule that requires 15" of clearance from the centerline of a toilet to an adjacent finished ...
alx9r's user avatar
  • 1,335
2 votes
1 answer
813 views

How difficult/costly would it be to extend a 400V 3-phase domestic supply 150m down a garden in the UK?

I do a lot of technology work for a large country house in the UK. We're currently looking at getting electricity 150m up the garden. Despite being a residential property, the electrical supply ...
SLD's user avatar
  • 151