\u200bYou’re off and running with your DIY project, looking to become a home improvement hero and saving some cash in the process. Sure, you may know your way around power tools, but you could be the dumbest guy in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n
The trap? Building codes, those rules and regulations that govern everything from lumber spans to the clearance in front of a toilet. If you don’t comply with building codes, you may be on the hook for fines and an expensive tear-out and redo of your project.<\/p>\n
Heck, you say. Nobody is going to notice a little bathroom renovation going on in the back of your house. That may be true, but the real intent of building codes is to\u00a0make sure your house is safe and healthy. Not conforming with codes could even cost you when you decide to sell your home\u2014a sharp-eyed inspector undoubtedly will spot violations that shrink your asking price or tank a potential sale altogether.<\/p>\n
But if you’re determined to forge ahead and on your own (we know you are!), watch out for these common code no-nos that trip up many a DIYer.<\/p>\n
“YOU MAY THINK YOU CAN DO WITHOUT PERMITS, BUT THAT CAN REALLY COME TO HAUNT YOU IN THE END.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
You may think not applying for a building permit helps shave costs and sidesteps all the bureaucratic BS, and you’d be right\u2014and wrong. Skipping permits means you won’t have access to your local building inspector, somebody who knows all the codes and can ensure your project is in compliance. That translates to the utmost safety for you and your family, and avoids code violation stumbling blocks when it comes time to sell your house.<\/p>\n
“By far the biggest mistake do-it-yourselfers make is not getting the right permits,” says Rich Nolan, a structural engineer and owner of Nolan Engineering in Burt Hills, N.Y., a firm that specializes in home inspections. “You may think you can do without permits, but that can really come to haunt you in the end.”<\/p>\n
Want more motivation? Your insurance company may not cover your loss if it was due to improper installation or construction.<\/p>\n
To finish reading this article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"