- When do I need a permit?
- Where can I find and choose a
contractor?
- Why are molds a concern?
- Where does carbon monoxide come
from?
- How much will it cost?
Have you ever
wondered if a permit is required for your home renovation? Here is some
information that may help you out.
Structural
– Some home owners will attempt to do their own renovations. It's common for
someone to tear down a wall to add more space to a family room, and then when it
is too late, they discover it is a load-bearing wall and is required to maintain
the house's structural integrity. Any time you take down or put up a new wall,
you need a permit.
Electrical
- A permit is needed any time you add new lights that require new wiring, new
switches or receptacles. It is easy to electrocute yourself if you don't know
what you're doing.
Plumbing
- When moving a plumbing fixture to a new location or installing a new one, you
need to get a plumbing permit. Plumbing is a complicated process, requiring
proper ventilation and sealed joints.
HVAC
- It is critical that your contractor gets an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air
Conditioning) permit if they are relocating or adding new duct work.
Think of a permit as a second
unbiased opinion. Remember, this is your home. Have the renovation completed
by a professional renovator. This professional will be able to get the
necessary permits for you on your behalf.
Start by looking for several suitable contractors. The best
source is often referrals from family, friends and
neighbours who have done similar renovations. They can tell you about the
dependability of the contractors they worked with, the quality of the
work and their overall experience with that company.
You can also get names from local homebuilder and renovator
associations, and you can check with building supply stores, municipal
building departments, Yellow Pages
and the Internet.
Discuss your project with a few
potential contractors to get their advice and suggestions on how
they would do the work. At the first meeting, some may give you a rough
estimate of costs, depending on the project’s scope
and complexity. The first meeting, though, is more to get to
know the contractor and the contractor’s work.
Do not sign anything or pay anything at this
stage.
Damage to materials is one concern. Materials get stained or
discolored, and over time they are ruined. Moldy paper and cardboard
disintegrate over time. Fabrics are damaged. Continued mold growth can be
indicative of moisture conditions favorable for growth of fungi that cause wood
rot and structural damage.
When molds are growing inside the
home, there may be health concerns. Molds release chemicals and spores.
Health experts indicate that, depending on the type of mold
present in a home, the amount and degree of exposure, and the health condition
of the occupant, the health effects of mold can range from being insignificant
to causing allergic reactions and illness.
Pregnant women, infants, the elderly and those with health
problems, such as respiratory disease or a weakened immune system, are more at
risk when exposed to mold. Consult your family physician if you believe there is
someone who may be at risk.
Carbon monoxide is a common by-product
of the combustion (burning) of fossil fuels. Most
fuel-burning equipment (natural gas, propane
and oil), if properly installed and maintained,
produces little CO. The by-products of
combustion are usually safely vented to the outside.
However, if anything disrupts the venting
process (such as a bird's nest in the chimney) or
results in a shortage of oxygen to the burner, CO
production can quickly rise to dangerous
levels.
The burning of wood, kerosene, coal
and charcoal produce CO. Gasoline engines produce CO.
CO production is at a
maximum during the startup of a cold engine. Starting,
then idling, your car or gas mower in the garage
can be dangerous. The fumes that contain CO can
enter a home through connecting walls or doorways and
can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
The cost of the renovation work will
depend on the condition of the existing structure, the
extent of the work to be done and local labour and
material prices. Costs of finishes and fixtures vary
widely. A good budget checklist will help you
to develop a realistic cost for the project before you
start.
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Some of the items to include are:
-
Design changes.
-
Structural considerations.
-
Fixtures and appliances.
-
Moisture damage and deteriorated
finishes.
-
Floor and wall finishes.
-
Plumbing and electrical problems.
-
Heating and ventilation.
-
Permit and inspection costs.
-
Waste disposal.
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