Building
codes
are
established
by local
authorities
to set
out
minimum
public-safety
standards
for
building
design,
construction,
quality,
use and
occupancy,
location
and
maintenance.
There
are
specialized
codes
for
plumbing,
electrical
and
fire,
which
usually
involve
separate
inspections
and
inspectors.
All
buildings
must be
issued a
building
permit
and a
certificate
of
occupancy
before
it can
be used.
During
construction,
housing
inspectors
must
make
checks
at key
points.
Codes
are
usually
enforced
by
denying
permits,
occupancy
certificates
and by
imposing
fines.
Building
codes
also
cover
most
remodeling
projects.
If you
are
buying a
house
that has
been
significantly
remodeled,
ask for
proof of
the
permits
involved
before
you
purchase
to avoid
future
liability
for
fines.
Resources:
* "The
Ultimate
Language
of Real
Estate,"
John
Reilly,
Dearborn
Financial
Publishing,
Chicago;
1993.
Q:
Where
do I get
information
on
remodeling?
A:
Try
these
sources:
*
National
Association
of the
Remodeling
Industry,
4301 N.
Fairfax
Drive,
Suite
310,Arlington,
VA
22203;
(703)
575-1100.
* "Rehab
a Home
With
HUD?s
203(K),"
published
by the
U.S.
Department
of
Housing
and
Urban
Development,
7th and
D St.,
S.W.,
Washington,
DC
20410.
* "Cost
vs.
Value
Report,"
by
Remodeling
magazine,
1 Thomas
Circle,
N.W.,
Suite
600,
Washington,
DC
20005.
$8.95
per
copy;
call
(202)
736-3447
for
credit
card
orders.
* "The
Do-able
Renewable
Home,"
by the
Coordination
and
Development
Department,
American
Association
of
Retired
Persons,
601 E
St.,
N.W.,
Washington,
DC
20049.
Q:
When
are
building
permits
needed?
A:
Building
codes
are
established
by local
authorities
to set
out
minimum
public-safety
standards
for
building
design,
construction,
quality,
use and
occupancy,
location
and
maintenance.
There
are
specialized
codes
for
plumbing,
electrical
and
fire,
which
usually
involve
separate
inspections
and
inspectors.
All
buildings
must be
issued a
building
permit
and a
certificate
of
occupancy
before
it can
be used.
During
construction,
housing
inspectors
must
make
checks
at key
points.
Codes
are
usually
enforced
by
denying
permits,
occupancy
certificates
and by
imposing
fines.
Building
codes
also
cover
most
remodeling
projects.
If you
are
buying a
house
that has
been
significantly
remodeled,
ask for
proof of
the
permits
involved
before
you
purchase
to avoid
future
liability
for
fines.
Resources:
* "The
Ultimate
Language
of Real
Estate,"
John
Reilly,
Dearborn
Financial
Publishing,
Chicago;
1993.
