do you need a building permit to replace a rotted floor?

Do you need a building permit to replace a rotted floor?

Hello & welcome to solsarin. Our discussion is “Do you need a building permit to replace a rotted floor?”. Please stay with us until the end of the text.

How to Fix a Rotten Floor?

Picture thousands — if not millions — of hungry monsters, greedily devouring every bit of life standing in their way. It may sound like a horror story, but if you have rotting wood in your house, it’s happening around you. Fungal spores drift in the wind, looking for a place to call their own. Encountering damp wood surfaces, caused by chronic leaks and spills, they settle in and begin to eat and grow. As the wood’s cellular structure is consumed, it begins to collapse. The next thing you know, that sweating toilet or chronically overflowing bath tub falls through your floor — if you don’t first. Fix your rotten floor before it spreads and evict the monsters from your home.

1. Clear the area to provide a generous work space. Remove any fixtures, such as a toilet, pedestal sink or washing machine, located in or near the rotting area. Turn off the water supply before unbolting and detaching the items.

2. Remove the floor covering to reveal the rotting floor and the surrounding subfloor. Pull up any wall or floor trim that prevents flooring removal. Starting at an edge, rip up and roll back carpeting. Alternatively, cut through vinyl or linoleum with a utility knife, or for hardwood flooring, with a circular saw, set to the depth of the finish flooring only — typically 3/4-inch thick, but sometimes less. Use a carpenter’s square or other straightedge to outline straight cuts.

3. Punch a hole through the softest part of the rotten area, using a hammer, or your foot, if necessary. Gradually enlarge the hole, pulling up chunks of rotten plywood or particle board, until you can see into the opening easily. Shine a light through the hole to find the joists and mark the location of the joists on either side of the hole. Measure the distance between them to allow you to anticipate the next set of joists on either side.

4. Enlarge the cut-out area to include all of the rotten wood, then extend past the rotten area to the next joist on either side. A jigsaw or similar saw will work quickly, but if you must cut over a joist or near plumbing or ductwork, switch to the circular saw. Avoid cutting into a floor joist at all costs, as this weakens your floor and the surrounding structure.

5. Square the opening using the carpenter’s square to ensure the corners are square and the sides are straight. End the sides parallel to the joists directly over the center of the joists. This allows the replacement floor patch to sit on top of the joist as well as provide proper support.

6. Examine the exposed floor joists to ensure they are in good shape. If they are even slightly soft, install “sister” boards along their length. Cut 2-inch-thick boards (using either the same board width or slightly narrower) to run the length of the softened area plus another 2 or 3 feet on either end. Working from below the floor, if possible, raise the boards to floor height — flush with the existing joists and subfloor — and anchor with four bolts or screws on either end, where the joists are solid. Alternatively, if the joists are crumbling, consult a professional for total joist replacement.

7. Run additional 2-inch-thick boards, one on either side of the opening, perpendicular to and between the joists. Cut the boards to fit between the joists and either toenail (drive the nails at an angle) the boards to the joists from above, or drive the nails through the joist into the board ends if you are working from below. Once completed, you will have a series of boxes, comprised of joists and bridges, between the joists that will support the new flooring on each edge.

8. Measure and cut replacement plywood to cover the exposed floor framework. Use plywood of the same thickness as the existing subfloor if possible. Alternatively, use thin wood shims, a layer of builder’s paper, or even plastic sheeting to build a slightly thin sheet up even with the surrounding surface. This usually only presents a problem when replacing particle board.

9. Run a bead of construction adhesive down the length of each exposed joist or board. Set the replacement plywood in place, fitting more than one piece as necessary. Use nails or screws every 8 to 10 inches to attach each edge of the replacement subfloor.

When Do I Need a Building Permit for Home Improvements?

When you choose to make improvements to your home, you probably think about design and decor options, paint colors, if the project will increase your property value, or if you’ll need to hire anyone to help you with the job. But there is another, extremely important consideration you need to make – whether or not you will need a building permit for your project.

It is essential for homeowners to know which projects require approval and the potential consequences for making changes without it. So before you start tinkering with electrical wiring or knocking down walls, make sure you understand the ins and outs of building permits and when they are required.

What is a building permit?

A building permit is a legal document issued from the local government that allows you to proceed with construction on a project. Building permits ensure that your home improvement or remodeling project meets important requirements that minimize potential health and safety risks, such as structural collapse, fire hazard, and electrical shock. Though obtaining a building permit may feel like a nuisance, it’s important to remember that the process is put in place to keep you and your family safe and to protect your investment

Home improvements that require a building permit

Although requirements vary from city to city, the general rule of thumb is that structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work will require a residential permit. Here is a breakdown of the most common home improvement projects that require a building permit:

• Fencing installation or repair: When you install or repair a fence, it’s important to check with your city to see if there is a height restriction. Be sure to have a fencing contractor inquire about such restrictions to avoid having to cut the fence or take it down after installation.
• Window installations: When you install new windows that are bigger than your old windows, a permit is required to cut holes for them. This will also include cutting holes for skylights and new doors with windows. Be sure to reach out to a professional window installer who can acquire those permits.
• Plumbing and electrical work: When installing or replacing plumbing, you will likely need to submit a permit application. The same rule applies when installing or replacing electrical wiring, whether it’s an outlet, switch, ceiling fan, or overhead lighting. The cases where you won’t need a permit or inspection include smaller projects like repairs and light fixture installations.
• Structural changes: When you make any kind of structural changes to your property, the contractor will need to obtain a permit. This may include changes to the load-bearing walls, balconies, decks, porches, roofs, or foundation flooring.
• Heating maintenance: If you replace the water heater, the heating contractor you’ve hired to do the work will need to get a permit. Changes to the ventilation system, gas and wood fireplaces, and ducts will also require a permit. This does not include filter changes, motor lubrication, or equipment cleaning.
• Additions and remodels: Additions, new construction, remodels, repairs, replacements, and upgrades totaling $5,000 or more will require a permit. This will include detached structures like garages, sheds, and platforms. Exceptions to this rule include construction that’s less than 200 square feet, as well as painting, carpeting, and wallpaper.

Home improvement projects that don’t require a permit

There will be some home improvement projects that won’t require a permit, like small plumbing and electrical projects. Other projects you can do without a permit include:

• Painting and wallpapering
• Installing flooring like hardwood, carpeting, linoleum, or vinyl tile
• Minor electrical repairs
• Installing new countertops
• Installing or replacing a faucet
• Landscaping work

As mentioned, rules vary from region to region, so just because someone you know didn’t need a permit, doesn’t mean you won’t. If you’re unsure, contact your local building office and ask. It’s better to check beforehand, as the call could save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

When Do You Need a Building Permit?

For many different types of home repair and improvement jobs, permits are required. Though simple repairs usually don’t call for permits, additions or major changes—particularly those that involve structural work, electrical, heating, and plumbing—usually demand that you get the appropriate permits from the local building department. If you’re working with a contractor or subcontractor, this professional usually handles the permit process.

If your job falls within this category and your tradesperson suggests that you don’t need a permit, be wary and check with the building department yourself. In most cases, getting a permit means the work will be inspected by the necessary officials.

If your job falls within this category and your tradesperson suggests that you don’t need a permit, be wary and check with the building department yourself. In most cases, getting a permit means the work will be inspected by the necessary officials.

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