Things To Know About Building Regulations Before Starting New Construction

By Author: Garry Stacks
Total Articles: 310
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Your first step in building a new home or remodelling an existing one is to find out if you need a permit. Learn about building regulations in Berkshire before starting construction, so you can avoid costly delays and complications later on.
 
The building code is a set of regulations that are enforced by the local government. Code compliance is required for all new construction in most areas, so if you plan to start a new business, you need to know what the local code requirements are and follow them to build a safe structure.
 
Building codes vary widely by state and locality. Some states and cities have very strict building codes. Others are much more relaxed, letting residents build virtually any way they want. Most jurisdictions require builders to submit plans for inspections before construction starts.
 
It's also important to know the rules around construction materials. Depending on where you live, certain materials may be prohibited for use in certain types of buildings or neighbourhoods. ...
... For example, wood is often prohibited under fire codes; concrete foundations are covered under health codes, and many jurisdictions prohibit the use of non-native plants (such as those from other countries) under landscaping codes.
 
Building codes can be confusing, and sometimes the answers to questions about building codes may not be obvious. You should make sure you understand what your local building inspector expects of you before starting any construction project. The following are some building regulations in Berkshire you should know before starting a new construction project.
 
Sinking foundations. If your foundation is built first, your crawl space is likely to collapse if water seeps in during heavy rain or snowmelt. Your crawl space will likely have to be enclosed with a concrete slab, and that can cost from $3,000 to $5,000.
 
Utility access. In all new construction projects, you'll need to plan for power, phone and cable lines as part of your design. These lines run along the foundation wall, and burying them in a concrete wall may cost $1,500 to $2,000 per line. However, if you're installing conduit boxes instead of running those wires along the foundation wall, it could cost only $300 per box.
 
External perimeter walls. If the house is going up next to an existing structure that interferes with the height of the house (such as a neighbour’s tree or fence), check with your local building department on how much extra clearance is needed for an exterior wall or roof.
 



About the Author:: The contribution has been made by Garry Stacks. He has written scores of articles on Building Regulations Berkshire His articles are quite informative.