FAQ
In this section we will deal with the answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and we will add to them as new questions are submitted. We encourage visitors to the site to contribute and add their questions and comments. Because the site is new, we will rely on questions that fit the category based on our past experience. Periodically we will revisit the FAQ and add new material based on the input from our site visitors. If you wish to contribute, go to the Contact Us page. [Answers from Brent Bell, PE]
"Daddy, can I get on the Internet?"[Photo by Norma Bell]
Q: Do I really need to get a Building Permit for my home improvement project?
A: This is a loaded question, which is why I picked it. There is no question that the costs of Building Permits in some communities are exorbitant and their value is certainly in question when one is doing a home improvement project as opposed to constructing a new house. Typically, anything unattached that is less than 120 square feet doesn't require a Building Permit, so tool sheds, dog houses, etc. do not need a Building Permit anyway. For other applications, remember that anything you construct that could blow into your neighbor's window or be damaged by soil expansion or freeze heave should be permitted. For interior fit and finish work, you're on your own.
Q: I have vendor cut sheets that have an engineer's seal on them already. Why do I have to pay for another engineer's certification?
A: I get this one quite frequently. The seals that you see on commercially procured products certify the product only and not the installation. For example, if someone has sealed and certified a solar racking assembly for wind loads that exceed anything required in your area, that doesn't mean that the engineer is certifying that the roof it's attached to won't fail during a design wind. This is more easily illustrated when the structure the rack is attaching to is woefully inadequate. It's like ordering a new water pump from the dealer for your car that doesn't run. In addition, engineering seals must bear an original signature and be from the proper state.
