When you are embarking upon a remodel and room addition exercise, it is important to remember that there are building codes which you have to conform to. These are regulations stipulated by the federal government which control every aspect of the design and construction of your home. Every new home, any remodeling project or addition of a room must adhere to codes which regulate the design, energy efficiency, and quality of construction and safety parameters of the structure. The codes also define the size and configuration of stairs, the number and types of windows and the glass panes used; the amount of energy the home is likely to consume; materials and the methods of use such materials; location of smoke detectors, fire safety and many other aspects of a dwelling place. Most home owners, who rent a flat, are hardly aware of these stipulations but homeowners who are building a home or adding a room to their existing premises, should become familiar with these strict codes, since these may have a serious impact on his proposed design and construction costs.
If you are thinking of remodeling a home it is thus important to bear in mind some important aspects. For instance, if the home is more than 30 years old, it will require an upgrading of the heating and electrical system. This is because the current codes governing electricity require about three times the number of power outlets that was required even a few decades ago. These extra outlets will require a bigger panel which in turn may require more power. This means that if you are remodeling or thinking of a room addition, talk to your contractor regarding budgeting for an electrical upgrade. Though the home structure may look sturdy and standing tall, older structures may require some structural changes according to the current codes. When you remodel a home the load distribution pattern may change and this may call for a review of the structure of the home. Room additions also cause structural changes as the current support systems have to be altered. But while making structural changes one of the biggest problems faced is the re-modeling of the electrical wiring system which may be positioned throughout the framing. So any structural change which you do in one part of the house can have a rippling effect through out the house. So when you are doing any room addition, see to it that it does not disturb the existing structure, including the electrical wiring system.
It is also mandatory according to the current building codes that new homes or room additions must be equipped with smoke detectors which are powered from the home’s electrical system and these are hard-wired detectors. Whenever any part is remodeled, this code must be strictly adhered to. It has also become compulsory to install carbon monoxide detectors in homes according to many local codes. They are very similar to smoke detectors and cost around $40. According to Journal of American Medical Association there is a growing trend in accidental deaths caused by carbon monoxide inhalation.
