Permit and Codes
One of the best ways to avoid a bad kitchen remodel project is to make sure the project is done with a permit, and then receives all of the necessary inspections.
As mentioned before, this is one of the biggest mistakes that will most likely lead to a remodel project that turns out very bad. Keep in mind that future inspections of the home will reveal any improvements which will be questioned, and may require inspection reports and permit documentation. If a building department is notified of a non-permitted project, they will want to inspect the project which may result in a request to gain access to areas that are covered up, which could result in removing sheet rock or other components. A permit will need to be issued and fees paid, including possible penalties.
Kitchen Remodels Code Requirements
Kitchen Remodels - Code Requirements and Choices
Energy Codes
Some code requirements are straight forward and require a something specific, such as a dedicated circuit; however there are some codes that may be fulfilled by choosing from a variety of compliant items such as lighting fixtures and controls.
Although some areas may not have adopted certain energy codes this is a great time to consider these options that may help reduce your electric utility bills.High Efficiency Codes for Kitchen Remodels
As mentioned, kitchen remodel projects can be identified with several categories and may mean something altogether different depending on a person's individual focus or goals, so let's look at a few categories that may full under the heading of home improvements with the focus being on how these home improvements will affect electrical wiring.
The nationwide quest to become more energy efficient has encouraged the production of new products at an increasing rate featuring new technologies that are being adopted by the NEC and many are required to be installed into homes when upgrade projects are performed.
Kitchens in some areas may require high efficacy and low-efficacy lighting to be controlled separately by their own switches, and at least 50% of all installed wattage must be high efficacy lighting providing a uniform pattern of illumination and shall be switch controlled separately from any other decorative low efficacy kitchen lighting.
Building Codes for Kitchen Remodels
Most State Energy Codes require that all penetrations through an air barrier be sealed so that the interior air barrier is maintained. Sealing applies to all penetrations including the service entrance, conduit, cables, panels, recessed luminaires, electrical boxes, and fan housings.
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Inspections
The set of plans must be at the job site along with the permit card in a safe place such as a tube or a large plastic zip lock bag.
The inspector will always check for the Notice of Commencement to make sure the project has been approved to begin.
At the first inspection notes will be recorded on the permit card which will be referred to during future inspections.
Right before the insulation process and sheet rock or wall coverings are installed the rough inspection will take place. This inspection will focus on the work that has been done by the electrician, plumber, heating and ventilation contractors. The majority of the roughed-in materials for these trades will be covered up and not accessible once the sheet rock or wall coverings have been installed.
The trim out phase is when the devices are installed, such as electrical switches and receptacle outlets.
Kitchen Remodels Part 3 »
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