I'm on the verge of the purchase of a first home and I'm considering a
number of renovations. Can someone tell me if there are any
regulations regarding the interior state of a "work in progress"?
Like, can I just rip interior walls and ceilings out, and are there any
issues with leaving things that way for a length of time? I do not
intend to affect the structural integrity of the building.

I am in Massachusetts but would appreciate info from anywhere.


John

Before you begin your renovation work you should place a call to your
local building department. Regulations vary from place to place on what
you need permits for and such. It's best to start off on the right foot
with your local inspectors- instead of getting a nasty surprise later.
Pulling permits is not always inexpensive or fun but helps to protect
you and others by insuring that the work meets a certain standard-
usually based on the Uniform Building Code but often with local
variances. I would especially recommend talking to the building
department and possibly a contractor or two before you rip out any
walls. Unless you can identify which walls are load-bearing or not you
might sacrifice the structural integrity of your house by taking out
the wrong framing pieces. Another reason for permits is that insurance
companies often will not cover damage caused by work that was done
illegally- say you do some wiring that starts a fire and burns down
your house- no compensation. Where I live permits are good for six
months from when they are issued. We are in the middle of a renovation
right now- the permits where pulled in Feb. or March and there's no way
we will be ready for a final inspection before the six months is up so
we will have to get them renewed- most likely for an additional fee,
but that's the way the game is played. Ask lots of questions of the
inspectors and get to know the building code if you plan on doing lots
of renovation work. Often you open a whole can of worms unknowingly by
what seemed like a little project. Sometimes you will be required to
bring things up to current code depending on the scope of your project.
Here in California that means things like shear walls and hold downs
for earthquakes. If you live in an older house this can mean a lot of
additional time and expense but in the end you will most likely be
living in a safer, more comfortable house. Good luck with your house
and have fun.

Dale


J wrote:
I'm on the verge of the purchase of a first home and I'm considering a
number of renovations. Can someone tell me if there are any
regulations regarding the interior state of a "work in progress"?
Like, can I just rip interior walls and ceilings out, and are there any
issues with leaving things that way for a length of time? I do not
intend to affect the structural integrity of the building.

I am in Massachusetts but would appreciate info from anywhere.


John

J wrote:
I'm on the verge of the purchase of a first home and I'm considering a
number of renovations. Can someone tell me if there are any
regulations regarding the interior state of a "work in progress"?
Like, can I just rip interior walls and ceilings out, and are there
any issues with leaving things that way for a length of time? I do
not intend to affect the structural integrity of the building.

I am in Massachusetts but would appreciate info from anywhere.


John

Regulations are generally made locally so you will need to check with
your local authorities.

Older homes often have hidden bombs, like lead paint or old leaks that
have done serious structural damage. Renovations may turn up far bigger
problems than expected.

I am not saying don't do it. I did one home and I was very happy with
the results. Lots of work, but great results.

In my case there were long periods where areas were work in progress.

Good luck

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

If you have to ask , then I wonder how you know you wont affect
structural integrity.

m Ransley wrote:
If you have to ask , then I wonder how you know you wont affect
structural integrity.

That is a very good point. I glossed over that tearing out walls thing
in my first response. If you don't know exactly what you are doing, and the
fact that the question was asked indicates that the OP does not, then don't
take out anything 2x4 or larger!

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

I probably wasn't clear. The way I see it I can't exercise too much
caution. When I referred to walls, I meant removing surfaces and
exposing the innards, without removing any framing. I'll be consulting
with a structural engineer, to be sure I don't make any serious
mistakes.

I probably wasn't clear. The way I see it I can't exercise too much
caution. When I referred to walls, I meant removing surfaces and
exposing the innards, without removing any framing. I'll be consulting
with a structural engineer, to be sure I don't make any serious
mistakes.

Why remove the sheeting to expose the framing , unless you are going to
remove the framing?

You dont remove anything till you are sure you have everything planned
out. Or you may find yourself resealing the wall as it was.

Tearing out walls even non load bearing can have dramatic results above
the wall, settling being the main issue. Once I took an architect
aproved wall removal job, well he wasnt a very good architect because
down came everything above, luckily my crew was quick enough to throw
back up supports before all came tumbling down. And since he was an
architect it was on his insurance claim.Yes wall removal needs expert
direction, from someone who has done them regularly.

More clarification:

I was a cabinetmaker for 4 years. Woodworking become a hobby of mine
and I've helped friends do some residential framing, but by no means am
I a seasoned builder or contractor.

I'm wondering if there's a specific line past which permits are best.
I'll be using a dumpster in the street for demolition so that's pretty
much a given permit situation. I have talked to the engineer about
vaulting the ceiling so I would anticipate being able to demo the attic
without affecting the ceiling joists. I do not have trusses to worry
about. I may install wider (2x8?) rafters to allow for adequate
insulation, venting, etc. And then if I decide to replace or move the
ceiling joists, I'm borderline in over my head and will probably need
to rely on some help.

The main point being that it will be taking me a lot longer to get
everything done, but both my girlfriend and I are prepared for this
(stepping over a pile of stock to get to the kitchen to eat breakfast,
etc.) But if I get permits for everything, then I will be under
pressure with time and this is something I'd rather avoid if possible.
To be sure, I have no intention of jeopardizing the safety of the
building. But the road to hell is paved with good intentions and
that's really why I'm asking here. I also realize the importance of
maintaining a decent relationship with building inspectors and I'm also
wondering if tackling some of this stuff without permits gets me off on
the wrong foot. I'm planning to run a lot of this by the inspection
department before I get too involved, but I figure here is not a bad
place to start.

J wrote:
....
I'm wondering if there's a specific line past which permits are best.
....

Your local building department has all the requirements in b&w...all you
have to do is ask.

One permit should cover it, it does in my area, just tell them what you
want to do upfront. If permits prices are based on the cost of the job
then lowball the price. when you are done you get the final inspection
and the cert to inhabit. inspectors are easy to work with as long as you
are upfront and dont hide things.

J wrote:
I'm on the verge of the purchase of a first home and I'm considering a
number of renovations. Can someone tell me if there are any
regulations regarding the interior state of a "work in progress"?
Like, can I just rip interior walls and ceilings out, and are there any
issues with leaving things that way for a length of time? I do not
intend to affect the structural integrity of the building.

I am in Massachusetts but would appreciate info from anywhere.


John

Hi,
In a way walls are part of structure. Be careful.
Tony