5 Common Code Violations of DIY Home Remodels

It’s a common belief among homeowners that DIY is sometimes the best way to go when remodeling their homes. While a DIY project may sound like an appealing course of action, homeowners need to keep in mind that there are a few mistakes they can make in the process, such as code violations.

Here are the five common code violations that occur when homeowners DIY a home remodel.

1. Balusters too far apart – If you plan to create a protective railing for your deck or balcony, a common code violation that DIY homeowners can make is that the balusters are too far apart. Any baluster spaced more than four inches apart is already violating code, and it’s vital that you get this right to protect any small children in your home.

2. No bathroom venting – Most local building codes require bathrooms to have ventilation fans, especially if the bathroom lacks operable windows. By doing so, the steam and humidity can be carried outside through the ceiling or wall vent, eliminating moisture buildup. The lack of bathroom venting can encourage mold and mildew growth, which can be hazardous for your health and your family members’.

3. No egress windows in basement bedrooms – Egress windows are vital in the event of an emergency, and, according to building codes, basement bedrooms must have at least 1 egress window that’s at a minimum of 24 inches high and 20 inches wide. If you DIY your home remodeling project, it can be easy to forget this so consider hiring home remodeling contractors with proven successes to get the job done.

4. Low ceiling in stairwells – If your home is more than 40 years old, it probably violates code by having too low ceilings in the stairwells. Modern building codes require stairway ceilings to have a height of 6 feet 8 inches to prevent taller people from hitting their head. Unfortunately, it might be difficult to get the measurement just right if you DIY it so be sure to hire a contractor to remodel your home and rectify this issue.

5. Working without a permit – This is the most common code violation that DIY homeowners tend to commit. While some aren’t aware that they need a permit for the specific remodel, others tend to just avoid getting one altogether to save time and money. However, if you don’t get a permit before starting the job, it renders the entire remodeling project a code violation and may result in hefty fines if you ever plan to sell your home in the near future.

Need a remodeling expert to help you spruce up your home? Simply turn to the pros at Design Build Remodeling Group of Maryland. Give us a call at (443) 300-2268, or fill out our contact form to schedule a conversation.