1) |
I have applied for a permit and have the resources ready to start the project. When can I actually start Building? |
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You may begin construction after you have received two items from your local permit office:
1. A permit that has a status of “issued” that must be posted at your project site
2. An approved set of plans at your project site. |
2) |
What is the difference between: |
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Certificate of Completion
is most often used for addition and renovation construction projects. It is issued by SCRCCC and certifies that the project is complete, the structure was built to code, and it was inspected throughout the construction process.
Certificate of Compliance
is issued by SCRCCC and certifies that the entire project was inspected at the proper stages of construction and the structure is building code compliant. A certificate of compliance is required before a jusisdiction can provide a certificate of occupancy.
Certificate of Occupancy
is issued by your local permit office and certifies that the structure can be occupied. State law requires that before a jurisdiction can issue a certificate of occupancy on a new dwelling the jurisdiction must first receive a certificate of compliance from the authorized certified building official. |
3) |
What is the difference between a manufactured, mobile, trailer, and modular home? |
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Manufactured, mobile, and trailer homes are the same. They come in many different shapes sizes and vary widely in quality, but the code treats them as the same type of construction.A modular home, on the other hand, is built to IRC standard guidelines and to the windspeed for the area where it will be assembled. They will also be inspected by ICC certified inspectors thoughout the entire building process. |
4) |
Does the type of shingle I use or how I nail them matter? |
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Yes! Shingles have to be wind rated. There are many different types of wind ratings, but the most common is astm3161 class F shingle. This type of shingle has been wind tested and is acceptable for our entire regional jurisdiction. Most shingles will have a wind rating, but some do not.The installation of the shingle is just as important as the type. For the SCRCCC region, the building code states(as of Jan 2009) that each shingle should be installed with a straight line of six nails along the visible nail line. |
5) |
How do I find out the wind zone requirements for my building site? |
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Visit www.dps.louisiana.gov/lsuccc/windspeed.html and select your parish to view the wind speed restrictions by zip code. However, this information can be rather technical so please contact our plan examiners with any questions concerning your wind speed zone. |
6) |
Is electrical hookup different for a trailer than a regular home? |
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Both must follow the national electrical code requirements. The only significant difference for a trailer is that power is setup on a remote pole (temp pole) and cannot be attached to the structure as it would be for most homes. |
7) |
What is the difference between temp power, temporary permanent power and permanent power? |
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Temp power is power provided on a temp pole to aid during the construction process.Temporary permanent power is permanent power that is turned on in preparation for a final electrical inspection to ensure everything works correctly.
Your power is classified as permanent power after you have passed a final electrical inspection that ensures that everything is working correctly. |
8) |
What is a temp pole? |
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A temp pole at your construction project site provides temporary power during construction. Once the pole is in place, you must schedule an inspection and contact your electric company to setup your account. |
9) |
Does elevation matter? Is there a required elevation height? |
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Yes, your elevation matters and there are height requirements. However, this is dictated solely by flood plain management, which is a part of FEMA. You can find your required elevation on the flood plains maps located at fema.org. For any further questions, contact your local permit office. |
10) |
How do I get an elevation certificate? |
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A licensed surveyor must perform an elevation shot. Contact your local permit office for a list of surveyors that perform work in your area. |
11) |
How high can I build before I need an engineer? |
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Many factors can affect this. The height you are building to, your construction method, and a number of other factors may require an engineer. It is best to contact one of our plans examiners with your specific question. |
12) |
I made a dirt mound to build on. How long do I have to wait before I can build on it? |
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There is not a “time requirement”, but rather one of three things is required:
1) |
You may pour a traditional slab anytime, but the footings must be 12 inches within the natural soil. |
2) |
You may order a compaction test. Once the test results show your ground is 95% compacted, you may begin construction. |
3) |
You may install a post tension slab immediately without any requirements. This is an engineered form of foundation. |
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13) |
How do I find out what the building restrictions are in my neighborhood? |
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Contact your local permit office. |
14) |
When can I occupy the structure? |
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After you receive a certificate of occupancy. |
15) |
When should I insure my project? |
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It would be wise and most likely required (if you received bank financing) to have insurance on the property before construction begins. Talk to your insurance agent for the proper type of insurance and amount. |
16) |
Do I need to contact the health board about my project? |
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Yes, but your local permit office will specify what the health board’s involvement will be. |
17) |
How do I connect water to my structure? |
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Contact your local water company to install a meter. You will need an inspection before connecting water service to your structure. |
18) |
How do I connect gas to my structure? |
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Contact your gas company to install a meter. You will need an inspection before connecting gas service to your structure. |
19) |
What are my options for Sewage? Can I connect to city sewer or build a cess pool in my yard? |
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It depends on the ordinances of where you live. Contact your local permit office. |