Imagine this, your contractor has gone through your kitchen renovation project with a fine-toothed comb and has everything under control for your final inspection. Your building inspector says the plumbing looks great; the electrical connections are perfect; and the structure is sound. Unfortunately, he continues, you've failed your inspection because there's no smoke detector in your upstairs guest bedroom.
Believe it or not, that can and does happen in Mecklenburg County, thanks to a January 1, 2008, code change that is only recently being enforced. The North Carolina state code change states that an existing house will be subject to the same smoke alarm requirements that new homes must abide by whenever there's an "addition, alteration, [or] repair to any dwelling unit or when one or more sleeping rooms are added to an existing dwelling unit." The code goes on to say, "This includes but is not limited to kitchen and bath remodels, finishing a basement, adding a room, or garage addition."
What are those requirements? They include that a smoke alarm be installed in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every additional story of the home (with some technical exemptions for split levels). Prior to this change, smoke detectors could be installed in the common hallway area outside of each bedroom, but now they must be installed in both locations. The code goes on to require that smoke alarms shall be hard wired and interconnected and that an electrical permit is required for their installation. However, in some cases, battery operated smoke detectors are acceptable. There are a few additional exemptions for essentially exterior work and interior renovations that don't involve the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes, thus exposing the structure, but as you may imagine, it takes someone familiar with the code to properly apply it.
While the code change is designed to ensure the safety of residents, it's the type of regulation that also can cause headaches for do-it-yourselfers. While some homes built in the last few years already comply with these regulations, many homes do not. Thus, it's very important to check all of your bedrooms for functioning smoke alarms. Otherwise, your project may be delayed for a week or possibly longer as you install smoke detectors consistent with the code and then wait for a re-inspection. Remember, the county inspectors will not finalize your building permit until compliance is achieved.
In years past, Charlotte's most elaborate outdoor living spaces were, if you'll pardon the pun, decked out. They featured elaborate architecture, expansive paved areas, and fixtures and finishes that rivaled the finest gourmet kitchens. As the economy and times have changed, the way homeowners view their outdoor living spaces has also been transformed. Homeowners are taking a conservative approach and undertaking projects that stretch their home improvement dollars. Fortunately, a well-planned outdoor living area remains a wise investment.
Like many other things, custom homes have changed dramatically over the past few years. Not so very long ago, some Charlotte-area homeowners looked at custom homes as short-term investments – something to be built, enjoyed for a few years, and then flipped – typically at a considerable profit. A much tougher resale market and economic uncertainties have more people opting to stay in their homes longer these days. Yes, new custom homes are definitely being built in Charlotte, but in many cases, the people who are building them are taking a longer-term view. So how is that impacting the type of homes being built? Here’s a look at the top trends that we’ve seen in Charlotte’s most recently built custom homes.
So you're ready to take the plunge and build the custom home of your dreams? Before you dive in, it's essential to find the right builder to faithfully execute your plans. Unlike assembling a tract home, which entails building essentially the same structure over and over again, building a custom home requires a builder with a special slate of talents. Here are a few of the qualities you should look for when you are determining who you will entrust with your dreams:
As the weather warms and we begin to see some signs of economic improvement on the horizon, many people's thoughts are starting to turn toward a new home. Many clients have asked us if it makes sense to buy an existing home, opt for a deal on a new or foreclosed spec, or build a custom home. For a whole host of reasons, we believe that this might be the ideal time to consider building a custom home. Here are a few advantages of building custom now:
There are so many bargains out there, but do you really know what you are getting into purchasing a short sale or foreclosure' If you don't, I would highly recommend hiring a Union County REALTOR® who is experienced in these types of transactions, to guide you through what could be a long and arduous process. I would never recommend a buyer to "go it alone," without expert help.
