If you are considering a Vancouver home renovation, you might want to take the time to review the building codes first. Even if you have completed renovations in the past, recent changes to these codes have complicated the construction process by adding in handicapped accessibility requirements and increasing the need for homeowners to incorporate energy efficient building practices and materials.
Understanding New Building Codes
According to The Globe and Mail, as of January 1, 2015, a major home renovation will trigger inspectors to review things like guardrail safety and the width of any new or existing staircases. Homes that are more than 583 square feet will also be required to have a full bathroom on the main floor that includes a low-barrier shower. If items like these are not up to the new standards, homeowners can face significant setbacks in their construction process and be required to make costly changes to their home.
In addition to implementing new accessibility requirements, the building code sets energy efficiency standards that might prove cost prohibitive for individuals wishing to bring their house into contemporary usage or renovate an older, historic house. Throughout the renovation process, these homeowners may be required to upgrade the thickness of walls, envelope seal their home, fully insulate attic spaces or replace windows. Failing to address these changes during the initial renovation could lead to a failed inspection, the need to tear down walls and unanticipated, additional costs.
The recent changes to the Vancouver building code are finding their fair share of critics. “If someone wants to do a serious renovation, to bring their house into contemporary usage – that’s the kind of thing that could potentially require the whole house to be upgraded to the building code,” states heritage advocate Anthony Norfolk. Critics further argue that the Vancouver housing market currently lacks in affordability, and expensive code changes will only serve to make renovating a home less affordable, out of reach and unrealistic for many.
Eco-Friendly Requirements
While green living is something many homeowners are working toward, sometimes seemingly energy-efficient changes do not even make sense. A home that has stood for 80 years with a drafty interior might experience a high level of moisture, mold and mildew if it is sealed up and no longer allowed to breathe naturally. Sealing the home might also make it necessary to install central air conditioning when in its previous state, the home did not require any air conditioning units at all.
The Lean Urbanism movement is currently attempting to streamline these coding bylaws and remove the red tape that many homeowners are experiencing when they try to take on small or moderate sized Vancouver renovations. As this movement grows in size, homeowners should anticipate even more changes to the Vancouver building code.
Stress Free Home Renovations
For homeowners who want to renovate their properties without worrying about the impact that changing building codes might have on them, a better way does exist. Alair Homes of Vancouver is a dynamic team of general contracting professionals with experience in the Vancouver housing market. We make a point of staying up to date on complicated code changes so our customers never have to stress over the permit or inspection process. By understanding the code requirements and implementing them throughout the construction process, we streamline Vancouver home renovations and avoid unnecessary delays and costs.
When customers work with Alair Homes of Vancouver, they are provided access to our proprietary online system. This program allows homeowners to view every aspect of their renovation throughout the construction process. Our customers can follow the timeline for construction, review inspection reports, select the materials used in their renovation and choose the professional sub-contractors who will assist with labor. This system provides our customers with complete transparency while renovating their Vancouver homes and gives them a sense of confidence that the job is being completed to their satisfaction and with important building codes in mind.
Vancouver building codes are certain to undergo further changes in the near or distant future, and Alair Homes promises to stay on top of these changes every step of the way. If you are considering a renovation, our team would be glad to assist. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate.