• Welcome to the new and improved Building Code Forum. We appreciate you being here and hope that you are getting the information that you need concerning all codes of the building trades. This is a free forum to the public due to the generosity of the Sawhorses, Corporate Supporters and Supporters who have upgraded their accounts. If you would like to have improved access to the forum please upgrade to Sawhorse by first logging in then clicking here: Upgrades

Unsafe building due to structure fire- what is your procedure?

We can't retroactively apply code; however, we do have the avenue to evaluate whether the scope of required repairs is of such a scale as Codes would apply.

The key test is reasonableness. If the roof is leaking, and there's evidence of extensive moisture damage in the sheathing and attic insulation, it's appropriate to obtain an estimate for replacing the sheathing and basic shingles because that's what a reasonable, prudent "average" homeowner would do.

If the attic isn't insulated to Code, but the insulation is being removed, it's appropriate to estimate replacement to Code, because that's what would be required for renovating a similar structure that wasn't under the lens of enforcement scrutiny.

You do raise a valid point about estimating costs. One of our inspectors has previous experience with loss/damage assessment, and we're bringing him into the equation just to help
Anyone who would say: "The key test is reasonableness." is OK in my book!

But, of course, what else would you expect from our Northern Neighbors?

Question is, Do we need the Code to define PRUDENT?
Remember what Mark Twain said: COMMON SENSE ISN'T TOO COMMON.

In the same vein, Will Rogers also said: " Aren't you glad you don't get all the Government you pay for!" Something we should keep in mind so we can continue to work on our Humility
 
Top