Special Publications

22 Tehama County CONTRACTORS GUIDE 2018 How building permits protect homeowners Obtain the proper permits before beginning construc on. You are thinking of making a major renova on to your home. Perhaps it's me to create that master bedroom suite you long have admired or install that wrap-around porch? What is the first thing that should be done before ge ng down to business? The correct way to begin a home remodeling project is to obtain the necessary permits for the job. Many municipali es request individuals ob- tain permits for a range of work on homes or other structures, such as office buildings. Permits are generally required for all new construc on as well as specific modifica ons that will affect structural, plumbing, mechan- ical, and electrical systems. It's im- portant to check with the local build- ing office prior to beginning work to see which permits you will need be- fore the project can begin. Permits are necessary whether a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside contractor. Due to the cost and me involved with securing permits, some home- owners skip this step so they can be- gin a project promptly. However, this can end up being a costly mistake. Permits might seem like a nuisance, but they actually protect homeown- ers in various ways. Permits ensure safe workmanship Permits provide a blueprint by which contractors and do-it-your- selfers must complete renova ons. Because inspec ons will take place, there is no wiggle room. Shortcuts o en translate into subpar work that may lead to malfunc on and injury in the long run. Safeguarding against poor workmanship means homeown- ers can feel confident in the work be- ing done. Permits reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes As inspectors go through their checklists, they may no ce things that were done incorrectly and will offer advice about how to mend the problem before it becomes a larg- er headache. If le unchecked, an electrical error could lead to a fire or another dangerous situa on. Re- pairs that are not structurally sound may pose problems or deteriorate more quickly than structures that are constructed correctly. Furthermore, catching improper technique early on eliminates having to tear down and redo work, which can be a costly and me-consuming endeavor. Permits protect against fines Some mes work goes as planned even for homeowners who did not obtain the necessary permits. How- ever, years later, when other work needs to be done, inspectors may discover homeowners never secured proper permits and inspec ons years earlier, leading to fines. Furthermore, if work is done with- out a permit and an accident occurs, any damages or injuries may not be covered by a homeowner's insurance policy. Permits are an important part of the home improvement process. Homeowners should not skirt the re- sponsibility because the permit and inspec on process is in place to pro- vide protec on to occupants. Accidents around the home hap- pen. Some are minor and easily brushed off, while others can lead to serious injury or financial peril. Many accidents, even those that are rela vely minor, can be prevent- ed. Such is o en the case with elec- trical accidents, which may be more common than many people think. Ac- cording to the Electrical Safety Foun- da on Interna onal, home electrical fires account for an es mated 51,000 fires each year, resul ng in roughly 500 deaths and more than $1 billion in property damage. Homeowners who want to do all they can to reduce the likelihood of electrical mishaps at home can em- ploy various strategies. • Be mindful of cords and plugs. Cords and plugs can be found through- out the typical home. While few peo- ple may perceive cords and plugs as threats, they can serve as catalysts for accident and/or injury. Cords and plugs should always be kept clear of heat and water sources, and cords should not be placed in areas where they can pose any tripping hazards. Even if residents grow accustomed to cord loca ons and know to maneuver around them, guests won't be as fa- miliar. When pulling plugs from out- lets, always pull the plug, and not the cord, to reduce injury risk. • Periodically take inventory of electrical appliances and components. Some electrical appliances age well, while others may not. Periodic inspec- ons of appliances and their compo- nents, such as their cords, can reveal wear and tear that can lead to fires or injuries. Replace any items that pose a threat and stop using these items immediately. • Avoid DIY electrical work. Many homeowners are handy with ham- mers and other tools, but profes- sionals are be er trusted to perform electrical work on a home. The risk of accident or injury when working with wiring and other electrical compo- nents is simply too great for untrained homeowners to do on their own. • Unplug appliances before flipping a fuse. Fuses blow from me to me. Some may be knocked out by espe- cially powerful storms, while others may blow because they're overload- ed. Regardless of why fuses blow, homeowners should turn off appli- ances on blown fuses before flipping those fuses back on. Leaving applianc- es running when flipping a fuse can in- crease the risk of fire or accident. Turn off appliances, unplug them and then turn them back on one by one a er the fuse has been flipped. • Be especially cau ous if anyone smells gas. Gas leaks are o en detect- ed by the aroma of the gas in the air. When such leaks are detected, home- owners should not touch or turn any electrical switches. Doing so may cre- ate a spark that can react with the gas in the air, leading to fire. If a gas leak is detected, go outside and contact a local emergency service. Many home electrical mishaps can be prevented if homeowners exercise cau on and hire cer fied electrical contractors to handle wiring and oth- er electrical tasks around their homes. How to avoid electrical mishaps around the house

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