Beware Do-It- Yourselfers

Some do it yourself projects have come to the attention of many sellers in recent weeks in a surprising fashion! Its not a congratulatory note on how great your kitchen or bath looks either.

If you or if you have hired someone and are constructing projects within the confines of your home to potentially increase the value of your home you had better rethink the permit process for your city. It appears that there may be a group of people touring open houses in Alameda that know a thing or two about how the city permit process works. If they happen to see something that does not coincide with what they know the city requires in building codes they are turning that address into the city planning department for a code violation.

For example, did you know that just changing your kitchen countertops require a building permit? The reasoning behind the need for permits in this case is that Alameda has many older homes and if you look at the electric outlet count in one of these homes kitchens you may be surprised to find one or two outlets on a small amperage circuit. The cities take on this is, in todays world everyone has a microwave, coffemaker, answering machine or one of many appliances which can possibly overload the small circuit causing a potential for fire.

A few years ago someone used some wiremold to add an outlet in their kitchen to power a refridgerator. According to the planning department representative, this outlet began to overheat and caught fire in the middle of the night. The occupant lost his life as a result of smoke inhalation.

The city of Alameda requires an upgraded electrical circuit in some homes.

Need a referral to a good contractor who won't skimp on the permit process? Call Nancy or I.