From Bricks to Attics Part 4

The questions of why there were so many incidences of failed construction projects in remodeling, make-over and additions in the Home Remodeling Industry prompted this research that has lead to the underlining cause of these failures.  At best these failures are, miss communication that results from lack of knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of older houses and their relation to current building codes and practices.

This is the final installment of our series under the title of “From Bricks to Attics”.  This series was derived from observations, findings, research and experience in our analysis of older houses from the turn of the century through 1968 in the Bay Area of California.  The writer suspicions are that this can be translated throughout world communities given the scope of work of the International Code of Building Officials (ICBO) and more recently the development of the International Code Compliance Committee (ICC).  Thus the topic of discussion contained herein is related to the sub-trade of the electrical industry and the knowledge one needs to support the development of a successful construction project of Addition, Remodeling, Make-over and house moves.

The electrical utility of houses is essential to upgrade in the remodeling industry and should not be taken lightly.   State law requires that anyone doing electrical work on houses be certified as state Licensed or certified journeyman electrician.

The level of danger when conducting work in the electrical trades carries, perhaps the greatest danger due to the amount of amperage or current coming into the house.  Older houses were originally wired with minimal code requirements.  Thus, many of these homes are serviced with as little as 60 amp and 100 amp service boxes that feed electrical current through out the house via knob and tube wiring leading to electrical outlets, switches and lights.  These wires are generally made of aluminum and copper strung over ceiling and through wall via a system of porcelain knobs and tubs and in many cases only taped at connecting points.  Modern electrical wire is required to be of two, three or more wires contained in Romax, BX Cable or conduit.  Persons planning upgrades or addition should be aware that the addition of bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry or family rooms are going to require an increase of amperage into the house and may even require a conversion from a fuse boxes to circuit breaker boxes with a higher amperage into the house from the power pole to meet the new electrical demands of the new remodel or addition.  Further, an assessment of the availability of adequate types of electrical outlets, switches and electrical panels is as must.  To ignore this point is to invite problems in the future that may result in fire or serious injury or even death.  Home owners should be aware, at a minimum, that electrical panels or fuse boxes should not be located in clothing closets, bathroom, or bedrooms, and that all electricity entering the house must be grounded.

These requirements discussed above will have a decidedly impact on the overall cost of the remodel, make-over or addition. Thus, home owners planning upgrades should make sure any discussions with planners, designers or contractors should include additional cost for any upgrades in this area.  Check your 2004 Uniform Building Code (UBC), 2001 State Building Code (SBC) and or your local electrical building code through your City or County Building Services Agency.  For further consultant services or assistance in making assessment of remodel, make-over’s or additions go to: www.adcbuilderseminar.com or email us at Davis52@comcast.net.

This article and previous articles on home remodeling, additions, house moves are available for free by signing up for our free monthly Newsletters at our web site www.adcbuilderseminar.com.

If you have missed previous issues of this brief discussion of things that create difficulties when remodeling, adding on or house moving subscribe to our Free Monthly Newsletter by going to www.adcbuilderseminar.com and click on the Free Newsletter link at the top right corner of the web page.  Comments are welcome at: davis52@comcast.net.

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