Ask the Architect

No sleeping below ground

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Q. Our home was flooded in Hurricane Sandy, and even though most people didn’t get a “Sandy Repair permit,” we were told we needed one when we applied for a pool and a deck. Then we were told the house needed special escape windows because a part of our split level is below the ground level and a room, which we checked on the original permit plans, is labeled “guest.” This is confusing, because it’s been a bedroom since the house was built in 1963. Then we were told the bedroom was illegal because it’s in a basement. Why is that? It’s not fair at all.

A. Your town chooses not to send out a letter explaining that everyone in flooded areas has been required to get repair permits, even if a house was fixed since the “year of the flood.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency, as was explained by building officials, is an insurance company of the federal government that only insures against catastrophe twice. Your town decided to keep track of repairs by requiring the permit, but springs it on the unsuspecting, along with a surprising property search to reveal whether other parts of your property need updating, with permits and upgrades.

Of course, for those who basically have exhausted their retirement, college funds and life savings, this may seem unfair at a time like this. It makes sense, for safety purposes, that all buildings be built to code, using approved plans and documents, permits and inspections, and many homes and businesses have multiple code violations because somebody saved money. But it should be communicated. It costs all of us when someone causes a safety problem that leads to fire, collapse or mass illness (health department violations, for example), but we usually don’t think of it that way.

Seat belt and cell phone laws not only save lives in cars, but they also save the community the expense of using emergency equipment and rescue personnel. Not using that seat belt can cost taxpayers thousands in addition to the personal trauma for you, your family and friends. The same holds true for building safety. It would be nice if local governments mass-communicated requirements to all, in a letter. A few reminder notices level the playing field so you don’t feel singled out or picked on.

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