A separate living unit within or adjacent to a single-family home, often referred to as a secondary suite, which can be used by family members or rented out to non-family tenants. Typically includes its own bedroom, small kitchen, and bathroom.
Building codes are regulations established by local governments that describe the minimum structural requirements for buildings, including foundation, roofing, plumbing, electrical, and other specifications intended to ensure safety and sanitation.
Building inspection is a crucial process involving a physical review of property as it proceeds under construction to ensure that each major component meets building codes. This includes inspection of foundations, plumbing, electrical wiring, roofing, and other materials. It also encompasses periodic inspection of existing public buildings for health and safety considerations.
A building permit is an official authorization granted by a local government entity that allows for the construction, expansion, modification, or renovation of a building or structure. This legal requirement ensures that construction complies with building codes, zoning laws, and safety standards.
Building restrictions are provisions in building codes that affect the orientation, size, and appearance of a building, implemented to ensure safety, aesthetics, and sometimes cultural coherence of structures within a particular area.
A Certificate of Occupancy (C/O) is a legal document issued by a local government agency or building department certifying that a building complies with applicable building codes and is safe for occupancy.
A Certificate of Occupancy (C/O) is an official document issued by a local government authority that allows a newly constructed or renovated property to be legally occupied. It confirms that the building complies with all applicable building codes, zoning laws, and other local regulations ensuring the safety and health of occupants.
A conventional home refers to a dwelling constructed on-site from the ground up as opposed to mobile homes or modular housing, which are typically prefabricated elsewhere.
Materials, construction elements, and designs specified to withstand exposure to flames for a defined period, contributing to enhanced safety and containment during a fire.
Fireproof construction refers to the use of materials that have a high degree of resistance to fire, thereby reducing the risk of damage or destruction due to fire. These materials can either be noncombustible or protected by other noncombustible materials.
In the context of real estate and construction, a FLUE (Fireplace and Chimney Flue) is a chamber in a fireplace that helps direct smoke and airborne soot through the chimney to the outside air.
A safety device integrated into electrical outlets or circuits designed to immediately interrupt electrical power in case of a ground fault to prevent shock or fire hazards.
A detailed, physical examination of property or documents to ascertain their condition or accuracy. Inspections are essential for validating compliance with building standards, property sales requirements, and legal scrutiny of agreements.
The International Code Council (ICC) is a nonprofit organization established in 1994, dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national building codes. The ICC aims to ensure public safety and building performance through effective codes and standards.
Land use controls or regulations refer to government ordinances, codes, and permit requirements designed to ensure that private use of land and natural resources aligns with established policy standards.
Modular housing refers to homes that are built in sections (modules) in a factory setting and then transported to a building site where they are assembled and installed on permanent foundations, complying with local and regional building codes and regulations.
An occupancy permit, also known as a certificate of occupancy, is an essential document that certifies a building's compliance with local building codes and laws, permitting its use for commercial or residential purposes.
A Prime Contractor, also known as a General Contractor, is primarily responsible for the overall coordination of a construction project. This role includes hiring and managing subcontractors, securing necessary permits, ensuring compliance with building codes, and overseeing the project to completion.
Restrictions are limitations placed upon the use of property, typically contained in the deed, other written instruments in the chain of title, or in local ordinances pertaining to land use.
Substandard housing refers to residential properties that do not meet the basic standards of safety, sanitation, and habitability as defined by local building or housing codes. This can include issues related to structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, and overall livability.
A surveyor is a professional who specializes in determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional positions of points and the distances and angles between them. They typically work on land surveys to establish property boundaries, create topographic maps, and facilitate construction projects. In real estate, surveyors play a crucial role in validating property lines, legal descriptions, and ensuring compliance with zoning and building codes.
