*Can I move into my new home before it is actually finished?
Some people need to move into their homes prior to their building being completed. The Building Dept. can issue a "Temporary Certificate of Occupancy". This allows legal occupancy of the building without it being totally finished. Certain safety issues must be addressed prior to a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy being issued though. Some of these items include heat, running water, a working bathroom, cooking facilities, lights, smoke detectors, handrails and guardrails where required at stairs, decks, landings, etc.. All trades require approval for a "Temporary Certificate of Occupancy" to be issued.
*What is the frost depth, here in Northern Michigan?
The frost depth for this area, and most of the state of Michigan, is 42". Footings are required to be a minimum of 42" deep., measured from the finish grade to the bottom of the footing.
*Can I build a garage on a "floating slab"?
The residential code allows a detached garage to be constructed on a floating slab (without frost depth protection) if the garage is 600 square feet or smaller in area, is constructed of light frame construction, and has an eave height of 10 feet or less. For garages constructed with other than light frame construction, and an eave height of 10 feet or less, the maximum area allowed without frost depth protection is 400 square feet in area. Garages not meeting this criteria must have frost depth protection for their foundation.
*Can I cut or modify the trusses being used in my building project?
Typically it is best to layout all framing , from the floor up to the roof, allowing space for chimney's, plumbing, ductwork, etc. Occasionally though, things just don't work the way we plan them. An engineered truss system should never be jobsite modified without contacting the truss manufacturer, to be sure that repairs can be made to restore the integrity of the truss. If modifications are allowed, the truss manufacturer will provide, in writing, how the repairs need to be made. A copy of this documentation should be submitted to the building dept., along with a complete set of truss specs.
*Can I do the electrical work myself?
The residential code allows a detached garage to be constructed on a floating slab (without frost depth protection) if the garage is 600 square feet or smaller in area, is constructed of light frame construction, and has an eave height of 10 feet or less. For garages constructed with other than light frame construction, and an eave height of 10 feet or less, the maximum area allowed without frost depth protection is 400 square feet in area. Garages not meeting this criteria must have frost depth protection for their foundation.
*What if I want to do a building project myself? A building owner can do a building project themselves, as long as it is for their own use and on their own property.
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