No, usually you do not. The amount of code compliance necessary depends on how much you are changing or adding to the home. Florida has a specific code, called Florida Building Code - Existing Building, that defines how much updating you will have to do.

    The code breaks things down into the three levels, each one a more extensive level of work than the previous one. Level 1 Alterations “include the removal and replacement or the covering of exisitng materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures that serve the same purpose.” Replacing door or windows, without changing size or locations, would be an example of a Level 1 Alteration. The alterations must comply with Chapter 7 of the code.

    Level 2 Alterations “include the reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment." Adding doors or windows at new locations, or moving interior walls, would be examples of a Level 2 Alteration. The alterations must comply with Chapter 7 for Level 1, plus Chapter 8 of the code.

    Level 3 Alterations “apply where the work area exceeds 50 percent of the building area.” So, essentially, Level 1 is replacement, Level 2 is replacement with changes, and Level 3 is a major remodeling. Level 3 must comply with Chapters 7, 8, and 9 of the code.

    "Keep in mind that the existing building code has an underlying allowance that repairs and alterations shall not make the structure 'less safe' than it was as originally and legally constructed," according to Jerry Peck, a construction and code consultant. "If the work does not make it 'less safe', then many things are allowed for repairs and alterations—alterations up to a point, anyway. Work being done to items and components to accomplish a ‘repair' are considered as 'part of the repair.' For example, if a wall has to have studs replaced due to damage, then all items removed to allow replacement of the studs is considered part of the repair, which includes drywall, wood paneling, exterior siding, etc.—and the list could get quite extensive."

    See our blog post Do replacement bedroom windows have to meet the current emergency egress standards of the Florida Building Code? for an example of the limited requirements imposed for this type of home improvement.

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about REMODELING:

• What are the problems to look for when buying a homeowner remodeled house?

• Does it make sense to buy an older mobile home and remodel it?

• Can I leave a gas water heater in place when remodeling a garage into a family room or bedroom?

• How can I tell the difference between a renovation project house and a tear-down? 

• Do I need a building permit for a backyard shed?

• What are the most common problems when a homeowner encloses a porch without a building permit?  

• How can I tell the difference between a fixer-upper with potential and a money pit?

• How difficult is it to change a window to french doors or a sliding glass door?

• Should I buy a fixer-upper?  

• How do I find a good contractor?

• What home improvements require a permit? 

    Visit our REMODELING page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.