A loft can be an excellent use of space that makes it possible to live in unique buildings. However, this can also lead to some challenges for the property owner. There are generally laws that all lofts in 92101 must follow if they want to fulfill the requirements for being used as a place of residence. Follow these steps to make sure your loft is up to code.
Pay Attention to Your Electric Wiring
Many residential fires are due to improper wiring that causes sparks. To prevent electrical arcing, make sure you are following all codes for residential electrical wiring. Not only can this prevent your loft from burning down, but it may also prevent unpleasant lawsuits in case any accidents do occur. Codes can vary from place to place, so it may be wise to have a professional electrician look at your loft.
Be Aware of Space Requirements
Lofts can be tiny, but keep in mind there is a limit on how small lofts can be. To count as a living area, there must be at least 70 square feet of living space in the loft. All sides of the primary floor space must also be at least 7 feet wide. These sorts of codes exist to prevent people from living in unsafe and excessively narrow areas.
Make Sure There Are Suitable Entrances Available
Codes related to entrances exist to ensure the comfort and safety of the homeowner. Any loft will need to have a door and stairs at an entry point. Stairs to reach upstairs lofts need to be at least 36 inches wide, with 6 feet 8 inches of headroom along the entire way.
Many building codes focus on entrances because of concerns about fire. Therefore, it is also important for any loft to have a secondary entrance in case the primary exit is blocked. Lofts can generally satisfy this requirement with a window that is capable of being opened and allowing a person to fit through it.
Don’t Neglect Plumbing Codes
Residential homes need to follow certain codes like leaving space around the toilet, properly sloping drainage pipes, and installing cleanout ports in accessible areas. Following plumbing codes is useful because it can also prevent major flooding and plugging issues that could otherwise lead to damage on the property.
Follow Energy-Efficient Standards
To avoid wasting energy, lofts may need more insulation, coated windows, and sealants. Though these features are not all technically part of the legal building code, more and more areas are starting to require them. Especially in places like California, loft owners need to take steps to reduce emissions and prevent energy wastage.
If you’re looking for lofts for sale in East Village San Diego or another neighborhood in the downtown area, get in touch with 92101 Urban Living today. Or, if a condo or penthouse is more your style, we can show you the latest listings for those types of properties as well. Call 619-649-0368 today to begin your search. ')}