salboconstruction

Prefabricated Concrete Products

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:25:28 GMT

Ceiling Decoration

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:25:18 GMT

First, before starting, you should check to see if your ceilings contain asbestos. I suggest you read the article I wrote about this which you can find on our website ww.salboconstruction.com, called “Take Out The Popcorn Walls And Ceilings” in the media section “Renovate correctly”.

Decorating Trends

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:25:10 GMT

This month, let’s discuss new trends in planning and decorating your interior. We will start ooking at the three main rooms in the house, the living room or family room, the kitchen and the dining room. We want them to be open, as uncluttered as possible. An open-plan gives space and volume.

About Tile

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:25:04 GMT

Let's start by choosing the method of installation of the tiles. The first option, called the “thin set” is used in 50% of cases, because it is the fastest, least expensive, and most suitable for tiles up to 20 inches by 20 inches. Using this method, an open space is kept between each tile for room to apply the grout.

Maximize Your Interior

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:24:56 GMT

Artificial Turf

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:18:54 GMT

This month, I’m going to talk about artificial turf: its esthetic beauty, its different uses, and its “no cost” maintenance. Although this product was developed in the 1960’s – it has evolved a great deal since then.

Money Saving Can Cost You More

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:12:51 GMT

It is illusory to believe that hiring a « contractor » paid in cash that does not have licenses to operate in Florida will perform your renovation at lower cost than a local contractor licensed and insured.

Electrical work, plumbing and ventilation made at $ 40 or $ 50 an hour paid under the table are too expansive. A contractor licensed and insured in Florida pays taxes in half than in Quebec, so it has no incentive to hide income. Work and labor are not taxed. The materials are taxed at six or seven percent and a contractor can pay a special purchase price.

If you pay $ 35 to $ 50 an hour under the table and without a licence will be costly if an inspector arrives on site. A finding of infringement requires resumption request accompanied with financial penalties. The lack of insurance coverage for workers and civil liability can cause endless trouble and considerable expense if an employee is injured or damage occurs to the building. Quebec and the contractor working without a license or green card can be extradited on the spot after paying heavy fines.

Good contractors originally from Quebec legally operate in Florida. Get their services are less costly and legally executed. Import unlicenced worker from Canada is a great risk finding yourself in the red before returning to the beautiful province.

Planning and Caution

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:11:02 GMT

Some unfortunate experiences show us what to know before buying a house or condo, then plan the proposed renovation and proceed in accordance with the rules correctly.

When we acquire a property in Florida, we endorse the legacy of the previous owners and the work they have performed. Before buying, prudence dictates to go to the Department of Building Permits from the municipality to check the history of the work on your new home. If you find that the major work has been done with no permits, you will bear the consequences if an inspector finds. This may require that work be resumed with a request for issuance of permits and complying upgrading the building code in force.

The same situation may occur if you start renovations without obtaining permits. For example, if anything happens or a neighbor is bothered by the current work, a complaint bring an inspector on the scene and if considering that it is an offense, affix a "red tag" wich stop access to this property until the required permits will be issued.

The licensing is a tedious but essential if one wants to enjoy his property in peace. Architectural plans must be submitted to licensing department. They will be analyzed by various sectors: structure, plumbing, electrical, ventilation ... You can do it yourself or hire a contractor who will perform the procedure. As for work, they must be performed by licensed contractors, insured and whose staff is protected by Workers Comp Insurance. Also, you must verify that the workers names on site appear on the license issued.

Snowbird Heaven Hallandale Beach Everything but the paradise manufactured homes

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:09:12 GMT

If you are looking for a manufactured home within the city of Hallandale Beach, take information about the history of the property before you buy, with the homeowners association at first, but especially with the city itself, otherwise it could cost you many and happened same thing that the unfortunate adventure occurred in Eugene Villeneuve and Gisele Quévillon.

Here is a brief history of this couple. When they bought their manufactured home, two years ago, they begin work, not believing they need to obtain a permit. Once they completed the works, an inspector, on a complaint from a neighbor, noticed of non‐compliance of work performed, indicates that work was done without a permit by the previous owners and the need for the house to be update to the code in force. The house is 40 years old.

The couple files a planning of works that the inspector refused twice to submit to the Committee Licensing. All resulted in an appearance before a judge of the Municipal Court which ordered that, within 90 days, the house will be update to the code in force or is demolished.

"The architect we consulted told us that if we were in Pembroke Park there would have been something to do, says Eugene Villeneuve. But it is impossible to do anything in Hallandale. I would have demolished what had been added, leaving what was originally 40 years ago. But no question. Everything must be updated to the code. Even the concrete slab does not meet the current code. It is not thick enough.

M.Villeneuve has an advice for someone who wants to buy in Hallandale: "Check with the city to know the history of the proposed property and make sure that all the work that has been done before were with necessary permits. Us, we leave Hallandale. It's over. "

As you can see, it is risky to undertake work without a permit and remember that the last owner is responsible for the legacy of his or her predecessors they performed work without a license. And the example of the city of Hallandale Beach is likely to be followed by other municipalities and not just for mobile home parks, condos will also be targeted and that's already begun. Do not take a chance. Get your permits and complying with the law, otherwise it can cost you ... and it's very expensive.

The Dangers of « Black Labor » and Done Without a License

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:07:58 GMT

There is no advantage in using undeclared work in Florida. Salaries are much lower than those with over Canada and taxes apply only to the materials at half the rates in effect in the north. So accept jobs at $ 40 an hour in cash, it's a bad deal. Of carpentry, electricity, plumbing, ventilation can be performed for as little as $ 20 or $ 25 an hour with the legally required insurance.

Finally, special permits are required for the installation of impact doors and windows, engineering analysis, especially in height, is required for the purchase of product for the location of the property.

Realistic planning of the proposed project is essential and must be the first stage of the work. Consider the time required for the issuance of permits, the work itself, periodic municipal inspections and delays associated with and, most importantly, respect the budget. And in the case of major renovations, the owner can't live on site during construction.

Adapting to a living environment as pleasant as that of Florida has its privileges, and there are many. Obligations whose constraints will be mitigated if we observe the rules and that we avoid the bypass. Reality eventually reaches us at one time or another.

Better Planning Better Satisfaction

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:05:33 GMT

Eight‐step to set a timetable for the planned renovation project.

1) Foresee a realistic budget estimates for a total renovation or whether to proceed with phase setting our priorities. In case of total renovation, provide another location where you will live.

2) The general contractor will lead the work. You confirm with him that he has licenses and insurance and you will give him a list of jobs and the budget, including the costs of finishing and decoration.

3) Once the contract given, the contractor will work with an architect who will prepare the plans submitted to the municipal authorities. These steps take time and have nothing to do with the actual construction.

4) The architect proposes modifications to make the project complies with the requirements of the building code and upgrade the unit to the rules.

5) The contractor shall contact the Board and the municipality to submit their work plans and obtain approval of the association and issuance of city permits.

6) Permits obtained and displayed, work begins. 12 to 15 municipal inspections occur to certify compliance work.

7) Respect authorized days and hours of working time.

8) Remember that Florida is not Canada and be aware of deadlines for each phase: planning, permits releases, work in progress inspections and final inspection.

The patience is required when it comes to renovations. Avoid getting lot of changes which will uphold the budget.

The Building Code Severity Comes From Swings of Nature

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:03:50 GMT

Few renovations do not require a permit. The violence of the natural elements explain this rigorous rules enforce by authorities.

Hurricanes Andrew (1992), Katrina and Wilma (2005) revealed numerous flaws about the strength of the materials used and the quality of construction. Authorities, supported by insurance companies, after these events, decided to strengthen the Building Code and everything goes: structure, standard and low voltage electricity, plumbing, ventilation ... Besides the work must include the upgrade to the residential building code in force.

Before making major renovations, an inspection is required to identify if materials containing asbestos or Chinese Drywall. In the bathrooms and outdoor balconies, a waterproofing membrane must be installed. Same for soundproofing materials under the flooring.

In electricity, a special permit is needed for low voltage devices: alarm system, intercom, close circuit cameras, sound system, central vacuum.

Plumbing, replacement of a single water heater requires a permit. Impact windows and doors require analysis by an engineer and the filing of a plan including the nature of the product selected for a permit.

The severity of the Building Code is primarily a safety issue for you and your neighbors.

Expression to Abolish During Renovations: Why Not?

Thu, 07 May 2020 15:02:45 GMT

Transformed replace this bath by a shower, change for halogen bulbs, moving the air conditioning system; all these small additions, using « Why Not » expression will create new delays and the delivery times.

Obviously, before the start of renovation job it is difficult to foresee everything, especially in older buildings. We don't know the situation behind the walls, plumbing and electricity, among others. After permits issuing, it takes three to six months, depending on the scope of work, before completing a renovation project. In all these cases, delivery delays are out of control of the general contractor doing the work.

How to avoid this trap? Sit with the general contractor, once the decision to renovate is done, and clearly explain the expectations; so that specialists are able to develop construction plans and to accurately assess the financial scale. The general contractor then lays plans and ask for permit from the municipality. This is a heavy procedure that examines the current situation and renovation plans by sector: electrical, plumbing, ventilation, structure, soundproofing membrane ...

Stick to the choices made at this time because any changes after lead to a change of plans that will be resubmitted to the municipal inspection service which means an inevitable extension of delivery and increased costs.

A well made starting order and respect for the choices that have already done during construction avoid unpleasant surprises during you are adding value to your condo and infusing it with new life.

An Insured Contractor a Quiet Assurance

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:54:03 GMT

Did you know that the government of Florida offers up to $25 000 reward to anyone who reports a building contractor who performs work without a Workers Comp for its employees and its subcontractors for which must obtain an exemption if they are self‐employed? Also, did you know that a contractor, a manufacturer of cabinets, flooring installer, painter, electrician or other workers without this insurance will be prosecuted for fraud and could be sentenced to jail? Finally, did you know that if the work is done at your place, without insurance, you will be held responsible for any accident that may occur under your roof?

The government of Florida does not skimp with the protection that a contractor must provide to his workers on a construction site. Chapter 440 of the Florida Statutes, which deals with health and safety in the construction sector, states that guilty contractor will stop all work, will be fined of one and a half times the amount of insurance premiums that should have been paid during the previous three years and will be the target of criminal charges.

But it is the site owner and / or the condo Board, where work is in progress without insurance coverage for workers, who runs a considerable risk. If an employee of the contractor is injured, the owner and / or association will assume financial responsibility.

Don't take chance if you decide to build or renovate in Florida. MAKE SURE that you are immune from prosecution. Some basic verification will permit you to sleep in peace. First, check that the proposed contractor holds licenses required to perform the work and that the license for this belongs to him. Then check that the contractor has liability insurance for your property or building where it is located. Finally, check that the said contractor has the appropriate insurances and the persons whose names appear in the document are those which are present on site. Also check if the code matches with the specialty of each worker. If it is an independent contractor (plumber, electrician, etc.) he is subject to an exemption to this rule but must prove it to you and you need to check the expiration date.

In addition, a contractor who has bid for work from an owner who realizes that he has not won the contract because a competitor has obtained it without a valid insurance covering its employees, may sue the contractor and the owner who hired him for the amount of the financial loss.

Remember that any breach of the law on the part of your contractor reflect on you. Everyone who works on your property must be insured from the simple daily housekeeping attendant to the skilled worker. There is no chance to take.

For a Job Done Without Permit A Sale that Nearly Failed

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:52:20 GMT

Highland Beach is a quiet town located between Boca Raton and Delray Beach along the Intracoastal which has, however, a thighter administration abour building permit. A builder from Montreal has learned : the work carried out six years ago nearly cost him the sale of the condo. He tells us about his adventure.

"When we bought this condo, six years ago, I made several renovations that are usual: changing kitchen cabinets, ceramic tile, rejuvenation of the bathroom, replace the patio door and work minor adjustments on electricity and plumbing. Work that does not require a building permit in Quebec. We have lived happily for six years. We then bought a house in Deerfield Beach and sold our condo.

"A customer wants to buy and the inspection goes well. But a neighbor intercepts the inspector to tell him that the work had been carried out without a license and made by Quebecers who perhaps had not necessary skills. The buyer, an American, puts the transaction on the ice and we take steps to obtain permits without suspecting the complexity of it all.

"I thought I would explain my work to an architect and he would make plans accordingly. But no, he has taken all measures and was to resume work in the kitchen, bathroom and other filing with architectural plans and engineering to the municipality and inspections until the conclusion of the work must receive approval of the municipal government seal. Among other things, we changed the patio door to install a weather‐resistant and cost $ 8,000. We needed the label with the specifications of the door. We do not find, which would have required us to install another door of the same price. Fortunately, the label in question was found.

" When the contractor carries the burden of work that represents all the steps, he asked Salbo Construction to obtain permits and find professionals able to perform the work. It took three months between the first inspection and final approval of the work done and sale to be closed. It is fortunate that the city officials have worked expeditiously. In some municipalities, they can, when work was done without permits, put you back on the ice for several months to punish you.

The Montreal entrepreneur has also entrusted Salbo Construction renovation of the house he just bought on the Intracoastal in Deerfield Beach. This time, everything will be done in accordance with the Building Code with all required permits.

"We bought the house in December 2011, says the new owner, and we got the permit in October 2012, it will take another nine months before the work will be completed. Just the plans to renovate cost around $ 20 000 to roughly the same amount to get the permits. We gave the whole operation permit application and work with Salbo Construction that made us great service and has all the professionals to carry out such a major renovation project. "

Moral of the story: prevention is better than cure, because the cure is often more painful to endure the burden of the increase in permits and inspections required to renew with the inevitable delays that follows.

Warnings and Overview

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:51:05 GMT

The renovation market of Florida is infiltrated by so‐called advisors in building who operate without license or insurance. These persons may trick you large sums of money for work to be done illegally by workers over which you have no control and no recourse.

Careful planning is essential before beginning any renovation project, it will include a list of planned work, the documents you need and taking into account the delays that occur to obtain permits and because of inspections during and after work. The contractor will obtain the necessary permits that will be provided according to the legislation, contact the authorities for inspection during execution of the work and handle relations with the homeowners association in the case of condos.

The building code is strict in Florida and, most importantly, is strictly enforced. When acquiring a property, it is necessary to check the history, the new owner becomes responsible for all the work previously done with or without a license.

Certain statements are required when undertaking the work. So is it in case of the presence of asbestos or Chinese Drywall. Installation of soundproofing membranes or waterproofing are required.

Work performed without a permit may earn you a "Red Tag", which is a notice requiring the stop of work in progress and obtaining permits.

I also addressed the issue of permits necessary plumbing, structure, ventilation, electricity standard and low voltage (alarm system, sound and central vacuum).

Hire an Unlicensed Contractor Dangerous and Criminal

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:49:58 GMT

Florida laws are tough on people who retain the services of contractors or workers without a license and insurance. In fact, under Section 455.228 statutes of Florida an information may lead to a fine of up to $ 5 000 for the one who does the work and a fine of the same amount for the person who hired.

If you hire a general contractor, ask to see a copy of his license, certificate of insurance and liability, Workers Compensation Insurance. We must also make sure that the names of workers appearing on building permits are those people will work there.

If you ask yourself the permits from your townhall, you have the same obligations as a general contractor with withholding tax payments and insurance premiums deductions. If an uninsured worker is injured, you are responsible for paying medical bills. In addition, if you are causing damage to your property or to a neighbor, your personal insurance will refuse to pay.

Deal with a licensed and insured contractor becomes the most prudent path to tread before starting any renovation project.

Poisoned Heritage

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:48:47 GMT

When buying a property, watch out! Here are two cases that I have witnessed.

A real estate broker from Montreal acquires and retains the services of a contractor to rebuild the bathroom. The architect chosen to execute the plans realizes that major work has already been done and, after checking the municipality finds that almost all the condo was redone without a license.

An engineer joins the architect to develop plans taking into account the work already done and the upgrade of the property to current building code. Following the submission of plans to the municipality, inspectors have noted the work conforms to the requirements of the code.

In a second case, this is a property on the Intracoastal in Pompano Beach. The contractor filed a permit application and inspectors indicate that the roof was changed without a license, which required a plan that complies be filed before other work is undertaken.

Tips: Before you buy, ask if any work was done on the property and if, permits were issued, if there was no plan enabled in your budget the money that will be needed to put the upgrading the building code, or, again, planning a complete renovation which avoids hidden defects. In all cases, consider delays due to licensing and inspections.

Seeing Red, a Bad Sign

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:47:29 GMT

Municipalities and / or counties in Florida have squads responsible for the enforcement of the building code. These patrols targeting self‐construction, execution of work by an unlicensed person and work without a license. Their weapon: the "Red Tag", a sticker which means the end of work and the beginning of the tape.

Lucie Manzerolle leads the division in Salbo Construction permits. She says that the list of jobs that do not require a permit is shorter than those required permits. Lucia how a "Red Tag" appears on a property and its consequences.

"A patrol sees a water heater outside. He stops, looks and asks to enter. If he finds that work is in progress, or ask to see the permits. Not given: "Red Tag".

In another case, it may be a complaint from neighbors that the noise bother or a member of the Board.

In all cases of work done without a permit, the owner will have to file a plan of work to be done prepared by a licensed contractor. According Lucie Manzerolle, the owner at fault will pay the cost of permits twice and perhaps three times the normal price, in addition to fines and time to get them.

We must act quickly when installing a "Red Tag" because it can be a daily charge as the work will not be done and even taking a judicial mortgage on the part of the municipality.

Avoid the hassle and entrepreneur Refer servicing to be able to get permits and have the legal staff to do the work.

Spoofing Construction Can Lead to Prison

Thu, 07 May 2020 14:45:06 GMT

Squads responsible for the Building Code Enforcement have an eye on the owners or running by executing the work without a permit, including those under construction consultants. These "advisors" from interfering harm licensed contractors and may cause serious problems for owners who do business with them.

These individuals, after obtaining a contract of renovation, hire local subcontractors who have no accountability relationship with the owner of the dwelling unit. And since they have no license or insurance, no appeal is possible, whether the work poorly made or refund.

If a Code Enforcement officer is present during construction, will increase the hassle on the owner, the "Advisor" and workers on site.

A "Red Tag" will be affixed to the housing unit and its owner must take steps to obtain the permits will be increased costs followed by a fine.

he "advisor" will be arrested, perhaps imprisoned, taken to court and be fined and even a prison sentence.

The law is clear. Section 489 of the Florida Statutes prohibited from claiming contractor without a license. Remember, contractors must display their well‐identified license number on trucks.