Scott & Bruce
Thank you for the replies. I'm in NE WI. just south of Green Bay. I don't think the intent here is to circumvent the codes but to be realistic in applying them. An old house is just that and old house. If a guy wants to do some upgrades to his older house and is somewhat handy, can we supply him with the guidance to do the majority of it himself as long as it is not involving major plumbing or structural changes that would require a professional. To often these first time home buyers or couples just stepping up from their first home have all kinds of enthusiasm to improve the home though lack the money or the necessary knowledge to do it all themselves but want to learn by doing. Can we draw a line somewhere and say yes it's your house you can do what you want but if it goes to this point and involves this or that consult and professional. I don't see it as writing a new standard or code but more like guidelines to say go this far, get a plumber, go here get an electrician and so on. Can you see where I'm trying to go here. The codes and standards are what we as HI's live by, but in older homes can we cut people some slack as long as what they do is safe and poses no detrimental long term effects and at least abides by the standards of the era the house was built in. We are just setting this group up, we have a couple developers, municipal inspectors, trade professionals and the representatives of 2 of the areas Builders associations and of coarse a couple realtors. The first formal meeting will be next week. I'll try to keep the forum posted.
Thank You
Jim Weyenberg