I was going to post this at the end of the “heating a woodworking shop” thread, but thought it might get lost or ignored, since it’s slightly off-topic. So here goes:
I recently purchased a small woodstove to heat my shop, and a “through the wall” chimney kit. (Last year I racked up a one-month, $350 electric bill when I was working on a couple of projects and my only option was heating with a couple of space heaters. Ouch!!!) Firewood is more than plentiful on my property, wood heat is legal in my area, I wanted to go cheap for the time being, etc., so a woodstove seemed to be a good choice. We used to heat the house with a woodstove when I was a kid, so I’m used to it, too.
Anyway, all that decided, my plan is to install the stove sometime over the next few weeks. The kit comes with information regarding placement that should satisfy most building codes, and I’ve been to a couple of websites that provide good information regarding placement, ensuring good draft, etc. However, I’m trying to locate a resource that specifically spells out the building codes in my area, so I can make sure I don’t cause myself any insurance problems, etc.
I tried a web search, but came up emptyhanded. I know there’s a government resource out there somewhere, either on the web or someplace I could call or write for information, but I just don’t happen to have that knowledge. I’m also sure that about a thousand of you can immediately raise your hand and tell me where to look, so please do!
Thanks,
David
Replies
David,
I happen to work for one of the major building code associations in the US. Each municipality has the authority to pick and choose what codes (building, mechanical, electrical, etc.) that it enforces, typically. What you need to do is call your local building department. If you're in a city call the city offices, a county call the county offices. The building department will be able to tell you which code and version. For example they may be using the International Building Code/2000 and National Fire Prevention Code/1999 (the "brands" and years don't have to match).
It's best to talk to one of the inspectors and let him know exactly what you plan to do. That way he can give you specific advice and let you know if a permit is required.
Make sure you notify your insurance company and let them inspect it. I don't know about where you live but up here (Northern Canada) just because you have it installed to code doesn't mean the insurance company will like it. My homeowner's policy states that if I change to a solid fuel heat source I MUST notify them.
Scott
I've worked with the building code department in my town before (actually, all the towns i have lived in) and they really are quite helpful. Your taxes might go up if a building permit is required, but with that comes an inspection by the department to verify everything has been done right. If all that seems undesirable just remember yo may be voiding your insurance policy if you don't follow the town rules. ...that means your wife will kill you....lol
When doing research of my own for building and electrical codes for my area, I discovered that the local public library kept copies of the codes for reference. The building department is indeed a good place to start. They pointed me to the library for the location of the reference material.
Good luck,
--Rob
Not sure where you live, but the local building supply shop had the information about our chimmney code requirements .. and conveniently sold me the piping contraptions (which cost more than the stove) to put it together.
Is your shop attached to your house?
Sidebar: I'll admit I've had a few leary moments when I've had to leave the shop and I couldn't just shut it down.
Thanks for your advice, everybody. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, but I've learned that one of the joys of deregulated local phone service is that if one company *(%$'s up, affecting another company's customer, they waste time blaming each other rather than fixing the problem. A new neighbor moved in downstairs; he uses one of the new local phone startups. I use the old Baby Bell... anyway, when his company turned on his service, they crossed the lines, ran MY phone number into his apartment, and now the phone rings in both places or not at all. Try running a business that way... and both phone companies are fighting with each other over who's responsibility it is to fix the problem.
Anyway, I have a momentary dial tone and control of the line (still waiting for resolution) so I thought I'd check up on this thread.
Your insights and information are much appreciated. I'll first check my insurance policy; my shop is located in Michigan, in an outbuilding that's about 100 feet from the house, so that should help. Then I'll find the local building agency, get their info and figure out whether or not I need a permit... hopefully not, since the install (at least according to the information I've gathered) should be relatively minimal. I think my partner (sorry, no wife!) will appreciate that I do it according to the rules... just in case. Plus, if the day ever comes when I can start doing woodworking for a living, I imagine all of that will make getting business insurance that much easier.
DavidHmmm... the garden or the workshop today?
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