Home Remodeling Scottsdale

BEFORE you begin your Scottsdale home remodel project, there are a few important steps to take now, that will prevent surprises later – surprises that might significantly affect your project budget and time schedule.  The detailed steps below will give you an idea of the some of the upfront research needed BEFORE starting your home remodel in Scottsdale. Working with an expert such as an Architect will help you navigate this important process.

1. Read your CC&R’s –

Home remodeling is about change, and major changes to an existing Scottsdale home may be subject to rules and restrictions set by state and local building authorities as well as the legal rights of your neighbors.  Review your Codes, Covenants and Regulations (CC&R’s) you agreed to comply with when you moved into your neighborhood.

2. Scottsdale, AZ Development Standards –

Every Scottsdale home Parcel has Zoning Ordinance and Building Setback requirements and restrictions , including distances that buildings/ structures must be “set back” from the property line.  Setback requirements for your home will vary depending upon the zoning district (i.e. R1-190, R1-7, etc).  Submit a Setback Request to the City of Scottsdale to determine the development standards for your property.  This will help you determine where you can build on the lot, the lot coverage restrictions (if applicable) and wall/fence restrictions.  Looking for the APN# of your parcel? Go to www.Maricopa.gov and select GIS Maps.

3. Fire Sprinklers -

If you are improving or adding 25% or more of the existing structure (under roof area), then fire sprinklers must be installed through out the entire Scottsdale home, including enclosed, non-heated storage, garage, etc.  Here’s a link to Scottsdale’s Fire Sprinkler worksheet.  For approximate sprinkler installation costs figure between $1.50 – $3.00 per square foot under roof, depending on complexity.

4. Building Code -

If you are improving or adding 50% or more of the existing structure (under roof area), then  the entire structure must be brought up to all current Building Code standards.  For work that is less than 50%, only the new work you are completing on your home must comply with current codes.

5. Will you need a Building Permit?

There are four types of Scottsdale building permits:

Building Permit

• - Required for all construction work including patio covers, room additions, carports and garage enclosures, walls/fences, retaining walls, and accessory buildings (storage buildings less than 200 square feet only requires a site plan). Permits will expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of the permit being issued to you, or if the work is not inspected by the city for a period of more than 180 days.

Electrical Permit

• - Required to install, alter, reconstruct or repair electrical wiring on any building, structure, swimming pool, or mechanical equipment.

Plumbing Permit

• - Required to install, alter, reconstruct, or repair any plumbing system, gas system, lawn sprinkler supply, water heater replacement.

Mechanical Permit

• - Required to install, alter, reconstruct or repair any furnace, refrigeration or other air conditioning equipment or system, except portable or window units.

6. You may NOT need a Building Permit

While most home improvement projects in Scottsdale require a permit (which helps ensure safety standards), there are some projects that do NOT require a residential building permit:

• - Detached, non-habitable structures smaller than 200 square feet in floor area (a site plan is required);
• - Patio slabs or sidewalks/drives (not over 30 inches above grade);
•  - Repair existing landscape irrigation piping (a permit is required to connect a new irrigation system to your waterline);
• - Walls, three feet or less (except retaining walls);
• - Low-voltage landscape accent lighting;
• - Minor repairs or replacement of non-structural items such as glass, doors, hardware, kitchen cabinets, carpeting, flooring or trim work (not affecting a pool enclosure or garage);
• - Paint (interior/exterior); repair drywall, plasterboard, paneling or stucco (insulated stucco systems require a permit);
• - Repair or replace existing evaporative coolers or air conditioning units without increasing the unit size or capacity;
• - Repair or replace existing plumbing fixtures in the same location;
• - Re-shingle or retile a roof when the same material is used.

7. Scottsdale Permit Fees

For a fee schedule, refer to www.scottsdaleaz.gov/onestopshop and select “Fees” Or you can contact the One Stop Shop at (480) 312-2500.

8.  Home Improvement Forms & Guides

Looking for plan submittal information for major or minor remodels built in Scottsdale, AZ, then click here.

About the Author

A Scottsdale architect will help you avoid many common mistakes that are made with construction projects. No matter what kind of space you need today, we’ll make sure it’s designed for your needs in the future.  This will give you future function built into today’s home addition.  To set up an appointment contact Doug Rusk at 480-710-3861 or email us at drusk@designlinearchitects.com.

www.designlinearchitects.com

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