FYI - Architect, Engineer, Contractor, Random Joe off the street...
Check your local ordinances. This varies radically from state to state, even from county to county.
Where we built in Alaska, my ex and I (neither in construction in any way) could have done the entire project off of plans we created in some random dream home computer program. Not so lucky in St Louis county.
In AK, there were no permits or inspections. In St. Louis county? Nope- every time someone walks into my house and looks at my hot water tank or HVAC, they make a comment about it not having been inspected. (My Dad and brother put them in, and building codes in OK are different than St. Louis.)
FYI - Architect, Engineer, Contractor, Random Joe off the street...
Check your local ordinances. This varies radically from state to state, even from county to county.
Where we built in Alaska, my ex and I (neither in construction in any way) could have done the entire project off of plans we created in some random dream home computer program. Not so lucky in St Louis county.
In AK, there were no permits or inspections. In St. Louis county? Nope- every time someone walks into my house and looks at my hot water tank or HVAC, they make a comment about it not having been inspected. (My Dad and brother put them in, and building codes in OK are different than St. Louis.)
Yep this. My mom and stepdad own a contracting company down in the Austin area and the requirements vary even in the 2 or 3 different counties they’re working in down there.
You require an architect if you are doing a significant renovation moving walls etc or addition to your house. Otherwise you can hire an interior designer who may be cheaper. Any structural work requires an engineer. Most contractors have connections or in house services but you can sometimes pay a premium for that. Mechanical engineering is required for any new ductwork or HVAC system or new/reroute plumbing.
For our 3,000 SF house addition/ renovation project we paid $2,500 for the architect only because I as the interior designer was able to draw the plans up and he just reviewed and did the addition and exterior details. We paid $1,000 for mechanical engineer and $1,200 for structural
It is a requirement for permit in some cases and it is always best to have drawings for the contractor to price so you have a legal document stating what you are getting.
Me 33 DH 41 TTC since 2016 Due: October 12, 2018 Location: Ontario, Canada
@sliztee - make sure you check company policies. Some companies can require you to pay back the benefits of maternity leave if you don’t return to work for a specified amount of time. I went back specifically to avoid that after I had my twins because while I didn’t think they’d actually make me pay them back, it was written into company policy and I didn’t want to risk it.
@chyvie see that’s where the rules of your locality make a huge difference like @knottieamusements said... where we were before we moved, you’d need a structural engineer if you’re moving walls or anything, not an architect. Rules can vary so much from place to place though, so there’s no blanket statement that applies, you just need to check your town/city’s rules.
Very true. It could be different depending on your local jurisdiction. Good building permit application and your city and the website should give you all that you require.
Me 33 DH 41 TTC since 2016 Due: October 12, 2018 Location: Ontario, Canada
This thread is giving me flashbacks of when we did our kitchen reno back in the house we used to live in... back in that town, they required a permit and inspection if you wanted to breathe in your house (ok so obviously exaggerating here, but not by much). It was a nightmare getting everything inspected and signed off on! So glad to not live there anymore!!
You're overall 6 months of maternity leave, @sammierose464? Do you know what the disability claim is called? Maybe I can research it.
No, we have up to 6 months of disability leave. There's a difference from the 6-8 weeks for the birth and being put on bed rest for pregnancy complications.
Unless the contractor is a licensed architect, they need architect sign off on any designs over a certain size. I can't remember that size limit off the top of my head.
@sammierose464 do you mean architect there or engineer? I could be totally wrong on this, but I'm pretty sure you never need an architect, but for some projects if it is involved enough or large enough, you would need an engineer to sign off on the plans. It may depend on where you are and the town/city rules though, so I don’t know.
I could be wrong, but from what my friend has told me (who's a licensed arch.), It's an architect. As they have passed testing in relation to code (and other things) and such. Not all engineers study building codes. The engineers I know had one test to pass, my friend had 5 (used to be 6).
Typically (at least where we are) Architects handle building life safety and code implications to do with the construction of the over all project. They are the ones who also know the zoning requirements like set backs, allowable square footage for size of lots, height restrictions etc. Engineers specializes in different things; mechanical, electrical and structural. Architects can't do a structural component of a house like the basement foundation or roof without a review or input from a structural engineer.
Me 33 DH 41 TTC since 2016 Due: October 12, 2018 Location: Ontario, Canada
My sister and I were talking about the dinner for baby party she's planning and she told me she wants to do a Halloween or fall theme since the baby is due in October. I'm delighted by this idea since Halloween is ridiculously important to me in terms of enjoyment and is also my most sacred holiday. However, I'm a little worried that #1) people will find it weird to be going to a fall themed party in August and #2) we won't be able to find decorations or anything to fit the theme. Thoughts?
Ladybug - April 2013 Dandelion - October 2018 Angel "Aurora" - July 2020 Angel "Sawyer" - May 2021 Angel "Maxine" - January 2022 Angel "Violet" - March 2022 Baby Dove due March 2023
Just got home and caught up on 112 unread random posts. Can’t remember whose stairs those were now, but they look great!
@mytrueloves I love the idea of a Halloween themed baby shower! Honestly baby showers are already weird (I’m doing one, but I do find them weird) and a Halloween theme at least sounds fun!
@knottieamusements thanks for starting that poll! I guess we are getting close enough that it’s good to take stock!
As for me, Im exhausted but glad to have had good family time in the end. Sweet and peaceful goodbyes. Most of all I know I was really helpful to my mom and I’m glad I could be there for her.
My sister and I were talking about the dinner for baby party she's planning and she told me she wants to do a Halloween or fall theme since the baby is due in October. I'm delighted by this idea since Halloween is ridiculously important to me in terms of enjoyment and is also my most sacred holiday. However, I'm a little worried that #1) people will find it weird to be going to a fall themed party in August and #2) we won't be able to find decorations or anything to fit the theme. Thoughts?
My wedding was in October and we did a lot of fall and Halloween decorations. In August there should be plenty! Try Christmas Tree Shop if you have one!
@mytrueloves - By mid August, around here, even Walmart is starting to move Back to School out and get Halloween stuff in. Craft stores, Big Lots, all the usual suspects...
@mytrueloves I wouldn’t worry about what people think. Just remember that the guests are coming to celebrate you and baby, and hopefully coming from a place of love and support. Plus, if they know you at all they should know that the Halloween theme is perfect for you! Personally, I love it.
@purplegoldfish2 - I asked HR about that a couple of months ago and she responded, "other places do that? I've never heard of that before and I've worked in NY HR for over 20 years."
I had heard the same from a girlfriend of mine in GA, so I assumed NY was different...hmmm...
Maybe I need to check with someone else just to be sure. Thank you!
Thanks everyone! I keep forgetting stores stock holiday items months in advance now lol
Ladybug - April 2013 Dandelion - October 2018 Angel "Aurora" - July 2020 Angel "Sawyer" - May 2021 Angel "Maxine" - January 2022 Angel "Violet" - March 2022 Baby Dove due March 2023
Edit because TB won’t post the link but in real questions this lady wants to know if she can get pregnant by putting her dudes sperm inside her with her fingers because she doesn’t feel good when he cums inside her
G didn't move a ton during my tests. And I made the huge mistake of not eating once I got home. (I went and snuggled in bed with DH). If I have to do the 3hr I'll be screweed because when I stood up my sugar had dropped and I was super Shakey.
@sammierose464 ahh sorry! Go eat something delicious now!! @knottieamusements omg I know! When we went to our hospital tour we saw some newborns in the nursery and GAH! I forgot how tiny they are!! They made my 22 month old look like an actual giant!
@jynjer91 ....no words... I'm with the other posters...calling shenanigans and she's probably TTGP without his knowledge. Good Lord. Side note, this country needs better sex ed.
DH and I went to see Jurassic Park last night, we got the recliner seats at the theater and I put a napkin on my belly to keep a supply of popcorn there, it was perfect. I highly recommend it.
Re: Randoms 7/5
Check your local ordinances. This varies radically from state to state, even from county to county.
Where we built in Alaska, my ex and I (neither in construction in any way) could have done the entire project off of plans we created in some random dream home computer program. Not so lucky in St Louis county.
In AK, there were no permits or inspections. In St. Louis county? Nope- every time someone walks into my house and looks at my hot water tank or HVAC, they make a comment about it not having been inspected. (My Dad and brother put them in, and building codes in OK are different than St. Louis.)
For our 3,000 SF house addition/ renovation project we paid $2,500 for the architect only because I as the interior designer was able to draw the plans up and he just reviewed and did the addition and exterior details. We paid $1,000 for mechanical engineer and $1,200 for structural
It is a requirement for permit in some cases and it is always best to have drawings for the contractor to price so you have a legal document stating what you are getting.
TTC since 2016
Due: October 12, 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
TTC since 2016
Due: October 12, 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
Engineers specializes in different things; mechanical, electrical and structural. Architects can't do a structural component of a house like the basement foundation or roof without a review or input from a structural engineer.
TTC since 2016
Due: October 12, 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
Dandelion - October 2018
Angel "Aurora" - July 2020
Angel "Sawyer" - May 2021
Angel "Maxine" - January 2022
Angel "Violet" - March 2022
Baby Dove due March 2023
@mytrueloves I love the idea of a Halloween themed baby shower! Honestly baby showers are already weird (I’m doing one, but I do find them weird) and a Halloween theme at least sounds fun!
@knottieamusements thanks for starting that poll! I guess we are getting close enough that it’s good to take stock!
As for me, Im exhausted but glad to have had good family time in the end. Sweet and peaceful goodbyes. Most of all I know I was really helpful to my mom and I’m glad I could be there for her.
@chopchop25 so sorry you had to deal with that. Hugs!
@mamabearcj have fun!!!
I'm actually sewing, almost got a dress done for the wedding we're going to next weekend. No rest for the weary...
DD 3/15/12
DD 6/3/14
#4 Due 10/26/18!
I had heard the same from a girlfriend of mine in GA, so I assumed NY was different...hmmm...
Maybe I need to check with someone else just to be sure. Thank you!
Dandelion - October 2018
Angel "Aurora" - July 2020
Angel "Sawyer" - May 2021
Angel "Maxine" - January 2022
Angel "Violet" - March 2022
Baby Dove due March 2023
Eta now this girl is jazzercising in me
@knottieamusements omg I know! When we went to our hospital tour we saw some newborns in the nursery and GAH! I forgot how tiny they are!! They made my 22 month old look like an actual giant!
DD 3/15/12
DD 6/3/14
#4 Due 10/26/18!
DD 3/15/12
DD 6/3/14
#4 Due 10/26/18!