Existing Buildings: Money Pit or Gold Mine?

 An existing building can become a money pit—or a gold mine. Understanding it can make the difference.

Before buying or renovating an existing building, establish its lawful existing conditions, how it will be used and what work is proposed.

These questions help determine which Code requirements apply and which upgrades the project triggers.

Applying current requirements to an entire existing building without assessing that starting point can lead to unnecessary work and substantial costs. Overlooking required upgrades can create expensive surprises later.

In my building code consulting work, I start with the building’s history and the owner’s plans. That helps define a justified scope of work and gives the owner a clearer basis for investment decisions.

An older building may hold more potential than its first assessment suggests.

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