I submitted my addition plans to the building department and they're asking for things they never have before, mostly load path diagrams. This is a first for me, I've never needed them for any additions I've built for customers.
is there a program, free or otherwise, that i can design in and have it spit me out some good looking plans with the load paths, materials, etc? I am mostly concerned with load paths but if i could 2d render the whole thing it would be cool too
Definitely subscribed for interest. I'm always doing things the old fashioned way which doesn't always fly with those in high places issuing permits.
I used one called SkyCiv for analyzing some trusses. It's a civil engineering program so it may do what you need. They give a 14 day free trial I think.
Seriously? LOAD PATHS?
Building departments are getting more ridiculous every day.
I've started developing some theories about this as I've been working on my plans for a bathroom remodel and deck, as well as talking with people who have paid architects for plans locally.
I've determined there are three main scenarios for how/why permits and plans are getting more stringent (or not). There is the limited government areas (like most of the south) where it's kinda anything goes. Then there are "cheap government worried about safety" and "expensive government worried about safety."
In areas with "cheap government worried about safety" like my area, they want really detailed plans because they don't want to pay top dollar for permit reviewers and inspectors. They want YOU the homeowner to provide them with all the answers. It keeps the average DIYer from attempting project (permitted at least) that they don't understand code for. Problem is, the average DIYer is going to attempt it without a permit. Personally, I think this is the worst situation because it creates burden on the construction trades and housing stock of the area (nobody ever upgrades because permits are a hassle), and you don't get inspectors who can think critically. My babysitter's hubby is a long-time skilled carpenter/framer. He knows his stuff, having worked on multi-million dollar projects for decades. He said his plans for an addition were approved, despite his architect making some pretty glaring mistakes, and when they changed things during the build, the inspector didn't even notice. This is probably not good. Hey, lower taxes, though!
The other situation is that of a local government with skilled inspectors and plans reviewers who really know their stuff, and whom have no issues keeping up with the amount of work. They visit frequently, and even guide builders/DIYers to abide by best practices. They aren't concerned with details of plans because they realize plans change. You might spend more, but you also get more from these permit offices. Apparently these are rare these days as less and less people have trade/build experience.
It seems to me, that keeping people safe would mean a good inspector, but instead, we're just making a more unsafe situation by forcing people into unpermitted work.
Something has gotta change, and I'm really tempted to start a local petition to do so.
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