100 Year Old House - Grandfather Building Violations?
I just completed a rehab on a 101 year old house -- spent $62,000 on the work and it's beautiful. Pulled all the proper permits.
The final building inspector came through this morning and flagged a couple minor items -- no problem I'll fix them. BUT he flagged two HUGE items that will cost losts of money and are part of the original architecture.
First -- the stairway steps to the second floor do not meet modern rise-to-run dimensions. They're short, just like most old houses, but not at all hazardous in my opinion. Second -- the window in one second floor bedroom is short which inhibits egress (in case of fire). But the roof line is very low in that area and a taller window is really not possible -- my new windows simply fit in the old holes. There's a larger window in the hallway within six feet of the bedroom door.
I realize that neither meets modern code but doesn't this kind of stuff get grandfathered in on old houses? I haven't talked to the inspector or his supervisor yet. Any experience on how to handle this?
Unfortunately the inspectors usually get the last word. They have just changed the code book (again) and I haven't received a new copy yet. Also I beleive they just came out with a new code book for existing structures as well. According to the old code your stairway shouldn't have to be changed as it was existing. Being that you replaced the window I believe they pretty much have you there. With your window, can you get a casement window that will meet egress (assuming you used dh). If not, you may have to create a well in the roof...bummer. The key here is to keep your cool and kiss their cans. That's politics for ya. Good luck.
I talked to the inspector and it was all a big mistake. He thought the house had been condemned in which case they could make you bring everything up to code. The house wasn't condemned and he approved the remodeling work I actually pulled the permit for.
Praise the Lord -- I've got a closing scheduled for this afternoon and I was sweating bullets.
Misunderstanding = inspector had his head up his a$$
Very typically in any event. Glad to hear it all worked out 
no crap...what an ass...he could have at least asked...its not like those would have been slight oversights on your part. Also, if he did insist for some reason, you could also ask the city for a variance on the code because of whatever reason (hardship, etc.)
But, that would be pretty tough if they wanted you to bring everything in a house 100+ years old up to code. I've always seen: whatever work you do, has to be up to code.
Congrats!
Thanks all. BTW, I closed on this house Friday so you can see why I was about to have a heart attack about it.