[Challenger]

[QUOTE=784caroline;1085173]We were leary about raising our lanai floor 3.5 inches when we were redoing our lanai...the cost was approx. $ 2K more. Then we went to a social at a house that did not have it done. Well an elderly gentlemen tripped and fell at the house/lanai junction and at that point I said we are doing it....raising the floor. BEST thing we have done and no worries about someone falling in our house because we tried to save a couple of bucks. Its now apart of our house and we thourghly enjoy it.

Just remember we live in a retirement community,[/QUOT

We did raise our Lanai floor. Have several friends who did not and are now quite sorry that they chose the less costly approach. The step is a pain and very dangerous.

[tuccillo]

I already answered this. As long as the floor is far enough above grade you are fine but a moisture barrier must be installed. (from what I was told by a contractor).

Originally Posted by kcrazorbackfan

Ok, I'm confused. Does the floor HAVE TO be raised to AC the lanai or can it be left alone? We are going to leave the slider in going from the kitchen to the lanai. BTW, has anyone used Magellan to do their lanai? My wife played in a tournament today and one lady was really happy with her lanai they did.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

I don't believe that is true, at least according to a contractor I spoke with. The issue of raising the floor comes down to how far above grade it is. If it is far enough above grade then you don't need to raise it if you are installing a mini-split system. At least, this is how it was explained to me by someone who I believe understands the building codes. A vapor barrier is required either way.

I spoke the planning dept before I got my permit, the floor does NOT need to raised.

Only if the slab is at or below grade. None of them I've seen are.
The contractors that don't know the code will rope you into spending money for work not needed.

The reason for the slab to visible is for termite inspection and water infiltration.

This can also be accomplish be excavating with a shovel out a few inches of dirt.

As far as A/C heat, a load calc needs to be done to determine if an additional unit is needed, most homes don't need it.


Vapor under existing slab is not required, it is not stated anywhere in the code.

You are not required but really should insulate the lanai ceiling with R-30

Windows, if you but the wrong glass that almost all contractors are using and you have sun on the glass it will get hot.

You need the correct solar glass.

see my other thread here about glass.

It is really crazy about the miss information.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Razorbackfan, you need to do some research at Sumter County offices. The building codes were revised (as of 1/1/2015, I think). The results can include any or all of the following: (This is what I recall from newspaper and previous threads.)
1. The newly enclosed area will be classified as class 4 or 5 (I think) living space.
2. The new classification requires additional electrical receptacles.
3. The floor needs to be raised (note I have seen comments regarding water proofing).
4. Split A/C units are not allowed (need to check on this, maybe conditional on the living space classification).
5. Multiple permits required as well as inspections.
6. You will want suitable insulation in the lanai, etc.
Also, there maybe specific requirements for the glass being used to enclose this area, there will be increased taxes, and house insurance, etc.

Good luck with your project.

Do your self a big favor go to sumter county of in Pinellas Plaza and ask to talk to a building inspector about the specific requirements. I have done this twice and they have been very helpful, and eliminated the possibility of me making a costly error.

Interesting. I talked to Larry, one of the building inspectors mid January about the issue. He advised that I could ac/heat the addition (did not discuss split system, only extending the existing system) and he specifically told us that if we remove our sliders or french doors into the Lanai it would be a taxable space. As long as the the house could be separated from the Lanai it would not be re-assessed. Since we had permits pulled he knew what we did. Could we getting different opinions from the same guys that assess? We raised the floor, have more than enough outlets and had the Lanai and the entire house insulated and installed a radiant barrier through out the house. So far so good and no AC required.....yet.

[tuccillo]

Apparently a vapor barrier is now required over an existing concrete floor according to two contractors.

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

I spoke the planning dept before I got my permit, the floor does NOT need to raised.

Only if the slab is at or below grade. None of them I've seen are.
The contractors that don't know the code will rope you into spending money for work not needed.

The reason for the slab to visible is for termite inspection and water infiltration.

This can also be accomplish be excavating with a shovel out a few inches of dirt.

As far as A/C heat, a load calc needs to be done to determine if an additional unit is needed, most homes don't need it.


Vapor under existing slab is not required, it is not stated anywhere in the code.

You are not required but really should insulate the lanai ceiling with R-30

Windows, if you but the wrong glass that almost all contractors are using and you have sun on the glass it will get hot.

You need the correct solar glass.

see my other thread here about glass.

It is really crazy about the miss information.

[villagetinker]

Update:
Apparently on June 30th Sumter County adopted new building code. I just got caught in this as the plans for our new birdcage were submitted around July 1st, and were denied, and need to be resubmitted. I was also told that projects started under the OLD code need to be completed under the NEW code, this is unbelievable!!!
So double check, there seems to be lots of confusion on this issue. I may be looking at few weeks delay due to this change and all of the confusion at Sumter County.

[784caroline]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Update:
Apparently on June 30th Sumter County adopted new building code. I just got caught in this as the plans for our new birdcage were submitted around July 1st, and were denied, and need to be resubmitted. I was also told that projects started under the OLD code need to be completed under the NEW code, this is unbelievable!!!
So double check, there seems to be lots of confusion on this issue. I may be looking at few weeks delay due to this change and all of the confusion at Sumter County.

Don't leave us hanging...what code changes did you get caught up in and what do you have to do differently??

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

Apparently a vapor barrier is now required over an existing concrete floor according to two contractors.

I wouldn't go by any contractor saying that with their had in your pocket.

Moreover, tell them to show it to you in code.

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Update:
Apparently on June 30th Sumter County adopted new building code.
I was also told that projects started under the OLD code need to be completed under the NEW code, this is unbelievable.

Like you said not believable, any permit issued before June 30th is valid for one year.

Now if you don't complete in one year yes then the renewal must comply with the new code.

Just look at all the houses being completed here now
(and over the next couple of months) with the non compliant aluminum windows.


.

[tuccillo]

I also spoke with the code guy in the Villages and was told that they were requiring a vapor barrier over the concrete now. An underlayment used for tile was one example he provided.

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

I wouldn't go by any contractor saying that with their had in your pocket.

Moreover, tell them to show it to you in code.



Like you said not believable, any permit issued before June 30th is valid for one year.

Now if you don't complete in one year yes then the renewal must comply with the new code.

Just look at all the houses being completed here now
(and over the next couple of months) with the non compliant aluminum windows.


.

[jimbo2012]

Whom did you speak to?

[tuccillo]

I don't recall the guy's name. He was in a district office I believe.

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

Whom did you speak to?

[villagetinker]

All, in my case the problem was with the NOTES on the second page of the drawings, apparently referenced the OLD co. I do not have specifics, as I have not seen the revised drawings, so I do not the details. More to follow.