[villagetinker]

To all my fellow villagers:

There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation regarding the enclosing of a lanai and various requirements to do this. I first emailed the Sumter County Building dept, and then followed up with a phone call.

Here is the email reply:
Mr. (my name), Please find the following compiled list of 2014FBCR Code requirements for converting existing lanai’s to habitable space. Items 4,5,6 pertain to finish floors and elevation requirements, code supporting code sections may be viewed at Florida building.org. My direct line is 352.689.4482 located at Sumter Co. Service Center at 7375 Powell Rd. Thank you, hope this helps. EJ AuBuchon Residential Plans Examiner

[you will] Need to provide the following supporting documentation to convert a non habitable CATIII Sunroom to a habitable CATIV or V per FBCR2014 5th Edition SECTION 301.2.1.1.2

1). Floor/site plan layout showing Sun room is open to primary structure (CATV) or thermally isolated from primary structure (CATIV).

2). Electric meets 2011 NEC Article 210.52 required receptacle spacing.

3). Fl. Energy calcs form 405 including Manuel J, D and duct layout.

4).Show proof of required condensation barrier 2014 FBC 5th Edition Section 1910.

5). Show required 6" clearance from grade to finish floor in wood construction per 2014 FBCR 5th Edition SECTION 318.7 Inspection for Termites, Section 404.1.6 or 4” for masonry.

6). If lanai slab is level with birdcage slab lanai MUST be raised 4” per 2014 FBCR 5th Edition SECTION
318.7 (3).

7). Please provide from manufacture spec sheet for U & SHGC factors for proposed windows (and or ) doors per 2014FEC Section 303.1.3.

NOTE : MUST MEET minimum allowable U .40 // SHGC .25 Per Table 402.1.1.

After reading the above, I was still confused, so I called EJ AuBuchon, 352-689-4482. I now understand why there are so many differing opinions and recommendations on this topic. From the phone call:
• The requirements are different for a FRAME house vs a BLOCK house.
• The requirements are different if the thermal barriers (aka sliding glass doors) are removed.
• The requirements for a vapor barrier depends on house construction, basically was a vapor barrier originally installed, what is the construction of the house, etc.
• The AMOUNT of glass in the walls makes a difference on the CLASSIFICATION of the room when it is finished. This effects electrical, HVAC, and tax.
• Basically the building department said PLEASE CALL to discuss what you want to do, and then they can give you the correct answers for YOUR SPECIFIC APPLICATION.

With all of the variations that the building dept representative described, I now understand why I see all of the differing replies. So the bottom line is what worked for your neighbor, may not work for you.

Sorry this was so long, but I hope this provides some clarity on the subject.

[784caroline]

This is exactly why I got a General Contractor to finish my Lanai and add a new hobby room.

[jnieman]

Originally Posted by 784caroline

This is exactly why I got a General Contractor to finish my Lanai and add a new hobby room.

We did also. We did have a couple of questions and called the county and were given the answer. I would never rely on the info I read on here for something as important as code requirements. Our contractor has taken care of almost all of it for us.

[fofd1091]

We 'wife & I ' have been working thru these issues since last of July, and all that has been completed is removing of one window from kitchen wall, removal of screens and frame work,and the raising of the lanai floor.Very frustrating. My general contractor had to resubmit no less than 8 requests for re-approval.Always something different. I can see why a lot contractors don't want to work in The Villages,as the county code "in my opinion" seems evasive. Enough said,we were to be in new "fl room" by labor day,now I think I'll be lucky to be in by first of the year. lol I;m retired why get in a sweat ! If I kill over before its finished I'll never know the difference.Breath in out slowly.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by fofd1091

We 'wife & I ' have been working thru these issues since last of July, and all that has been completed is removing of one window from kitchen wall, removal of screens and frame work,and the raising of the lanai floor.Very frustrating. My general contractor had to resubmit no less than 8 requests for re-approval.Always something different. I can see why a lot contractors don't want to work in The Villages,as the county code "in my opinion" seems evasive. Enough said,we were to be in new "fl room" by labor day,now I think I'll be lucky to be in by first of the year. lol I;m retired why get in a sweat ! If I kill over before its finished I'll never know the difference.Breath in out slowly.

We started with T&D in Oct 2014, received ARC and County approval early November, went back to PA for Nov and Dec, came back first week of January and it was done, final County inspection and approval the same week. The entire process was painless since T&D did it all. It sounds like you got the wrong guy to do the work.

[rockyisle]

We started with T&D in Oct 2014, received ARC and County approval early November, went back to PA for Nov and Dec, came back first week of January and it was done, final County inspection and approval the same week. The entire process was painless since T&D did it all. It sounds like you got the wrong guy to do the work.
__________________

We used T&D to expand and enclose our lanai. Fabulous workmanship, started and ended 15 days ahead of their estimate. I cannot say enough about how much we love this company. We'd use them again and recommend them highly.

[villagetinker]

We used Killcrease for a birdcage addition. Project was filed the DAY AFTER the new building code went into effect....net result 2p3 weeks lost, but this was due to the tremendous confusion at County office. Once the paper work was fixed, 2 weeks from first shovel in the ground to inspection. Very Pleased with the results.

[Kazmi]

Originally Posted by rockyisle

We started with T&D in Oct 2014, received ARC and County approval early November, went back to PA for Nov and Dec, came back first week of January and it was done, final County inspection and approval the same week. The entire process was painless since T&D did it all. It sounds like you got the wrong guy to do the work.
__________________

We used T&D to expand and enclose our lanai. Fabulous workmanship, started and ended 15 days ahead of their estimate. I cannot say enough about how much we love this company. We'd use them again and recommend them highly.

We are planning to expand our lanai when we finally get to retire and move into our home since we feel that the standard depth of it is too small (an Iris not expanded lanai). Plus we are leaning towards enclosing it with windows (some screened). Are you happy that you expanded yours? Do you feel it was worth the expense? Your experience with T&D sounds great so we will definitely contact them next we are down for a stay.

[jimbo2012]

I would not trust your contractor 100%, the work will also be approved if it is beyond the requirements.

Costing more $$

For example; many have paid for raising the floor when it was not required.

Know the requirements before getting bids by talking to the building dept.

I did all the work myself other than the plans being approved with special glass windows the process was painless.

two inspections done!

cost $4,000 in materiel for a 13x28 room.


.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

I would not trust your contractor 100%, the work will also be approved if it is beyond the requirements.

Costing more $$

For example; many have paid for raising the floor when it was not required.

Know the requirements before getting bids by talking to the building dept.

I did all the work myself other than the plans being approved with special glass windows the process was painless.

two inspections done!

cost $4,000 in materiel for a 13x28 room.


.

I agree but we raised the floor for ease of access to the house and had it tiled to match the house. Gives a great look and that trip and fall step disappears. Since we expect to be here until we are not (dead) we made the investment for long term and convenience. We have about 12 outlets, the low EEE glass, sliding windows with screens, recessed lighting. ARC and County approved. This is really about what you want and what you can afford. My suggestion is to do the most you can so you don't do it over later (yeah I have seen that). There will always be another project....they never seem to end.

[Kazmi]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

To all my fellow villagers:

There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation regarding the enclosing of a lanai and various requirements to do this. I first emailed the Sumter County Building dept, and then followed up with a phone call.

Here is the email reply:
Mr. (my name), Please find the following compiled list of 2014FBCR Code requirements for converting existing lanai’s to habitable space. Items 4,5,6 pertain to finish floors and elevation requirements, code supporting code sections may be viewed at Florida building.org. My direct line is 352.689.4482 located at Sumter Co. Service Center at 7375 Powell Rd. Thank you, hope this helps. EJ AuBuchon Residential Plans Examiner

[you will] Need to provide the following supporting documentation to convert a non habitable CATIII Sunroom to a habitable CATIV or V per FBCR2014 5th Edition SECTION 301.2.1.1.2

1). Floor/site plan layout showing Sun room is open to primary structure (CATV) or thermally isolated from primary structure (CATIV).

2). Electric meets 2011 NEC Article 210.52 required receptacle spacing.

3). Fl. Energy calcs form 405 including Manuel J, D and duct layout.

4).Show proof of required condensation barrier 2014 FBC 5th Edition Section 1910.

5). Show required 6" clearance from grade to finish floor in wood construction per 2014 FBCR 5th Edition SECTION 318.7 Inspection for Termites, Section 404.1.6 or 4” for masonry.

6). If lanai slab is level with birdcage slab lanai MUST be raised 4” per 2014 FBCR 5th Edition SECTION
318.7 (3).

7). Please provide from manufacture spec sheet for U & SHGC factors for proposed windows (and or ) doors per 2014FEC Section 303.1.3.

This is confusing. If your lanai floor and your extension floor (birdcage, etc) is level why would you have to raise it 4". If they're level, they're level. What does raising the slab by 4" get you? Yikes! I can see that our plans to extend and enclose our lanai to create something of a florida room (not temp controlled) is going to cost a lot more than what I was anticipating and a lot more frustration

[jimbo2012]

I think we need a link to the FBC I can't find those sections

????

[villagetinker]

ALL,
Yes, this is CONFUSING, in my 15 to 20 minute call to the building department, there were so many "what ifs", and "well it depends", etc., that I could not possibly put all of that information here accurately. Bottom line call, the building department the people are very friendly, and really like you to ask first, then plan, and if necessary confirm, rather then go and build and find out later there was a mistake.

And finally, you asked for it (do not blame ME) here is the link for the Florida building codes: Welcome. After trying to find the info here, I gave up, and called the building dept.

I agree completely with previous comment about NOT relying completely on the contractor. Do your home work, make up to a preliminary plan, with the specific details, (raised floor, electrical receptacles, A/C, type of glass, etc., noted and use that do discuss with the builder (and ARC if necessary). this can then be the basis of the final plans that will be submitted for approval. It will also provide a great basis to get competitive bids on exactly the same work.


I hope this helps.