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GACTC

Besides being the comprehensive and authoritative source for information on building, construction and UCC implementation in Blair and Bedford counties, did you know that the Blair County Builders Association:

• Represents more than 230 members in the two-county area, including more than 100 professional builders, remodelers, plumbing, mechanical and electrical contractors.

• Offers educational programs and seminars for its members and the general public.

• Sponsors an annual scholarship program for students in Blair and Bedford counties.

• Financially supports the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon, the United Way of Blair County, the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center and other local charities (including one each year that benefits from proceeds of the Annual Builders Showcase).

• Supports the House Building Project of the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center and the Blitz Build Projects of Habitat for Humanity of Blair County.

• Is a member of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce.

For a FREE copy of the Annual Consumer’s Guide to Building and Remodeling in Blair and Bedford Counties, contact the Association at:

Blair County Builders Association
101 Allegheny Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
814-693-9710
Fax 814-693-9712
bcba@penn.com

Click here (pdf) for a list of locations in Blair and Bedford County where you can pick-up a free copy of the BCBA Member Directory and valuable brochure, "The Uniform Construction Code for Homeowners and Do-It-Yourselfers "

That’s when the new Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) takes effect. Enforcement will begin betwen April 9th and July 8th, depending on the municipality in which you live.

For the first time in Pennsylvania’s history, there is now a statewide, minimum standard for all construction, remodeling, additions, alterations and repairs. For residential dwellings, that standard is the 2003 International Residential Code.

The UCC will result in many favorable benefits for homeowners, some of which include:

• Homes and townhouses will be built according to sound engineering practices Improved protection of the occupants through modern safety standards and fire protection measures (fewer accidents and less lives lost due to fires)

• All builders and contractors must now follow the same rules and meet the same standards, since almost all the work must be permitted and inspected. Contractors who “cut corners” and in the past built an inferior product will now have to compete fairly and honestly with professional, eithical contractors. Property owners are the winners of this new “level playing field”

Good news! The UCC allows homeowners and do-it-yourselfers to perform their own construction, remodeling, additions and repairs, as long as they follow the rules that apply to EVERYONE under the UCC

1. Apply for permits (unless one is not required)
2. Submit plans of the work you propose to perform
3. Follow the plans you submitted and that were approved
4. Obtain required inspections
5. Obtain an occupancy permit

A municipality (not the UCC) may restrict work that homeowners and do-it-yourselfers may perform (such as: electrical work can only be done by a licensed electrician; plumbing work can only be done by a licensed plumber, etc.)

Everything requires a permit unless it is exempted. Some types of work that will probably not require a permit include:

Painting, Siding, Wallpapering, Tile-Carpet-Flooring, Cabinet installation, Stopping leaks, Repairing valves and washers, Replacing plumbing fixtures, Replacing stoves-dryers-clothes washers-dishwashers, Replacing windows and doors with the same size, Decks and porches less than 30” above ground (but no covering or roof above)

To be safe and secure, contact your municipality first to determine if a permit is required - or not

In many areas of Blair and Bedford Counties, the UCC will mean significant changes, since building and remodeling have never been regulated or were regulated to a much lesser degree.

We will all learn that permits and inspections will have new or increased cost for us (estimated to be $400-$700 for a new home; less for remodeling or addtions). Some of the requirements in the International Residential Code may result in some modest cost increases, to make our homes and structures safer and more secure.

1.Call your municipality to determine if the work you propose to “do” requires a permit. Visit the BCBA website at www.blairbuilders.com or call 814-693-9710 for information on who to contact for UCC enforcement in your municipality.

2. If it does, find out what plans and information you must submit for review and approval

3. Purchase or review a copy of the 2003 IRC Code Book to learn how your plans and work must comply with the code

4. Submit your plans for review and approval

5. Obtain all necessary permits before you begin work

6. “Call for” all required inspections

You can order one from the Blair County Builders Association for the same price we charge our own members. Call or e-mail the BCBA office for current pricing

We hope you will select a member of the Association! All members have met credit standards, have good consumer references, and provide proof of having workers comp insurance.

The Association has provided numerous training programs to its members to learn about all of the new codes and standards included in the UCC.

If you have a problem with a member, the Association will work to mediate and resolve any written complaint. Call the office or visit our website for a FREE directory of all members.

1. They have obtained a permit, if required
2. They obtain required inspections
3. They are building to meet or exceed codes - ASK THEM!
4. Make sure they have workers comp, unless they are a sole proprietor

These must comply with the 2003 International Building Code and a number of other codes (Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Fire, etc.)

These code books are also available from the BCBA office.