Racinbob 11,045 #1 Posted February 27, 2021 When we lived in Deltona, Florida building projects could really be a hassle. The building codes are a major pain. I wanted to build a shed so it's off to the building dept. The maximum size is 120 square feet unless you match the façade of the house. Well, I didn't want to build a brick shed so I settled for 10' x 12'. I wanted a salt box style to give me more overhead storage. One of the requirements to get a permit was two sets of plans stamped by a professional engineer. I don't use plans but I had to get them so I got on ebay and found some salt box shed plans. I squiggled some modifications on them and found an engineer that would approve them. That done I threw them in the permit box and never looked at them again. They also required hurricane straps all over the place. I'm sure I used at least 100 of various styles. We often joked that when a hurricane comes we'll take shelter in the shed. The final product didn't turn out too bad. The pictures I have apparently are the wrong format and won't load. Chapter 2 Last night our daughter and son in law were sitting in their screen room when they heard kids screaming. They live next door. They ran out and thought the entire house was engulfed in flames. Because of the screaming they ran over to find two young kids trying to fight the fire. Shannon asked if anyone was inside and they said they were alone so she took them over to her house and Jimmy stayed to keep spraying the house roof. Come to find out the oldest girl was 10 and their parents left to pick someone up at the airport, about a 2 hour round trip. They had a fire in a firepit and had been playing with it. They are still afraid to say how it got to the shed. A propane tank had exploded as well as several gasoline cans fed the fire. I got a text this morning stating that whoever built this shed apparently didn't make it fireproof. I replied 'I'm thinking it's not hurricane proof anymore. The house did take some damage and the pool screen room is toast but can be repaired. A lot of the PVC fencing is gone. The fire dept. pulled the panels out on this end for access. I'm no fire inspector but my guess is that the shed is history. Even though it's not ours anymore it still makes me sad knowing it's totally gone now. I'm sure the 2 little girls are in big trouble but I think the parents should be in even bigger trouble. Fortunately nobody got hurt. Shed Florida 2.webp Shed Florida.webp Shed Florida.webp Shed Florida.webp Shed Florida 3.webp 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,769 #3 Posted February 27, 2021 Thank goodness only property damage! A good friend and very capable builder bought some property in FL. Was blown away by all the codes and steps to take! Hurricane Rated everything! And I suppose should be. Property insurance is high and will remain until the losses drop. Hopefully the newer codes will help with losses. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
