Architect or Engineer Stamp on your own home design

[Warmsoju]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

Good luck on changing the zoning.

They also require an engineer's or architect's stamp if your building eaves are wider than 24". Most folks prefer a 3' eave to keep the sun off the sides of the building to keep it cooler so that will frequently kick the plans into the 'get a stamp' zone. And a lot of folks want post and pier construction to keep air circulating under the house to keep it cool, which then kicks it into the 'get a stamp zone'. A stamp isn't that expensive that folks should alter what they want by very much to avoid it.

Can you show me where I can find the code regarding eave overhang? I have been reading both Hawaii code and international code and I can't find it anywhere.
Also, I would appreciate it if you can help me find someone who will stamp my plans cheap and not pay thousands.

[hotzcatz]

The guy at the desk said, 'eaves are over 24" - requires a stamp'. Dunno as if there is any code for that. But that was about a decade ago, these things change and depending on who's on the other side of the desk, they can be interpreted differently, too. Just lately they've been training a new guy so they've been a bit picky here and there. Most of the projects have had stamps on them lately.

[franklin42]

I second( or third?) Robert Smelker. We worked with him throughout our as-built in Honoka'a.

[Ponypenny]

Originally Posted by Warmsoju

I'm a former architect turned house flipper and I can tell you that as a owner-builder you do not need architect's stamp if you are building less then four unit dwelling. Only requirement is that you do not get to do your own work for electrical and plumbing by law. Otherwise your drawing however rudimentary is fine for permit by the building department as long as you follow the international building code 2006 (9th revision) while building.

It is actually the 2013 IBC that is required code. Only the structural aspects need a stamp.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Originally Posted by Ponypenny

It is actually the 2013 IBC that is required code. Only the structural aspects need a stamp.

Hawaii County uses the 2006 IBC.

Anyone planning to building should just call the Building Department to get their questions answered.