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You do not need to hire an Architect or Engineer for your home addition project. You can design your own home if you follow the International building code Chapter 23 (wood) Section 2308 (Conventional Light-Frame Construction). First, check with you local building & Safety department in your city for any local ordinances. (Every city has their own building standard). Section 2308 in building code is designed for contractor to build a simple structure without engineering. It is based on many years of wood construction pratice experience that eventually get in the code. If you follow the tables and requirement carefully, you can size the roof rafter, ceiling, floor joists, stud size and spacing, and lateral bracing requirement such as earthquake or wind depending on where you live in the country. If you decide to build your home based on the code section. Be sure to check all the basic limitations described in the section and table. Finish your design on at least 24" x 36" paper size and hire a computer drafter to draw your plans with all the standard and typical details. Include at least one sheet of general notes include all the material specifications. These are common standards and the drafter can collect this information for you.
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