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1. Can homeowners perform work themselves?

Homeowners may perform work on their primary residence without registering as a contractor with the State of Idaho. However:

• If you act as the sub-contractor on your project you must get a permit for the work and physically perform the work yourself.
• If you're not doing all of the work yourself (such as electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work), the person performing the work must be a State of Idaho registered and licensed contractor in that trade.

2. Where will smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors be placed?

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detector systems shall be installed per manufacturer’s instructions and in accordance with International Building Codes. They shall be located in every bedroom and adjacent hall in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on each additional story of the dwelling including basements and habitable attics.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed per manufacturer’s instructions and in accordance with International Building Codes. Carbon Monoxide Detectors are required outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.

3. What are the size requirements for stairways and handrails?

Stairways and handrails have to follow these guidelines:

• Minimum headroom is 80 inches
• Maximum rise is 7 ¾ inches
• Minimum rise is 4 inches
• Minimum run is 10 inches
• Minimum headroom is 6 feet 8 inches
• Minimum width is 36 inches finished
• Handrails required on stairways of four or more risers and shall be located from 34 to 38 inches above tread nosing
• Minimum tread is 7½ inches at 12-inch depth on circular stairs from narrowest point

4. What requires a building permit and inspection in residential construction?

The following items require a building permit and inspection:

• Accessory / outbuildings over 200 square feet
• Structural additions and alterations for homes
• Window replacement
• Retaining walls over 4 feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing
• Placement and setup of manufactured homes

5. What are the requirements for emergency exit windows?

The requirements for emergency exit windows are as follows.

• In every sleeping room provide an emergency exit window 5.7 square feet, or 820 square inches, with a minimum opening height and width of 24 inches and 20 inches respectively.
• Finished sill height to be not more than 44 inches above the finished floor per the Universal Building Code.
• Window wells shall provide a minimum accessible net opening of 9 square feet, with a minimum dimension of 36 inches.
• Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44 inches shall be equipped with an approved permanently affixed ladder or step.