A great deal of misinformation about obtaining building permits exists that sometimes results in property owners not securing one. An inspector combing through your entire home looking for violations rarely happens in practice. Of course, if the house has been significantly altered over the years without pulling a permit, it’s not unreasonable for a building code enforcement officer...

Among the myriad options for illuminating and warming up your outdoor living space, the most cozy and luxurious are outdoor fireplaces. Brick, stone, concrete and other materials can be used to create stunning outdoor fire features in a wide range of design styles. For DIY-enthusiasts, the prospect of building an outdoor fireplace might be an attractive one. However,...