This is a blog about the reconstruction of the residence at Lot 8 in North Beach Estates. We started with a >50 year old mobile home that was rapidly deteriorating and garage that was also in poor shape.

Our plan was to replace the mobile and garage with a new building that was large enough for our family and would require much less maintenance. We also wanted it to provide some protection from the hill behind our property.

The first step was to find out what was needed in order to get a building permit. Fortunately, we were not the first and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) had developed a document detailing what was required. They were also willing to meet with us to review our ideas for rebuilding and help us understand what was required.

In 2013 we had our property surveyed. The next step was to hire an Engineer to do a geo-hazard assessment and write a report on what was needed to build a structure that was as safe as reasonably possible. After many many months and many iterations we finally got a report. Because we are close to the lake we also needed a riparian assessment done. So we hired a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) who did an assessment. However, he could not finish his report until the building footprint was finalized. After the Geo-hazard Report was completed we were able to complete the conceptual design. Because of the requirements identified in the Geo-hazard Report, the building needed a Structural Engineer to detail the design. Once the design was sufficiently complete to allow the site plan to be completed, the QEP was able to complete the Riparian Report.

Meanwhile we had a Septic Engineer assess our property and the size of the building we were planning to build. He then developed a design for a septic system that would be adequate for the new building. Fortunately we had just enough area at the back of our property to accommodate a septic system. The design was submitted to the Ministry of Health and was accepted at the end 2015.

The Structural Engineer completed the design in early March 2016 and produced the drawings needed to apply to RDOS for the Watercourse Development Permit. Because the Geo-hazard report required that we build as far from the hill as possible, we needed to apply for a floodplain exemption with our Building Permit application.

In June, the RDOS variance board approved our application for a floodplain exemption. However they required that a covenant protecting them from any damages that may result from flooding affecting our property be registered against the North Beach Estate property. This required an RDOS lawyer to write up the covenant, a surveyor to produce a plan which showed the area of the covenant, the North Beach Estates lawyer to review the covenant, and the NBE board members to review and then sign the covenant. The covenant was returned to the RDOS for signatures by the appropriate people and then sent back to the lawyer to submit the covenant to be registered by the Land Titles Office. Then FINALLY the proof of registration was sent back to RDOS so that now they could move forward with our building permit application. Since it appeared that the building permit was very likely to be granted (only some things on our side now needed), we started to proceed with the demolition of the original buildings. Of course, because they are old, they could contain hazardous materials so a HAZMAT assessment was needed and yes, they found lots of asbestos plus many other things that needed to be abated. Some, like old fridges and thermostats, we were able to correctly handle ourselves, but the asbestos needed to be done by a qualified company,

Removing the trailer roof that had asbestos paint on it.

Removing the cement tiles that had asbestos in them

 As of September 2nd, we have totally emptied the buildings, all the hazardous material has been abated and clearance granted, so we are now ready for the next stage which is demolition.

We hope to be putting up pictures quite frequently which will show how things are progressing. You can leave comments about the posts.

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