IPC Services: Initial Phase Construction Plans, And Preconstruction
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Permitting

Building Codes

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Remodeling and Construction

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Frequently Asked Questions

General and About IPC Services

How do I get started?

Call us at (352) 732-8566 and let us know what you want to build. We can design anything you wish, from a single room addition or bath to the home of your dreams.

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What does the initial consultation cost?

Nothing!!  There is never a charge for your first visit.  Show or tell us what you have in mind and we’ll go from there.

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How much should I budget for pre-construction work?

We never charge for an initial consultation.  We first need to find out what you want to build and then we can outline a budget for your project.  Please call us at (352) 732-8566 to schedule an appointment.

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How long have you been in business?

IPC (Initial Phase Construction) Services, Inc. has been in business since 2000 and enjoys an excellent reputation as one of the premier pre-construction companies in Marion County.  We are experts in the field of pre-construction and can do everything you need before the first shovelful of dirt is turned, including drawing your plans, obtaining a permit, and coordinating a soil test. 

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Where are you located and what are your hours?

Our address is 3250 S.E. 58th Avenue, which is Baseline Road.  We are 1.1 miles north of the intersection of Baseline and Maricamp Roads, on the west side of the street.  It’s a great location!

Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After hours by appointment. Call us at (352) 732-8566 to make an appointment today!

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What forms of payment do you take?

In addition to cash, we also take checks, Master Card, Visa, or Discover Card.

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Are you a licensed design professional?

No. We are a pre-construction service company existing to provide design services limited in scope by State of Florida Statutes 481.229 (2003) and do not proclaim to be a licensed licensed design professional. 

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Permitting Questions in Ocala Florida

What’s a soil test and how do I know if I need one?

We consider a soil test mandatory to clearly understand the subsurface soils.  In Florida, we have many different types of soil conditions and it is critically important that a soil test be completed in order to design the proper foundation solution for those soils.

We would be happy to coordinate this work between you and a geotechnical company that specializes in sinkholes.

If you plan to put in a septic tank and drain field then a soil test is required by the State of Florida Health Department. We can complete and submit the paperwork for you at a nominal fee.
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I have an old survey of my property.  Can I use it for permitting or do I need to get a new one?

It depends on how old the survey is and what improvements have been made to the property since the survey was done.  One of our experts would need to look at both your property and survey before a determination can be made.

Lending institutions will require that a boundary, slab, and final survey be completed during construction if your project is to be financed.

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I want to do some interior renovating, do I need a permit?

It all depends on what you plan to do.  If you’re just going to repaint or refinish existing floors, you won’t need a permit.  However, if you plan to change out the bathroom fixtures, replace windows and exterior doors, and/or add new electrical fixtures, you will need a permit.  The safest thing to do is call us (352) 732-8566 or the Building Department before you start any renovation project.

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I’m excited about my new project and anxious to get started.  Can I begin construction before the permit is issued?

No. Some counties require environmental inspections, surveys and/or land clearing permits so before you do anything so it’s best to call us first at (352) 732-8566.

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Is a permit required if I want to add a covered deck or driveway?

Yes.  Accessory structures like decks, utility sheds, and garages require a permit.

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I thought I could apply for a permit myself but after looking through the paperwork, it’s more confusing and complicated than I thought it would be.  Can you help?

Yes, we would be happy to help you.  Since 1993, after hurricane Andrew, the permitting process has become more complicated as building codes have become more stringent.  We spend a great deal of time working to stay current with changes in the building codes and permitting requirements.

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Building Codes and Code Enforcement

What if my design doesn’t meet state or local building codes?

No problem.  We guarantee that our finished plans will meet all state and local building codes.

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I made the mistake of building an addition without first obtaining a permit.  Now I’ve received a letter from the local code enforcement department.  What do I do now?  Help!

We work with the code enforcement and building departments on a continual basis to resolve code enforcement issues.  Call us at (352) 732-8566 to make an appointment. There is never a charge for an initial consultation.  We can notify code enforcement that we are working with you, draft the plans, and submit the proper forms for permittingUnder no circumstances, ignore the letter!

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I rent my house and the owner said he would not have a problem with me adding another bedroom and bath to the existing home. Can I do the work myself?

No.  Since your home is considered rental property, only a licensed contractor can perform the work.

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Plans and Drafting

I have researched several companies that sell building plans online, and their prices seem to be lower than those charged by local drafting companies.  Would buying plans online save me time and money??

No.  Unless the company you are dealing with has a thorough knowledge of state and local building codes, you could end up paying a great deal more in both time and money because in addition to purchasing your plans online, you will then need to bring them up to local building codes.  Quite often these plans cannot be modified and will have to be redrawn by a local drafting company.

Remember, you will need written permission from the online company to reproduce their plans and/or you may have to purchase a set in order to obtain copyright authorization.

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If I change a house design by 20%, will I avoid litigation of copyright infringement?

No.  Unless original house plans are purchased from the copyright registrant for use on a one-time basis, ownership is forever retained by the original artist/designer.  Do not attempt to change them, even slightly.  Copyright laws are very strict and penalties can be harsh – and expensive.

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What is Auto-Cad?

Auto-Cad is the software program our drafters use to draw your plans.  It is an excellent program that helps speed up the drawing process.  Plans are far more accurate than hand-drawn ones and the program eliminates guesswork of measurements, room sizes, etc.

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What if I want to make changes to my plans after construction has started?

Plan addendums can be done at any time – hourly rates apply.  Cost depends on what phase construction is in.  If it’s early, plans can be changed quickly and easily with a minimum charge.  However, any changes must first be submitted to the building department for their approval.

If construction is further along, costs could be more extensive and again, changes must be submitted to the building department, which may slow the construction process.

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Do I own the building plans after they are completed and I have paid for them?

No, copyright laws declare that the plans forever belong to the design company.  However, paying for them gives you the right to use them on a one-time basis to build your home.

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I have a hard time visualizing the elevations.  Can you produce realistic three-dimensional computer-generated renderings for my new home?

Yes.  We have an artist who can do an excellent color rendering of what your house will look like after stone, stucco, and/or brick trim has been added.

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I don’t have the original house plans but would like to add a room.  Can you do the plans for me?

Yes.  First you will need a field measure to map the existing house; then we can add the addition.  A field measure is done for a variety of reasons.  For instance, the addition you plan to add may be too close to your property line.  A field measure is done to ensure that you have the room to build.  We have a field measure crew on staff who can accurately map your existing house and then add the proposed addition to the plans.

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What is a "Green Home" and can you design a home in compliance with the standards of the Florida Green Home Coalition?

A “Green Home” is an energy-efficient home that incorporates multiple environmental, ecological and sustainability features that materially enhance the built environment.  (Features such as disaster resistance, excellent indoor air quality, universal design, resource efficient materials, low water use, native landscaping, etc. are considered.)

We are familiar with the requirements from the Florida Green Home Coalition Standards for a "Green Home" and can design a home for you using these standards.

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Remodeling, Renovation, and Building Questions

I have some old windows stored in my garage.  Can I use them in my new addition?

It depends on several things:  Do the windows meet the current building codes?  Can you obtain a current Florida Product Approval Number from the manufacturer?  Once they are installed, will they pass inspection from your local Building Department?

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I want to do some interior renovating, do I need a permit?

It all depends on what you plan to do.  If you’re just going to repaint or refinish existing floors, you won’t need a permit.  However, if you plan to change out the bathroom fixtures, replace windows and exterior doors, and/or add new electrical fixtures, you will need a permit.  The safest thing to do is call us (352) 732-8566 or the Building Department before you start any renovation project.

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I already have my plans; how can I choose a good builder?

Do your homework.  Call the national or local Homebuilders Association office, check out builders’ websites to look for letters of satisfaction, and check with the local Better Business Bureau for complaints.  Go to myfloridalicense.com to make sure the builder is licensed.

These are just a few of the ways to look for a competent builder. Ask us for others.

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What's the difference between a stem wall and a monolithic foundation?

A monolithic slab is a continuous concrete pour of the footing and slab together and is used where the ground is fairly level.  A stem wall is a footing consisting of a concrete block “foundation wall”, filled with compacted dirt and then the slab is poured on top.  It is used where the ground is uneven and contains a drop in it, and it is more expensive than a mono slab.

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Should I build with block or frame construction?

There are advantages of building with either block or wood.  Talk with your builder or designer before making a decision to learn the pros and cons of both.  Either can be used to withstand local wind codes, although block tends to be the construction material of choice in coastal areas.

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I’m excited about my new project and anxious to get started.  Can I begin construction before the permit is issued?

No. Some counties require environmental inspections, surveys and/or land clearing permits so before you do anything so it’s best to call us first at (352) 732-8566.

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What is the Florida Product Approval Form?

This is a form required by the Building Department.  All products that are used on the exterior of a building; i.e., windows, siding, doors, shingles, etc. are required to be approved by the State of Florida and able to withstand hurricane-force winds.  These products are issued an approval number, which must be added to the form, along with other pertinent information.

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What if I want to make changes to my plans after construction has started?

Plan addendums can be done at any time – hourly rates apply.  Cost depends on what phase construction is in.  If it’s early, plans can be changed quickly and easily with a minimum charge.  However, any changes must first be submitted to the building department for their approval. 

If construction is further along, costs could be more extensive and again, changes must be submitted to the building department, which may slow the construction process.

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Builders and Developers

Do you have waterproof paper available?

Yes!  We have water-proof and tear-proof paper available in large sizes that we can print your plans on.  Guaranteed to last until your job is done!

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I’m a builder and need new product brochures.  Can you help me with this?

Absolutely!  We have worked with builders in the Ocala area to help them redesign new product brochures, and we can help you design a brochure that you will be proud to distribute to your customers.

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I’m a builder who needs to design a new product line.  Can you help me?

Fresh designs are mandatory in today’s market if you want to succeed.  We have worked with quite a few builder-developers over the years to create a product line that is specific to their target market.  We can work with you to create some new home designs that will stand out in today’s market.  Call today to schedule an appointment – (352) 732-8566.

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I'm a developer and need someone to produce, maintain, and update my "master" house plans. Does your company help with that?

IPC was founded on the principle of production drawing for larger developers.  We excel in fulfilling the demands of mid- and large-volume community developments.

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Initial Phase Construction Services, Inc.
3445 NE 24th Street
Ocala, FL 34470
Phone (352)732-8566 | Fax (352)369-7329

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