Finding an Architect or Engineer for Radiant Heat WTF

[DWP1726]

I am getting ready to have a 24 x 24 Garage built to replace my old Garage. Yes I will take pictures ect ect. Lets deal with the heat first.
The plans are to install the Pex tubing now. That way in a couple of years when I retire I have heat. My General contractor only builds Garages, nothing else. He is willing to work with me to install the lex tubes. The problem I am having is I need a Architects or engineering drawing in order to get a permit to put in the Pex. I cannot find anybody that can provide me with a drawing. I can understand the GC wanting to get a permit to cover any problems.
OK phase 2
Trying to get any Heating company to just install the Pex. Like pulling teeth from a rino. They all want the entire package install.
Anybody near Willow Grove PA have any ideas.
DWP

 

[Stuart in MN]

Uponor has a thing on their website where you send them an email and then they reply with contact information for a local installer or sales rep: http://www.uponor-usa.com/ I'd think one of them could help with providing an installation drawing, or at least being able to point you towards someone in your area who could.

 

[73RR]

You really should not need a stamped drawing for a radiant floor system unless it is the only heat in a habital dwelling. A garage is not habital space so there is no requirement to even have heat so to design your own system should not be challenged.
If your local plans examiner is being a **** then go to his/her boss and ask for the written version of the requirement....not the verbal version.

There are many ways to layout and install the PEX, how to exit the slab, how to build the manifolding, etc. and there are several books on the subject that will also help size the heat source.
Ebay has some of the best tubing, fitting, rings and plier prices and be sure to buy a couple thousand zip-ties while you are at it.

https://www.concretenetwork.com/radiant-floor-heating/

.

 

[DWP1726]

I have been back and forth with the "code" enforcement in the township. It came down to " Submit a architects drawing with your HVAC permit application". Try to find a architect that will draw it is a problem. The few I was able to talk to want a engineer to look at it.

 

[73RR]

...unfathomable......there is no code requirement for a garage to be heated. Ask for a copy of the code with the 'stated' requirement.
If he/she/they demand a stamped HVAC drawing then who does the work for 'ABC' Heating and Cooling...?

 

[MikeinNorthWales]

I may have someone for you, but he is in Vegas on vacation right now. He just finished some heating mods in my first floor renovation. When he returns he has to do gas piping for me and complete a repair at my MIL in Warrington. I'm not sure how he would do approved drawings, but you could talk it over with him.

If you are interested, let me know.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

 

[75gmck25]

In some areas it makes a big difference if you submit a garage permit that shows you intend it to be heated space. If its heated, then they want it to follow all the code for a habitable space.

They will agree that you are not required to heat a garage, but if you do build one with heat/AC then they want you to follow the same code as other habitable structures.

Bruce

 

[brewchief]

Badgerboiler on here does design work I believe, he may be able to design a system and provide the proper drawings and specs.

If you can't find an HVAC company to install just the tube talk to a few plumbing companys as they may be willing to do it.

 

[sms1974]

find your largest heating products distributor that's local to you.

I am a heating contractor and I use my supplier for sizing and layout for radiant floor jobs. It's free to me, they may want you to purchase the product from them in return for there service.

 

[Northislander]

find your largest heating products distributor that's local to you.

I am a heating contractor and I use my supplier for sizing and layout for radiant floor jobs. It's free to me, they may want you to purchase the product from them in return for there service.

Was going to suggest the same thing in our area some jurisdictions require a certified heating designer to stamp the plans. Most wholesalers have a certified heating designer on staff. Just to be clear there not an engineer only a designer. For large commercial we would require a mechanical engineer stamp on the plans

 

[mopar440_6]

If you were closer to Harrisburg I could probably be of more help but I've got no contacts out near Philly. That said, I would go talk to the township codes/inspection/zoning officer (whoever is in charge of approving and verifying permits) and ask them to explain in detail exactly what they need, why they need it, and where in the code it says that's required. They may not be looking for a stamped, engineered architectural drawing, it may be that all they want is a basic tubing layout so they can figure out what you're asking to do on the permit. If that ends up being the case, you might be able to do the layout yourself with the trial version of LoopCAD.

 

[DWP1726]

It looks like I finally have somebody to help pull the permits. SWCooper company.
The township wants a "heat loss" calculation. This is the same town that wants permits for a raised bed garden.
MikeinNorthWales If this doesnt work out i will contact you.
DWP
I will start a thread when construction starts

 

[bzinsky]

It looks like I finally have somebody to help pull the permits. SWCooper company.
The township wants a "heat loss" calculation. This is the same town that wants permits for a raised bed garden.
MikeinNorthWales If this doesnt work out i will contact you.
DWP
I will start a thread when construction starts

you need to raise more hell to be honest, if they are asking for a heat loss calculation it is incredibly evident they have no idea what they are doing. I fight with municipalities quite a bit. I would be polite and say "look, you requiring me to follow residential hvac regulations for my garage is significantly adding to the cost my project. i have no issue if you want to ensure there is no significant risk of fire from the gas heater, but I'm sorry I do have an issue with getting blueprints or doing heat loss calculations for my garage heat and if you can't budge on this I'd like to take this matter to court"

The guy will likely be doing a 180, if not, go to a hearing. It's a short amount of time to not have to deal with the cost and hassle of having a garage heater up to residential dwelling standards.

 

[Radiantec Guy]

So true bzinsky. We run into this all the time. I'm amazed at how many code officials will interpret the code as they see fit or not allow things they don't agree with or are unfamiliar with. Most are good people and they are dedicated and knowledgeable professionals that are primarily concerned about your safety. But it's perfectly okay to push back!