Smooth sign-off by the inspector is the goal, but to make this
ideal happen on your job site, you need to understand the
requirements of latest editions of the International Building Code
and the International Residential Code.
Understanding what the codes require can be a real challenge.
This new, completely revised Contractor’s Guide to the Building
Code cuts through the “legalese” of the code books.
It explains the important requirements for residential and light
commercial structures in plain, simple English so you can get it
right the first time.
You’ll learn where exceptions are likely to be granted and where
they won’t, as well as how to negotiate a compromise that both you
and the inspector can live with.
Filled with the tables and illustrations from the IBC and IRC
you’re most likely to need, fully explained, with examples to guide
you.
If you do business in cities or counties that follow the
International Codes, you’ll find this reference one of the most
valuable tools in your kit.
1. Why Do I Need a Permit?, 7
Following the Code, 9
Authority of the Inspector, 9
Purpose of the Code, 10
Handling Code Disputes, 11
The Appeal Process, 11
Inspections, 15
2. Getting Your Permit, 21
What Plans Are Needed?, 21
Plans vs. Specifications, 22
Zoning Laws, 23
What the Inspector/Plan Checker Looks At, 24
Building Classification, 24
3. Occupancy Classifications, 27
Types of Occupancy, 27
Occupancy is Based on Degree of Hazard, 28
Day and Night Occupancy, 28
Height and Area Hazards, 29
Occupancy Groups, 29
Mixed Occupancies, 38
4. Occupant Loads, 43
Computing Occupant Loads, 43
Occupancy Type vs. Occupant Load, 47
Building Height vs. Type of Construction, 47
Allowable Arp-8 Increases, 50
Fire Walls, 53
Building Floor Area Limitations, 54
5. Special Detailed Occupancy Group Requirements, 57
Group A, 57
Group B, 58
Group E, 59
Group 1,61
Group M, 66
Group R, 67
6. Remodeling, 75
Do I Need a Permit?, 75
Moved Buildings, 76
Code Requirements, 76
Historic Buildings, 76
Investigation and Evaluation, 77
Smoke Alarms, 77
7. Types of Construction and Fire Resistance, 81
Buildings Classified by Construction, 81
Construction Types, 81
Fire-Resistance, 82
Roof Structures, 84
Unprotected Openings, 87
8. Fire Resistance in Buildings, 97
Noncombustible Is Not Nondestructible, 97
Flame Spread, 99
Textiles and Wall Coverings, 101
Fire Resistance, 102
Fire Doors, 105
Fire Windows, 106
Chimneys and Fireplaces, 107
9. Fire Protection Systems, 113
Fire-Detection and Fire-Extinguishing Systems, 113
Automatic Sprinkler Systems, 114
Where You Do Need an Automatic Sprinkler System, 115
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, 119
Smoke Detectors and Alarms, 121
10. Engineering and Design Requirements, 127
Loads and Loading, 127
Dead Loads, 128
Live Loads, 128
Wind Loads, 132
Rain Loads, 134
Snow Loads, 134
Uplift Loads, 136
Earthquake Loads, 137
Flood Loads, 137
Soil Lateral Loads, 139
11. Concrete, 141
What Is Concrete? 141
Types of Concrete, 142
Testing Concrete, 144
Slump Test, 147
Compressive Fracture Test, 148
Concrete Reinforcement, 149
Curing, 151
Cold Weather Pours, 152
Hot Weather Pours, 152
12. Foundations, 155
Site Considerations, 155
Soil Inspections, 157
Drainage, 158
Excavation, 158
Retaining Walls, 160
Backfilling and Compaction, 162
Foundations, 164
Footings, 165
Frost Protection, 166
Termites, 172
13. Masonry Walls, 177
Types of Masonry, 178
Masonry Grades, 178
Used Brick, 179
Placing Rebar, 180
Tiles, Anchors and Wire Fabric, 183
Mortar, 183
Masonry Joints, 186
Corbelling, 187
Laying Masonry in Cold Weather, 188
14. Wood Frame Walls and Floors, 191
Allowable Spans for Joists, 192
Stud Spacing, 198
Top Plates, 200
Cripple Walls, 202
Fireblocking, 203
Drilling and Notching, 204
15. Keeping Your Building Dry and Warm, 217
Wood Roof Framing, 217
Roof Sheathing, 221
Roof Covering, 222
Valley Flashing, 226
Attic Ventilation, 227
Attic, Ceiling and Roof Insulation, 227
Roof Drainage, 229
Fireplaces and Chimneys, 230
16. Means of Egress, 237
What Are Exits?, 237
Number and Size of Exits, 241
Exit Positions, 243
Hallways and Corridors, 246
Aisles and Aisleways, 247
Exit Illumination and Signs, 248
Exit Enclosures, 251
Stairways, 253
Handrails, 255
17. Finish Materials and Installation Procedures, 259
Adhesives, 263
Gypsum Wallboard in Showers and Closets, 264
Gypsum Sheathing, 265
Lath, 265
Plaster, 266
18. Combustion Air, 271
Liquid- and Solid-Fuel-Fired Appliances, 271
Combustion Air Requirements, 273
Supplying Outside Air, 274
Fuel-Gas-Fired Appliances, 277
Indoor Combustion Air Alone, 277
Sources for Combustion Air, 278
Fireplaces, 281
19. Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), 285
Sizing Your System, 285
Heating Systems, 288
Venting Appliances, 292
Refrigeration Cooling Systems, 299
Ducting, 301
20. Plumbing for Residences, 305
Building Sewers, 305
Estimating Sewer Size, 307
Backwater Valves, 311
Drain, Waste and Vent (DWV) Systems, 311
Indirect Waste Pipes, 314
Traps and Interceptors, 315
Water Supply and Distribution, 315
21. Electrical Systems for Residences, 325
Electrical Service Supply, 327
Service Size and Ratings, 330
Wiring Methods, 339
Ground-Fault Circuit Interruption, 343
Conduit and Wiring, 344
22. Glass, Glazing, Skylights and Patio Covers, 353
Glass Thickness, 354
Window Anchorage Methods, 354
Human Impact Loads, 357
Hazardous Locations, 358
Skylights, 359
Patio Covers, 362
23. Accessibility for the Disabled, 365
Effects on Construction, 366
Where Is Accessibility Required?, 367
Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units, 369
Accessibility Routes, 373
24. Miscellaneous Items, 377
Temporary Use of Public Property, 377
Permanent Use of Public Property, 378
Encroachments, 378
Agricultural Buildings, 380
Swimming Pools, 381
How to Use the CD, 385
Index, 387
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