Building Codes

[Inspector Terry]

I have started a building codes forum for all who might be
interested. I think it could fit for some of you in this group as you
discuss alternative methods.

http://groups.google.com/group/Code-Forum

Terry

[++]

Post by Inspector Terry
I have started a building codes forum for all who might be
interested. I think it could fit for some of you in this group as you
discuss alternative methods.
http://groups.google.com/group/Code-Forum
Terry

Your site doesn't seem to discuss various codes and standards, even the
International Building Code.

[Inspector Terry]

Post by ++
Your site doesn't seem to discuss various codes and standards, even the
International Building Code.

I am actually trying to get the group started. I would like to have a
place where people can discuss, without verbal abuse, the codes and
standards. What is good and what actually sucks wind. We all know
that they are not the best that they can be, but they are what we have
to work with and it is up to those of us who use them to make them
better. Through inelegant discussion I think that we can do this.

You may have seen my post on the "Ice and Water Shield". The
gentleman that had to argue the point without inelegant reasoning
would have been banned from the discussion. The rest of us could
continue without interruption, a fact based conversation as to how the
requirement should be enforced or interrupted. This would help all of
us as designers, contractors and inspectors get onto the same path of
building a better product for the consumer. After all, I do believe
that most of us out there are wanting to do better than minimum.

I hope that you will bring your topics to the discussion and help to
make it a great board. If not, good luck in your endeavors.

Terry

[++]

Post by Inspector Terry

Post by ++
Your site doesn't seem to discuss various codes and standards, even the
International Building Code.

I am actually trying to get the group started. I would like to have a
place where people can discuss, without verbal abuse, the codes and
standards. What is good and what actually sucks wind. We all know
that they are not the best that they can be, but they are what we have
to work with and it is up to those of us who use them to make them
better. Through inelegant discussion I think that we can do this.
You may have seen my post on the "Ice and Water Shield". The
gentleman that had to argue the point without inelegant reasoning
would have been banned from the discussion. The rest of us could
continue without interruption, a fact based conversation as to how the
requirement should be enforced or interrupted. This would help all of
us as designers, contractors and inspectors get onto the same path of
building a better product for the consumer. After all, I do believe
that most of us out there are wanting to do better than minimum.
I hope that you will bring your topics to the discussion and help to
make it a great board. If not, good luck in your endeavors.
Terry

Well, Terry,

I would like to applaud your intentions. I think that if you were to
make various codes and standards available in non PdF format (with the
occasional image file for various CD details, that would be useful to a
lot of people.As far as I know, no one has put up a comprehensive
building coes and standards website. Many codes and standards are
available online and there are various organizations, which you could
link to, whose mandate is to reduce the regulatory environment in
building. Could you provide the codes and standards in a useful
format/reformat? There are additionally, for the purposes of your
intent, plenty of info out there on traditional building solutions to
environmental concerns. I have a small library myself on traditional
building. I love ordinary people solutions to professional problems.

But it occurs to me, that if I even provide you links on this issue, why
not start a website like this myself?

Where are you a building inspector?

[Inspector Terry]

Sorry that I do not know your name or background. However I do
believe that your question about a comprehensive digest on the I codes
does exist. There have been several commentaries put out on the I
Codes and the 97 UBC was the last official publication of the old
Universal Code, although there have been plenty of modified versions
such as the California Building Code, The Oregon Codes and so on. My
experience however does not amount to enough to be any more a scalar
on the Codes than on the Bible, and any reproduction may include copy
write questions and/or fees. Money is one thing that I do not have...
remember, I'm a government worker, great bennies, no wage.

My intent is to get people talking about the codes and the issues
associated in interpolating them. As an inspector, one of the most
common excuses that i hear for not following the code is "They have
never made me do that in any other jurisdiction!". My intent is to
whittle down the sections that nobody uses, get clarification on the
grey areas, and to become more proficient at a real understanding of
how to interpolate and use the I Codes within my jurisdiction. The
best way that I know of doing that is to discuss it in real terms with
real problems and real input from all of those that use the codes.
This would include, inspectors, contractors, architects, and
engineers.

After many years in the construction industry, I have had many
interpretations of the code quoted to me. My hope is that we can get
more of us (inspectors) on the same page. As an inspector it is my
goal to help others understand the minimum code requirements and there
real value, if any. I understand that much of the code has been
compiled from multiple areas, and therefore some of the code
requirements may not apply in all areas or situations. As an
inspector, it is my duty to work WITH the design professionals and
contractors to build a structure that is reasonably safe to occupy,
not tell them what they can not do. I spend hours going through the
code when there are questions so that I can find a way to help solve
the problem, not be an addition to the problem.

Last, I love thinking out side of the box. Unconventional is what got
us to the moon and back. If it were not for unconventional thinking,
Al Gore would never have invented the internet... LOL!

Bottom Line... get involved and help me and others understand the
INTENT of the code, change it where necessary and use it where
applicable.

Thanks for your comments!
Terry

PS I'm in Utah