Novice looking to learn building code

[not sure]

I'm not a builder. I've helped a lot of people build stuff over the years and built plenty of stuff for myself over the years. From home renovations to dog houses. I'm good at looking at something and figuring it out and never had an issue. I'm looking to learn more and possibly help friends do bigger projects where permits and inspections may be required. So I'm gonna need to know codes. I've been talking to a friend about building him a post frame for his discount retail store. I'm in southern Michigan and he's in northern Indiana. Are building codes determined by county or township or what? I have no idea where to start

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[Captain Spaulding]

Nothing is simple: https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/Master-I-Code-Adoption-Chart-july-update.pdf

Building codes are not really intended for the guy building, but for the architect and engineer designing the building.

 

[greg13]

There are codes from every level of government, and surprisingly enough the LOCAL code officer has the FINAL say.

 

[Firstram]

The biggest problem with the vague building codes is, the Inspector has free reign to interpret them how he sees fit. Buy a current print of the IBC and learn it, this way you can have an informed conversation with the Inspector. Some are experienced professionals, most are arrogant power tripping pricks who passed a test. Learning your Inspectors is as important as learning the building code!

 

[not sure]

So i need to hire a building engineer every time i want to do something? What if I'm adding a lean to on my garage? (Im actually doing that. No permit and no inspection) but isn't there codes for like timber dimentions and fastener types and amounts?

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[joey1320]

https://www.awc.org/codes-standards

 

[Firstram]

So i need to hire a building engineer every time i want to do something? What if I'm adding a lean to on my garage? (Im actually doing that. No permit and no inspection) but isn't there codes for like timber dimentions and fastener types and amounts?

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You don't need to hire anyone. The span charts are covered in the codes as well as minimum fastening requirements, the rest is up to you. Common sense and a clear understanding of the intent of the codes is all that's needed.

Clear as mud, right?

 

[Lynden]

Maybe something like the Code Check series of books would be helpful. They are suppose to be for the "do-it-yourself builder".

https://codecheck.com/books/

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=code+che...prefix=code+check,aps,184&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_10

 

[not sure]

I just built new raised cord roof trusses in place in my garage and cut out the existing ones. If anything its overbuilt and i completely trust it. Building inspector might not like it but they won't see it. I guess i just need to learn how to appease an inspector!

All i have is my smart phone and i prefer paper reference material. Should i buy 2018 ibc book?

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[mcbane]

Rather than buy code books try here first: https://up.codes/codes/california

Edit: they appear to have all state code free.


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[Firstram]

Should i buy 2018 ibc book?

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It won't cover trusses, but yes learn the codes if you want to help friends design stuff!

 

[Firstram]

Not Sure, where do you live? I'm coastal NC which is 140 mph wind zone and our codes are based on Miami Dade standards, it's as strict as Cali's seismic requirements. I'm sure your trusses are fine, my shop's are home made as well, but all trusses should be stamped by an engineer.

 

[not sure]

Michigan. Pretty much our biggest worry is snow load

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[sixty4]

I would start here. https://www.michiganbuilderslicense.com/michigan-builders-pre-license-info

 

[matt_i]

My quick 0.02 for garages and shops. The important aspects of the code deal with frost depth for foundations, connection from framing to foundation (anchor bolt locations for stud walls), nail schedules for sheating, uplift connections, and engineered roofing systems. On the last one, engineered roofing systems, use of a truss manufacturer will automatically get a P.E. stamp on the truss design.

There are some sizing choices for rafter spans and header tables but those are pretty well established. The plywood & osb spans for various thicknesses are already cataloged.

More codes for electrical work than framing construction. MI has some unique codes surrounding -TR receptacles and GFIs that are in addition to the standard NEC. A locality can highlight enforcement of certain codes they feel are important to exist in the community.

If you want to do work for profit getting the MI building license is a must. A significant amount of it deals with other laws about liens and the dispute process. A community college might have an evening class. If you are just helping as a friend and no actual cash is exchanged then this step isn't important.

 

[not sure]

I would start here. https://www.michiganbuilderslicense.com/michigan-builders-pre-license-info

I helped my brother buy a cargo van and he's a full time handyman. I also help him sometimes with stuff he can't do by himself. He's been looking into getting that licence

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[MushCreek]

Your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) will tell you what codes are current in your area. When building my house, between IRC, NEC, and plumbing, there are over 2000 pages of codes! Find a comfortable chair...

Needless to say, not all of that, or even much of it is applicable. I found our local inspectors were very good about answering questions. Just never question their authority! A humble mouthful of 'yes sirs' and 'no sirs' go a long way to smoothing out the inspections.

I was able to find all of the applicable codes for free online. They keep changing; some areas keep up constantly, others may lag several versions behind. They can also tack on their own local rules. When I lived in coastal FL, there were a lot of local wind-related changes to standard code.

 

[Falcon67]

What Mush said. At the very least, there should be the IBC in place. After that, specifics at the state, county, city, etc. One example - my smaller city accepts the NEC code as written. And IBC for things like foundations and construction. 20 miles away in Abilene it's NEC with numerous ammendments. Foundation and framing have multiple specifics over and above IBC. I can use a UFER with 20' of #4 in a foundation, per NEC. 20 miles away they require both rods AND a UFER. Rebar counts, footing sizes, etc, etc are all different. Inspection here sometimes requires a bit of negotiation.

 

[blkhonda1991]

I'm not a builder. I've helped a lot of people build stuff over the years and built plenty of stuff for myself over the years. From home renovations to dog houses. I'm good at looking at something and figuring it out and never had an issue. I'm looking to learn more and possibly help friends do bigger projects where permits and inspections may be required. So I'm gonna need to know codes. I've been talking to a friend about building him a post frame for his discount retail store. I'm in southern Michigan and he's in northern Indiana. Are building codes determined by county or township or what? I have no idea where to start

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Always good to know what you are building relative to code but residential vs commercial code/construction is VERY different in terms of what is required from the drawings through final completion. It looks like Indiana is using the 2012 codes with their specific amendments so if your building in that state you should pick up the relevant code book and download the Indiana specific code amendments. I dont know if your code knowledge will really be all that much of a help when it comes to commercial construction as it typically requires detailed drawings with a stamp so as long as you can build the building as detailed you souldnt have a problem breaking into commercial construction. You may also need a different contractors license to construct larger buildings as well.

 

[not sure]

My brother looked into it for his handyman business and for residential you have to be licenced if the bill exceedes $600 and you can't do plumbing, electrical, or hvac without appropriate licences. You can Pretty much do whatever you want if it's commercial/industrial though. He can legally do just about anything for a commercial account without a licence. Crazy

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[cderalow]

ahh building codes. so much fun.

Let's start at the basics.

There's two level of codes in most places. Residential and commercial.

Residential applying to work on dwellings/residential zoned property. Commercial applying to office, warehouse or other business zoned construction.

Each state will have their own interpretation of building code, and subsequently, each county will likely have some interpretation as well.

Most states abide by some iteration of the IBC or IRC (International Building Code, International Residential Code respectively).

On top of that, most abide by NFPA1 & NFPA70 (National Fire Protection Agency Fire Code & National Electrical Code).

The only way to know exactly what you need to learn is to consult with the local AHJ (Authority having jurisdiction). They can give you which version of IBC/IRC/NFPA1/NFPA70 they will require you to follow along with any local adjustments/addendum they have.

some AHJ's allow homeowner performed work with permits & inspections. Some allow homeowner performed to a certain level without permits & inspections.

There's too many variations to know and be able to definitively say 'this abides by code'.

put simply, ask the local authorities what the requirements are to perform the task first. then go from there.

 

[sberry]

There are some forums similar to this that really focus on code questions. It makes it so much easier to read the books with some background. When I first started electric the code book didn't mean much, eventually I bought the book and followed along from the forum and looked up the section quotes.
I don't read it so much now, very rarely and the changes in electric are rather few and they are brought up regularly on forums similar to this by guys that are current.
With plumma,,, I am not familiar with most of the code especially in drain and vent. Pressure side doesn't change a whole lot.

 

[sberry]

I was on a job a while back and the plumma was there. They got caught on a couple basic things that I thought they should have known without the inspector saying so and the guy made the comment a couple times about "seeing what the inspector says" which is not really the right way to do it.
I was doing the sparks for a bud, he permitted and helped and stood thru the inspection, both entrance and rough. I asked him, did he nick us for anything and he said only 1 which was to move one recept upstairs 1 stud bay and when I put it in didn't know where a wall was going yet.

 

[brownbagg]

I guess i just need to learn how to appease an inspector!

donuts, chocolate donuts, creme filled are better

 

[gahrajmahal]

Most of the time they are interested in the permit. Where I am there is city, county and township. Most of my stuff comes from my township and they are great. Good and clear website. Knowledgeable folks answering the phones, and sympathetic inspectors who just want the job done correctly.

The city here is a different ball game. We went three times thinking we were getting closer to a permit for a kitchen remodel, but with all the really big stuff going on there, they really didn’t want to work with the homeowner. As my relative learned, all of his neighbors did their extensive remodels using contractors, and none of them knew about any permits being taken out and therefore no inspections either. The city missed out on all of that permit money too. Stupid if you ask me.

 

[John in OH]

ahh building codes. so much fun.

Let's start at the basics.

There's two level of codes in most places. Residential and commercial.

Residential applying to work on dwellings/residential zoned property. Commercial applying to office, warehouse or other business zoned construction.

Each state will have their own interpretation of building code, and subsequently, each county will likely have some interpretation as well.

Most states abide by some iteration of the IBC or IRC (International Building Code, International Residential Code respectively).

On top of that, most abide by NFPA1 & NFPA70 (National Fire Protection Agency Fire Code & National Electrical Code).

The only way to know exactly what you need to learn is to consult with the local AHJ (Authority having jurisdiction). They can give you which version of IBC/IRC/NFPA1/NFPA70 they will require you to follow along with any local adjustments/addendum they have.

some AHJ's allow homeowner performed work with permits & inspections. Some allow homeowner performed to a certain level without permits & inspections.

There's too many variations to know and be able to definitively say 'this abides by code'.

put simply, ask the local authorities what the requirements are to perform the task first. then go from there.

This is a pretty good summary of advice from cderalow.

You need to visit your LOCAL building department and have them tell you what codes they consider applicable in your community. Learn those codes. Chances are, your surrounding communities will have very similar requirements. The farther away you travel, the more variations you may find in their codes due to their specific needs.

 

[Spook001]

I question that. I’m in Michigan, and have a commercial building. I can’t do electrical, plumbing, or hvac. You need permits for anything that people are going to occupy. Btw, rehabbing a 1880 building into a restaurant, is stupid expensive, as a result. Permits for everything, and plans have to be approved by the building department.

 

[not sure]

You have to get approval and permits and such for commercial where applicable. But i don't believe the person doing the work has to be a licenced builder. There may be a few things that still need a licenced builder but it's a whole different ball game than residential. you need a builders licence to do most things

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[ard]

So i need to hire a building engineer every time i want to do something? What if I'm adding a lean to on my garage? (Im actually doing that. No permit and no inspection) but isn't there codes for like timber dimentions and fastener types and amounts?

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lol

I was going to try and provide you with some serious, helpful guidance.

But reading your posts it is clear that would be pointless. Just load up some youtube vids and hack out that 'discount retail store' your buddy wants built. No permits and no inspections? Whatever, right?

I mean 'some codes for timber dimensions and fastener types and amounts?' If it wasnt serious, it would be funny


You are the kind of builder that will turn into that 'Check out this disaster the prior owner installed' threads we see on forums

 

[not sure]

I'm adding a small lean to on the back of my garage. I won't be getting a permit for that. I live on 14 acres in the middle of nowhere.

If I do work for anyone else i try to do everything by the book. The point of this post was to learn. The last thing i want to be is "the hack that built that garbage". At this point its a hobby for me but if things go well I'd consider getting a builders licence.

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[not sure]

With my brother who is a handyman for hire we're the guys who fix the "look at this hack the previous guy did"

We replumbed a rental house a friend owns after it froze. He took out the permits and it was inspected with no issue. My brother refuses to cut corners to save time. He will stay and not get paid just to make sure its right

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[blkhonda1991]

You have to get approval and permits and such for commercial where applicable. But i don't believe the person doing the work has to be a licenced builder. There may be a few things that still need a licenced builder but it's a whole different ball game than residential. you need a builders licence to do most things

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in order to be a GC on a commercial job all you need is a general contractors license or the states equivalent, in addition to that your plumbers and electricians need to be licenced in their trades. In most places as a GC you cannot perform MEP work unless you are licences in that trade