The Evolution of the Building Code
Believe it or not, our first building codes were written in smoke and ash. Back in the 1800s and early 1900s, massive fires like the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the Baltimore Fire of 1904 showed everyone the terrifying result of building cities out of wood with no real safety plan. Insurance companies, tired of paying for entire city blocks to burn down, got together and created the first-ever “model” building code in 1905. It was all about using fire-resistant materials and ensuring buildings wouldn’t collapse easily.
Code Interpretation: Garage Fire Separation Rule
Code Interpretation: Fire Separation We received a question from our Facebook Group regarding fire separation at the garage. Gary, I’ve never been able to get a definitive answer on this, so I’m going to ask it here. Should there be fire separation (a party wall type installation?) in an attic over a garage and the […]
Know The Difference: Municipal Code Inspectors vs Building Consultants
When buying or selling a home, you should know two key figures: the municipal code inspector and the building consultant (home inspector). While both inspect buildings, their roles, responsibilities, and how they serve you differ significantly. Let’s explore these differences to help you navigate the inspection process more effectively. Municipal Code Inspectors: The Guardians of […]
When and Why Existing Homes May Need to Meet New Building Codes
Have you ever wondered why your perfectly functional house suddenly needs to meet new building codes? Whether you’re planning a renovation, changing the use of your home, or dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster, understanding when and why you might need to bring your home up to code is essential.
Your State Plumbing Code – UPC or IPC
Today we have two dominant model plumbing codes in the United States; The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is a proven, comprehensive model plumbing code that works seamlessly with ICC’s family of building codes. It sets minimum regulations for plumbing systems and components to protect life, health and safety of building occupants and the public. The IPC is […]