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Codes.. and the enigma!

4K views 28 replies 13 participants last post by  lwoodring 
#1 · (Edited)
I have had nothing but problems trying to find out what exact codes I must follow to finish in my basement. My city sent me a summary sheet called "Finished Basement Guide". It ends with this statement:

The preceding information is meant to be a helpful guide and apply to most simple residential basement finish projects. However it does not include all of the codes that may apply.

So I call up the city and they got me on a call back list, I have called 3 times now and have yet to speak to anyone. I emailed them also and got a few responses back but nothing concrete. So I went on an internet search to learn some codes to follow since my project is very simple. But yet all I can find is "your city may have different guidelines" So it nulls anything I can find but my city wont help me! I want to plan everything out but even on the layouts it leaves tons of head scratchers and I don't want to screw it up and have to go back and re-do it.

/rant off

Anyhow in one loose reference the city states this,

Fireblocking is required in concealed spaces of stud walls where furred spaces of masonary or concrete walls leave a gap. Fire blocking material can consist of 2 inch lumber, 23/32-inch playwood, or equivalent.

My question is, since MANY contractors practice and preach to set in the walls off the foundation doesnt this violate this basic code? Having an airspace behind the stud wall parameter seems to negate all fireblock attempts. I am hoping I am not reading it right as I have to set my walls in an inch or so to stay off of the parameter drainage system!

Has anyone else ran into this code and can make me atleast feel better by explaining what it means?

And if anyone knows a place to get a copy of basic national codes that apply to finishing a basement that would be helpful!

:censored:


Thanks! :thumbup:
 
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#6 ·
If possible, do not call, but go to the code/permit office in person and try to talk to someone. The best time us usually not first thing i the morning, but before noon.

If you just can talk to someone, you will get good answers to your list of questions. The inspectors do not want to have people start in the wrong direction because that makes more work and hassels for them. Remember, the inspector is actually working for you since you pay taxes and will have a permit.

There are national codes that are adopted and then there are the local modifcations, so pay attention to those.
 
#7 ·
Your going threw the same thing contractors go threw. They go to classes and other things to learn how to do their job right and that is why they charge for their services. I know barnes and noble and other book stores sell books on finishing basements and will probably explain alot of the codes but won't be city specific. Your best bet is to ask questions here or try your local inspectors but you will have to be patient since they get tons of people asking questions. like mentioned by a previous poster you should go in person, maybe call and set up a time with them to meet. When you go in try to have a list of questions and be as specific as posible so it doesn't take up to much of their time. Good luck
 
#11 · (Edited)
Bingo.

The point is to keep levels of a home separated, to inhibit the quick spread of fire. Oxygen feeds fire. A draft will actually suck-in a flame. Thus, you want to succesfully block all holes, gaps, spaces that can leave an opening to another floor level.
Think this way: You are trying to smother a fire, starve it from being fed by O2. Seal it off from going upwards. Yes, it will eventually make it's way up, but the goal is to slow it down. Minutes can mean life or death.
 
#15 ·
And now you see how frustrating it can be to be a contractor. Some of us do purchase code books, and attend classes in order to keep up on our trade. Then the inspector tells you to do something that is not as per code. Or does not show up to keep the inspections appointment. or, heavan forbid, you have a question about a job.

A licesned contractor, who has the code books and attends classes.
 
#16 ·
I have not been able to get a hold of him, the inspector wont make an appointment and will not call me back. :(

My main concern is two things, do I need to treat the foundation walls with some kind of waterproofing agent? And if the walls are set in an inch from the foundation do I just leave the inch free and clear? Who here things attaching wood directly to the concrete walls is a good idea?
 
#24 ·
I would hope then it was done if it is a standard code! I don't have many pictures of the foundation, I wish I would have before it was backfilled any. But its still pretty shocking that no black is creeping up at all. But I guess
yours doesn't show either.



 
#26 ·
I got the number ready! I do remember seeing the black stuff on my next door neighbors foundation, they had the same builder. So hopefully its ok in that case I get to save some money and time on sealent. :)

Thank you very much for the help, everyone here has been awesome and patient! I really appreciate it!
 
#27 ·
Use a 2x6 for your top plate and bring the 2x4 to the inner edge this gives you fire stop and an air space all in one. The codes are a pain to learn and follow and they change them all the time. A code book will run you about $80 only for the contractor's version only, you still need one for electrical and maybe plumbing, its a lot to keep up with. Good luck, hope that helped and post agian if you get stuck ;)
 
#29 ·
code people must by law give yoou in detail all problems and it must be signed by both people right then before they leave the sight Idid adeck in my township and Iscrew the deck down and he failed it he said the spec calls for nails Iwent to the township meeting and asked how many of your decks are screw down a lot of people said their were acording toI NR C code book you can do either the next day the other codes person passed the deck with remarks deck is great now that codes guy will never inspect my work again all he had to do was read the book and use his brains ??????Ifeel codes are good but hire some one that been in the trade for 10 years thank you local poltics
 
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