Simplified/Summary CA Building Code?

acerunner · 03-17-2010, 03:32 AM

I have tried to read the building code in its entirety, but it is way too long and gruesome to read it all. Even skimming it is too difficult, seems like the most important info are hidden. Most of it seems to be things that don't apply to single family residential homes. Definitely not DIYer friendly.

Is there anywhere I can find building codes simplified for residential use only?
For example, list of requirements for most common rooms of a home, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living/dining room, garage.

Big Bob · 03-17-2010, 01:49 PM

In the olden days codes went something like this: " install per manufacturers recommendations and good practice of the trade."

As it was discovered by some that some quality could be removed from
products and short cuts in labor were promoted to increase profitability:
the code books got thicker and thicker...and they are still growing.

**Gary in WA** · 03-17-2010, 09:16 PM

Code Check booklets are found at H.D. Like this: http://www.codecheck.com/cc/images/CC5thEdSample.pdf
They have specific ones for: Building; Electrical; Plumbing; HVAC; West States; and Code check- a guide for building (which has an assortment taken from all the books).

Be safe, Gary

acerunner · 03-17-2010, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBR in WA

Code Check booklets are found at H.D. Like this: http://www.codecheck.com/cc/images/CC5thEdSample.pdf
They have specific ones for: Building; Electrical; Plumbing; HVAC; West States; and Code check- a guide for building (which has an assortment taken from all the books).

Be safe, Gary

very useful! thanks!

vsheetz · 03-18-2010, 10:41 PM

I am in CA and have found my local building department folks to be very helpful. From planning and permitting, and then into the job. I have requested pre-start onsite consultations which have been very productive. And then with each inspection I review next steps with the inspector and what is needed, common mistakes he finds and how to avoid, etc.

The code check books already noted are very useful as well.

**Termite** · 03-18-2010, 10:46 PM

The Code Check books would be my first suggestion. However, they only scratch the surface of what you need to know in order to do work to code. They aren't all-encompassing and a solid knowledge of wiring methods, for instance, is still required in order to do it right. They're good for referencing basic dimensional requirements, receptacle placement, drain size, etc.

03-17-2010, 03:32 AM	#1
acerunner Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: San Francisco Posts: 445	Simplified/Summary CA Building Code? I have tried to read the building code in its entirety, but it is way too long and gruesome to read it all. Even skimming it is too difficult, seems like the most important info are hidden. Most of it seems to be things that don't apply to single family residential homes. Definitely not DIYer friendly. Is there anywhere I can find building codes simplified for residential use only? For example, list of requirements for most common rooms of a home, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living/dining room, garage. Last edited by acerunner; 03-17-2010 at 05:52 AM.

03-17-2010, 01:49 PM	#2
Big Bob Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 886	Simplified/Summary CA Building Code? In the olden days codes went something like this: " install per manufacturers recommendations and good practice of the trade." As it was discovered by some that some quality could be removed from products and short cuts in labor were promoted to increase profitability: the code books got thicker and thicker...and they are still growing.

03-17-2010, 09:16 PM	#3
Gary in WA Moderator Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 8,851	Simplified/Summary CA Building Code? Code Check booklets are found at H.D. Like this: http://www.codecheck.com/cc/images/CC5thEdSample.pdf They have specific ones for: Building; Electrical; Plumbing; HVAC; West States; and Code check- a guide for building (which has an assortment taken from all the books). Be safe, Gary __________________ Clothes taking longer to dry? Clean the dryer screen in HOT water if using fabric softener sheets. They leave a residue that impedes air-flow, costing you money. Clean the ducting in the last six months? 17,000 dryer fires annually!

03-18-2010, 10:41 PM	#5
vsheetz Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,669	Simplified/Summary CA Building Code? I am in CA and have found my local building department folks to be very helpful. From planning and permitting, and then into the job. I have requested pre-start onsite consultations which have been very productive. And then with each inspection I review next steps with the inspector and what is needed, common mistakes he finds and how to avoid, etc. The code check books already noted are very useful as well.

03-18-2010, 10:46 PM	#6
Termite Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,520	Simplified/Summary CA Building Code? The Code Check books would be my first suggestion. However, they only scratch the surface of what you need to know in order to do work to code. They aren't all-encompassing and a solid knowledge of wiring methods, for instance, is still required in order to do it right. They're good for referencing basic dimensional requirements, receptacle placement, drain size, etc.

Simplified/Summary CA Building Code?