Hello! I am getting motivation and planning to finish my basement. I will do the work myself as take my time with it. My question where do I find out the codes to do the work properly? Where can I go to get answers as far as far a receptical being how far from a corner. How many do you need for a room. How high off the floor. Questions like framing and just basic questions. I want to do it right so the inspection is a smooth breeze. Is there a book? Library? Internet? Is it free? I can't seem to find a "rule book" searched all over google.
Where to find codes?
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
Joined
·
9,793 Posts
Ayuh,.... Is this in London England,..??
Paris France,..??
Perth Australia,..??
Port o Prince Haiti,..??
Columbus Ohio,..??
Joined
·
37,261 Posts
Go back and add your location to your profile.
Joined
·
5,832 Posts
Check with your local code enforcement official, usually the building inspector. They will have all the codes, and additional information regarding local regulations.
Joined
·
5,606 Posts
Yes where I am the local library has code books. And the internet can probably help. Not to be smart but if you are not familiar with codes to read them can be quite confusing at times even for someone who deals with with regularly.
Joined
·
7,336 Posts
And many of them differ from common sense.
Joined
·
11,730 Posts
Bet there is one near you. It is usually a big, underfunded building, hopefully up to code. It is full of smelly books and sometimes smelly kids being read stories. Or hippy era chicks playing soft guitar and doing puppets.
In a corner somewhere is either a person or two or an entire staff of reference librarians that will help you find what you need. Anywhere. I admit to using them when lazy or if I need access to things I cannot get personally. Most can even do things like notarize documents for free. Snarly folks though that can only be bribed to do you any good with Christmas cookies.
The historical archive people in most libraries cannot be bribed. If you need drawings or photos. Find out when they will be out for lunch. Don't be crass. Put the drawings and photos back for the next person.
Bring photocopy money or a blank thumbdrive. Most don't have money to make many copies of things for free.
You need to call or local Building Dept or go on their website and see 'which' Code they are using.
Larger municipalities typically have their own set of building codes (based on the standard ones with variations) while smaller municipalities typically have adopted a version of one of the standard Codes.
At this point in time, many smaller Muni's throughout the country have adopted some version of the IRC (International Residential Code, 2003, 2006, etc). However, there are still some Muni's that are under the older BOCA or other Code standards.
Find out which Code your Muni uses and go from there.
Some Muni's have their adopted Code listed on their website, some don't. Some Code versions can be found online with research, others need to be purchased.
If needed go to iccsafe.org.
Code books are not as easy or simple to read as many DIY or novices would like. Requirements vary for different occupancy and construction types. When figuring out requirements it is important to make sure you are looking under the right section for the type of structure and occupancy you have.
As I have to tell clients all to often, "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from".
As someone else mentioned the Code is a minimum standard not a maximum. In many respects following Code is more than sufficient. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider improving on it for your particular situation as relevant.
Larger municipalities typically have their own set of building codes (based on the standard ones with variations) while smaller municipalities typically have adopted a version of one of the standard Codes.
At this point in time, many smaller Muni's throughout the country have adopted some version of the IRC (International Residential Code, 2003, 2006, etc). However, there are still some Muni's that are under the older BOCA or other Code standards.
Find out which Code your Muni uses and go from there.
Some Muni's have their adopted Code listed on their website, some don't. Some Code versions can be found online with research, others need to be purchased.
If needed go to iccsafe.org.
Code books are not as easy or simple to read as many DIY or novices would like. Requirements vary for different occupancy and construction types. When figuring out requirements it is important to make sure you are looking under the right section for the type of structure and occupancy you have.
As I have to tell clients all to often, "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from".
As someone else mentioned the Code is a minimum standard not a maximum. In many respects following Code is more than sufficient. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider improving on it for your particular situation as relevant.
yes i too realize codes are minimum at best- i just liked the link provided for jersey and wondered if c.c. maryland had one as well for quick question reference check....... nice thing to be able to reference while or before doing a project but not for an instructional how to guide......
Joined
·
724 Posts
I believe that NJ is on the 2009 IRC (International Residential Code). You can go online or buy it at a book store. A lot of times if you go the the city or county's website you can download it from there for free. Check with your building inspector to make sure you haven't changed to the 2012. I know for commercial we are designing for 2009 in Jersey.
Maryland is all on 2012 for commercial so I'm assuming residential is the same.
Maryland is all on 2012 for commercial so I'm assuming residential is the same.
1 - 18 of 18 Posts
Join the discussion
Join now to ask and comment!