|
 |
|
Code Check: A Field Guide to Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codesx$4.80
  (11 reviews)
Best Price: $4.80
This useful guide emphasizes life-safety principles underlying building codes. Designed for quick reference, this edition reflects the most up-to-date changes in the 2003 International Residential Code. Also cross-referenced to the Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, and the National Electrical Code, Code Check Revised is endorsed by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). Included are summaries of international code specifications in an easy-to-use format that reduces code violation callbacks.
UPC: 094115586252
|
Customer Reviews
|
Sketchy
By on 2001-04-20
I suppose if you are already familiar with all of the code sections involved in a code inspection, or at least the portion presented in this form, this would be a helpful form. However, if, even as a building inspector, you need occassional reminders of exactly what a code section involves, this may force the user into guessing what is meant by a particular item on this form. Unfortunately, as a result, I firmly believe, inspections done using this form will not represent the kind of accuracy it seems to imply it can provide from the authors/reviewers. Some of the diagrams are useful. However, a great deal is still lacking in helping the inspector, layman or professional, in understanding exactly what they are looking for. For instance, one of the items under "Service Conductors" within the "Temporary Power" section reads "Identify neutral at both ends". If the National Electric Code Section referenced (200-6b) is accurate, then this actually means that non-white wires in temporary power systems that are #6 or larger, but not the commonly used #8 copper, must be marked with a white identification tape wrapped around the insulation of the wire in the junction boxes in which both ends of the wire terminate. I'm not sure many of my fellow professionals in the building inspection profession, much less the layman, would know these specifics from this short identifying phrase provided in the form. Furthermore, it could take several books, including a copy of the National Electric Code itself, for someone to fully understand what this code section means. As a result, I don't believe that this form is designed for the layman at all. I don't believe it will be useful to the typical home buyer having a home built. I think they could be much better served by the local code inspectors. If they were not convinced that a local code inspector would be likely to serve them well, for whatever reason, they should consider using the money to help pay for a full-fledged private inspection by a local home inspector who does new construction inspections. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I do not have the benefit of knowing any of the authors on a first name basis. I'm not sure that would help. If the form is to be useful, it needs to be useful in and of itself, not because of any personal contact with any of the authors. They won't be available to answer questions from the purchasers of the form when the form leaves the reader/purchaser confused.
Understandable codes for builders and do-it-yourselfers
By on 1998-12-01
Written by a building inspector who kept getting requests for his "code cheat sheets". This little volume of "can't bust 'em" plastic coated pages is meant to be used. Very condensed and useful.It explains all the major items of the building, plumbing, elecrical and mechanical codes using clear language and helpful diagrams. If you've ever curled up with the UBC you will understand the need for such a reference. Invaluable for builders, designers and people who work on their own homes. Covers UBC, CABO, UMC and a few more from the alphabet soup of national codes.
Excellent code info at your finger tips
By on 1999-01-06
Woody has produced a great building code flip chart for home inspectors, jurisdictional inspectors and contractors. Every building department should have them as well as all home inspectors ! DON'T LEAVE HOME (or the office) WITHOUT ONE !
excellent reference
By on 2002-04-02
I read a couple negative reviews of this book and almost didn't buy it! If you have common knowledge of construction and building this book will be an invaluable reference for you. Many things are abbreviated, so it might look confusing at first. Using some common sense and the abbreviation key in front will get you through the initial learning curve. This book will help you comply with electrical codes, plumbing, etc., with sketches only where needed. I rebuild houses on the side, and this book is invaluable.
Not bad, at this price.
By A2KYC3FBO7IM9Q on 2001-12-10
Cheap, easy, and fun to read. Well-organized. It's good for simple stuff... stair/railing dimensions, distance from spa to cutoff switch, etc. But as another reader says, in such a small book, don't expect the entire building code to be in there. Still, if I lost my copy, I'd run right out and buy another one.
- Good help for the Do-it-yourself remodeler.
By AUIOI7A5LWVZD on 2004-02-11
If you're a do it yourself remodeler or basement finisher this is a good reference to make sure you meet the building codes. It provides some quick answers to things like nailing requirements, maximum spans for doors, roof frames, and floor joists, and many other quick facts for plumbing, electrical, fire and structural codes. But for many questions/issues it just lists the IRC or UPC reference. For that reason it would be even more valuable if you had a copy of the International Residential Code in case you needed more details since it provides the references. I have a building permit to finish my basement and I want to make sure that I meet the codes and this book has been helpful. I plan to buy the plumbing, building and electrical Code Check too.
- Code check
By A2VDQB4VC3PKT3 on 2005-08-11
This is a great cliff note to california building codes. Very helpful in the field and at the drafting table. A must have for those just starting out in the profesion.
- helping hand
By A3TIRQMAHG25AA on 2002-03-16
any time a book comes out that can help the average home owner to the professional with something that has to be done any where is some thing that you need to go out and get. this book shows you what is needed, when you need it, and at what stage of your project.this ,by no means, is to take place of actual codes or instructions from your local building code office.this is a tool that will help you but if used incorrectly will cost you.
- Great books for EVERYONE to use
By AZX0RYNDHCY2K on 2006-11-13
First I'll preface my comments by saying that I do NOT know any of the authors as one poster here suggest of everyone who left a favorable review.
These books are a great tool for everyone from experienced to novice. Sure it's tough to nail down every code book that 1000 pages and condense that in to a form to use out in the field. But I find in the rare instances as the one poster uses in his example, that it helps to go straight to the source if there are any questions about what is written. The fact that they list exactly what code to reference saves time because you go straight to the actual code.
Even if 80% of the book gives you enough information to check your work and you only have to go review the other 20% directly from the code books themself you have saved a HUGE amount of time.
These are not the "end all to be all" but I certainly recommend these books to handymen, do-it-yourselfers, and subcontractors alike.
- A Must Have
By A3CP9J2THENUSL on 2007-02-12
Excellent knowledge base for the DIY and pro. This series of books will show you everything you need to know to do it right the first time and pass those crucial inspections.
|
|
You may also be interested in...
|
|
|
|
|
|
