Contractor's Guide to the Building Code: Based on the 2006 Ibc & Irc [Paperback]

Jack M. Hageman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1572182024 | ISBN-13: 978-1572182028 | Publication Date: March 15, 2008 | Edition: 6th

Don't let your jobs be held up by not passing code inspections the first time. Smooth sign-off is the goal, but to make that happen on the job site you need to understand the latest editions of the International Building Code and the International Residential Code.

Understanding what the international codes require can be a real challenge. This new, completely revised Contractor's Guide to the Building Code cuts through the legalese of the code books. It explains the important requirements for residential and light commercial structures in plain, simple English so you can get it right the first time.

New in the edition are: 1. Completely updated instructions on how to follow the 2006 IRC and IBC. 2. A chapter on electrical requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. 3. Numerous website URLs where you can find additional information on specialized subjects. 4. A CD-ROM with all the material in the book and a handy quick look-up feature.

This book spells out code requirements for approved materials, construction methods and acceptable alternatives for: electrical, excavation, finishing, foundations, framing, glazing, insulation, masonry and concrete, plumbing & HVAC, remodeling, roofing, siding, site preparation, stairs, venting.

With this book you'll learn where exceptions are likely to be granted, where they won't, and how to negotiate a compromise that both you and the inspector can live with. If you do business in cities or counties that follow the International Building Code or the International Residential Code, this reference belongs on your desk.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jack Hageman has been on both sides of the inspector's counter -- as a builder waving his hammer at the inspector, and as the inspector, waving his code book at the builder. For ten years he was Building Inspector for the City of Kennewick, Washington. Jack also taught the building code at universities in Washington.

Mr. Hageman's goal in writing this book was to help contractor's avoid expensive code errors. Knowing and understanding the Code isn't always easy, and keeping up-to-date with Code changes, even harder. But applying the easy-to-understand explanations in this book make following the Code a lot less complicated.

Product Details

• Paperback: 402 pages
• Publisher: Craftsman Book Co; 6th edition (March 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572182024
• ISBN-13: 978-1572182028
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,427,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good read but very little practical information, July 23, 2008

By 

Contractor "Average Joe" (Seattle Wa USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Contractor's Guide to the Building Code: Based on the 2006 Ibc & Irc (Paperback)

The book is interesting but it is written fron the point of view of a building inspector and not a contractor. If you are looking for a plain text book on what the code says - this is not for you. The author makes a habit of refering the reader to the IBC itself to get an answer and does not generally interpret the code for you.

4.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the money. Very practical book, January 18, 2009

By 

A. Chong "a little bit of everything" (Silicon Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Contractor's Guide to the Building Code: Based on the 2006 Ibc & Irc (Paperback)

This is a well written guide to the building codes. It covers a lot of
material that you don't get in "how to build" books. The fact that
this book has been rewritten multiple times over the years shows
(it's a good thing). He'd stated that he started keeping a "top
mistakes" notebook, and that when it grew to 10 pages long, people
started asking for a copy.

It's very much a practical book, covering a lot of the more common
building problems and reasons for code issues. I wish contractors that
I've had over the years had read this. I seriously doubt many of my
contractors have read the codes. It's organized well enough that
you can skim through quickly if you don't want to learn about "plaster
on lath".

There is a lot of information on occupancies and fire codes/egress
issues that you don't find elsewhere.

3 notes:
1) You probably still want a copy of the codes.
2) You still need to construction guide on how to do "plaster on lath"
if that's your game. this just tells you what code requires in terms
of thickness and materials.
3) Very little engineering guidance.

The only reason it's not 5 stars? Hmm. everything shouldn't get
5 stars, but this is a good book. If you're a contractor, you'll save
10x this amount for your first correction.