Customer Reviews

Contractor's Guide to the Building Code: Based on the 1997 Uniform Building Code

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Well, that should've been the name of the book. If you're looking for advice on working within the building code bureaucracy, this book might be for you. If you're looking for advice on building according to code, you need to look elsewhere. It does give insight into the mind of the inspector, admitting permits are for taxing and taking glee on setting the attorney general on a citizen who was trying to prevent the inspector from trespassing on his land. I bought the book hoping to get a concise guide to the code, but was mistaken.

There is a very important section of the UBC titled Conventional Light Frame construction (ch23 Div IV), which allows a designer/builder to build a house without requiring expensive engineering. This book virtually ignores it, which I feel does a great disservice to readers. Many (most?) magazine house plans do not include braced wall requirments, which are part of the above building code. It would be nice if this book addressed this important section of the UBC. Also, it seems every time I have a building question and go to this book as a reference, it leaves me dissapointed. For example, requirements regarding grading and setbacks from slopes, etc., which can be pretty cryptic in the UBC. OK for general reading, but not a great reference book.

I needed a book which would give me some ideas for designing my house, this one did it. It doesn't have descriptions for every nail, every stud, but it did what I needed in a clear, concise manner.

Thank you Jack. I got what I want.