Customer Reviews

International Residential Code 2003

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ask yourself why you want your own code book. Do you want instant access to the same information as your city building inspector?
I have a fourth printing (March 2004) and have found dozens of mistakes, items where my code book differs from the one adopted by my state and city, the first printing (January 2003). You would think that given the stated goal of the building code to standardize building practice, that the ICC would either be more careful, or they would put corrections in the public domain. For sure, you shouldn't have to proof the copy and then go looking for corrections. If you want a compendium of all of the known mistakes in all of the ICC code books, you can purchase the bound volume for an additional $13 directly from them. You just have to then figure out which changes go with your edition. It's too bad the ICC doesn't make the corrections edition available at Amazon so that it can be sold "Better Together". My advice? Find out what edition your city uses and get that, it's probably the first printing. If you can't get the same book, wait a couple of years for your city to adopt the next new code (2006?, 2009?) and get a first printing. That way you can borrow your building inspectors' corrections.

Very good reference book for understanding the details of what the building inspector is using for acceptance criteria. Not for the novice, unless you have a good dictionary available. It does leave some of the minute details in the referenced industry standards (National Electric Code, ANSI standards, etc.). Provdes an excellent way to communicate specifics with the general contractor/builder.

This was a great purchase however I would suggest getting the newer IRC book. If the 2003 IRC is available at a deep discount, it would still be a great purchase as much of the code is still in effect.

Got what I ordered! No mystery, no suspense, just codes / rules and regulations... Would not suggest reading straight through, take a break ...

You really need to WANT to have the Residential Code to wade through the 'jargon' in it. The answers ARE there, but you have to look for them. The chart on window and door header requirements is nearly 3 pages long! The code must cover all possibilities, but it doesn't need to be so technical that only 'inspectors' can decipher it (if they're lucky). The 2002 National Electric Code is just as complex, but it is written to be understood by nearly anyone. I hope the editors/writers of the next version of the IRC take the hint.

contacted seller of this book several times informing him that I never received the book I purchased. Never received a reply. So I can't rate a purchase the seller for some reason I guess I will never know why I did not receive.

I was shocked to recieve the Code book at least two weeks before I expected it and it was in perfect shape. The service is excellent and I could not be happier with the material.

Can't build without it. A must read and must have book. Needs more solar information to be truly useful in building the future homes of America.

IRC Codes are as the say "standard". It is good to have a single code book for residential building. However, the ability to go to one location, click on what I need when I need it, and have it delivered at a reasonable price where I need it...is the best.

ordered this book on a 2-day delivery service and had it in my hands less than 24 hours later! What else do I need to say?!!
Excellent service! Wish other companies in this country could perform this well!!