Good morning/afternoon everyone!
So I am looking for recommendations on the best overall US building code book. I know we are not to sight code, I am just looking to expand my knowledge on how things “Should” be built, installed, etc. so I can be a better inspector. Any suggestions you might have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Kyle
No, we are not supposed to cite building codes. But UpCodes (up.codes) is a great affordable online service to have on hand when someone asks. They even have a free trial period to see if you like it.
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No such book exists yet… No quick way of getting everything, no magic diet pil, or magic Covid Vaxx shot in this department.
But seriously now, if you went through the InterNACHI training and want to know more, the first book would be recent edition of IRC, or IRC w/ commentary to better understand the code provisions. IRCs is a collection of codes applicable to residential buildings. Then, if you deal with larger buildings you will need IBC, and the whole collection of other code books like IFC, IMC, IECC, etc. With plumbing code you should check your local/state requirements as some states go with other than ICC issued codes. For example in IL we had State Plumbing Code, now I live in WA and here we use UPC.
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Have you used this book? Does it have real world working applications?
up has free UpCodes: Searchable platform for building codes
nfpa/nec has free https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70
rrig is not code specific
follows a step by step procedure for all disciplines of what to observe when inspecting
Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide.pdf (5.6 MB)
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This is a handy book 30 laminated pages, 8th edition is what i have for quick reference and is based on 2015 IRC, UPC, UMC, and NEC.
Below is for the 9th edition
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Thank you all, I appreciate the info and suggestions/thoughts. I always want to grow my knowledge and better myself and it’s great to be able to call on you all for insight.
You can download most code books, do a Google search. Copies that are scanned can be made searchable with word recognition software. The only ones hard to get are the current ones for which you just visit UpCodes or buy. The important thing to learn is how the code is laid out (categories). It makes searching much easier.
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