Originally Posted By: charper This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Where does code state that caulking is required at seams in kitchens and baths, around sinks and at countertops in kitchens.? I thought I had seen it somewhere.
Originally Posted By: bkelly2 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Charles I do not know the code but if sinks, tubs, showers and countertop near sinks are not sealed properly, ie caulked, thet leak. And I always call out leaks.
– “I used to be disgusted, Now I try to Be amused”-Elvis Costello
Originally Posted By: kdolin This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
charper wrote:
Where does code state that caulking is required at seams in kitchens and baths, around sinks and at countertops in kitchens.? I thought I had seen it somewhere.
+
I dont know about code but the two main real estate contracts here, specifically exclude caulking. However I still make note.
Originally Posted By: charper This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Same here, I always call out the lack of proper caulking. However this time on a NEW construction the builder says…“if it ain’t code” I ain’t fixing it. The buyer is an elderly woman who doesn’t want to cause any trouble.
Originally Posted By: bkelly2 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
A typical separation between the counter top and the backsplash should be grouted or caulked to forestall moisture intrusion.
Above is the language I use when water drips between the kitchen sink and countertop. When I perform a home inspection I am not that concerned with what does or does not get corrected ( life threating items excluded). If the builder will not fix it can't the buyer get a tube of silicone or DAP and do the job?
I do not know what you guys are talking about when you mention the real estate contract. Here realtors mention their contract/s specificaly that the selling agent is entitled to the inspection report and I agree with them, I do not give them a report but I agree, they sure are entitled. I then tell them I am not a party to their contract/s and continue on my way.
-- "I used to be disgusted, Now I try to Be amused"-Elvis Costello
Originally Posted By: mcyr This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Charles;
Caulking in a new home or old is considered cosmetics in the older home and an aesthetic standard of practice in the newer homes which also holds protection from water leakage behind the counter and provide sanitary confidence by the owner that any water spillage will be confined to the counters and not behind the wall.
The codes do not spell out a standard of practice unfortunately, and it is left to the building Contractor to perform to the Standard of Practice for that Geographical Area.
Some Contractors are ethical and some not.
Some Contractors are conscious and some are not.
Some Contractors are fair and some are not.
Some Contractors are value giving and some are not.
Originally Posted By: bkelly2 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Marcel good points. As I am sure you have seen a sink or two installed in your time, have you ever installed a sink without caulk, I know I have not. I believe that most sink installation instructions call out for caulk. Charles have them show you the manufacturers installation instructions.
– “I used to be disgusted, Now I try to Be amused”-Elvis Costello
Originally Posted By: bkelly2 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
rgallahorn wrote:
Try IRC P2705.1.3
P2705.1
General. The installation of fixtures shall conformto
the following:
...
3. Where fixtures come in contact with walls, the contact
area shall be water tight.
Opps, guess I'm too slow
More the merrier
-- "I used to be disgusted, Now I try to Be amused"-Elvis Costello
Originally Posted By: escanlan This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Marcel,
I agree! The code reference is just to help force the point with the builder. Now that he has code references he can come up with a new excuse why he won't fix it! 
-- Manny (Emmanuel) Scanlan
Knowledge is power, but sharing knowledge brings peace!
Originally Posted By: tschwalbe This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
First of all we dont inspect for code. second you are doing your customer a disservice if you dont call it out because it will lead to the destruction of the shower or countertops or what have you. Not to mention lead to mold growth.
Originally Posted By: charper This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
You are very right…we do not inspect for code…But on the other hand this is a brand new home and I would expect the builder to do what is right. I will always call these problems out for the buyer because I think that is what they are paying me to do. I just wish that the "s#!t - know it all " builders would drop off the face of the earth. OOPS - I guess if that happened I would not have a job.
Originally Posted By: bkelly2 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
tschwalbe wrote:
First of all we dont inspect for code. second you are doing your customer a disservice if you dont call it out because it will lead to the destruction of the shower or countertops or what have you. Not to mention lead to mold growth.
I inspect to many codes, I just do not quote the code inspected to. 
-- "I used to be disgusted, Now I try to Be amused"-Elvis Costello
Originally Posted By: tschwalbe This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I inspect to many codes, I just do not quote the code inspected to.
This is a given we all should do this & if this is new construction the even if it was only cosmedic whic it is not you would still call it out.
If this is new construction than you should commenent on cosmedic items it is the only time you are allowed to. I do a lot of new construction and I have never had a builder say that he wouldnt caulk some thing that i called out. It takes 2 seconds to do that.
now on the other hand I do have a builder pissed off at me for calling out a inproper cermac tile installation This is going to cost him thousands of dollars to fix plus a 2 week delay in closeing. He should be mad at his contractor but if it hadnt been for me it would hsve slid by.
Originally Posted By: lewens This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Charkie
The thing you have to say to any builder that gives you the " if it ain’t code I don’t fix it" thing is ask him if he is a minimum builder. Then explain that code is a bare minimum requirement. If he continues with the code nonsense tell him you will let it be known around that he is only interested in himself and his clients don’t matter. That will usually make them see the light.
