A weird building code you should know... and how it messed me up!

[@joelethalcruz4417]

Its ok when the LEAD GUY DOES IT...A MISTAKE....BUT WHEN THE HELPER DOES IT...ITS THE END OF THE WORLD.

[@GS.9093_Mart]

You are god damn right!

[@josephkelly3956]

A lead guy has alot on his plate , a helper dose not. In return it helps the helper to learn from there mistakes.

[@joelethalcruz4417]

@@josephkelly3956 yes i agree...but that doesnt give you the right to treat anybody like crap...just because one mistake.....you make one mistake...learn from it..and fix it...but dont fire the poor bastard...he might have 2 kids..to feed.

[@GS.9093_Mart]

Craftmax Cruz agreed

[@randymathews3348]

Yup, now go get our lunch!

[@cyclesingsleep]

There are so many places in New York City where this would never work. But, in any case, love your attitude. ...just jump in and fix without blaming or complaining : )

[@mintslice2214]

Thanks for showing us the mistake! Always good to know, but the best part is your attitude! All too often too many think it's the end of the world when something goes wrong and it hurts their pride etc. Really great to see a positive attitude!

[@regularguy9264]

You guys do a great service with these videos. Thanks for that. Another good one to remember that is easy to mess up in is the 12" to centre of toilet flange FROM FINISHED WALL. It usually means 12 1/2" if using 1/2" drywall, but may be more if they are putting on an additional wall finish such as tile or wainscotting. Thanks again guys!

[@genrlgadget]

That must be a local ordinance. In both the IRC and the IPC, minimum sidewall clearance to the water closet center line is 15". (2015 IRC P2705.1 item 5; 2015 IPC 405.3.1)

[@regularguy9264]

I'm referring to the wall behind the toilet where the water supply comes from as opposed to the side clearances. Good to pòint out those clearances too though.

[@johndandridge9408]

Been building 17yrs, installed many 24in vanities never had that one called out!

[@markrepovich2148]

I am courious as well. Mst. Plumb. KY. And I have NEVER heard this. What plumbing code and state?

[@ILikeWafflz]

Could just be their area.

[@f.demascio1857]

IPC 405.3.1

[@f.demascio1857]

@@markrepovich2148 IPC 405.3.1

[@nrstunt]

Do you think he passes after this?

[@mikekent5005]

The takeaway from the video is the quote in the beginning: “When you find a mistake, you fix it.” It always comes back to haunt you (and costs so much more time and money) if you try to ignore it and hope for the best.

[@LRBennettInc]

The rule has always been for my 40 years 30/30/30 and as long as you have 45" from the finished wall to the center of the toilet flange for the sink I have never had an inspector ever say anything about jamming the vanity against the wall but don't forget the vanity top is actually 25" for a 24" base. As long as there is 21" in front of the toilet and sink to stand your good to go. Nice videos keep them coming.

[@f.demascio1857]

If you use the IPC, look at 405.3.1

[@ThuhOthers]

This is what I pulled from the code: A water closet, urinal, lavatory or bidet shall not be set closer than 15 inches (381 mm) from its center to any side wall, partition, vanity or other obstruction, or closer than 30 inches (762 mm) center to center between adjacent fixtures. There shall be not less than a 21-inch (533 mm) clearance in front of the water closet, urinal, lavatory or bidet to any wall, fixture or door. Water closet compartments shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width and not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) in depth for floormounted water closets and not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width and 56 inches (1422 mm) in depth for wallhung water closets.

[@m1spartan989]

It's always code when the plumber dont want to deal with it

[@blackbull420]

Probably because plumbers are better at installing plumbing fixtures, then framing... why don't you ask the carpenters why they don't know more plumbing... because they're carpenters... not handymen... plus it's a two foot sink, you're going to be hitting your elbow on the wall brushing you're teeth, or splashing water on the wall... he was maximizing headroom and space in an ingenious way and chalked it up to a learning experience. Derp why plumbers no work?

[@Josh.1234]

Glad the plumber told him as opposed to the inspector

[@zakattack467]

Or when they are behind on their other job

[@sqike001ton]

@@blackbull420 only Lefty's will be beating there elbows the wall was to the left

[@obiang24]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@stephengreen3566]

To learn from your mistakes and admit it takes courage. doubling down on your mistake is the sign of a weak person. Great job!

[@cattywampuscreek7653]

That's a real pro right there, made a mistake but didnt rush through it so he could do something else, took his time and even remembered the drywaller

[@vincenttanguay4198]

That's the spirit my friend, everybody makes mistakes. Role up your sleeves, repair and on to the next task!

[@mikeherbst1825]

I'm SO glad I don't have to drag around tools & material any more!

[@m1spartan989]

I've seen plumber cut out floor joists when it dont work for them

[@Takuplumbing]

Josh Swanson don’t put floor joists where the water closet needs to go. 🤣🤣

[@vzgsxr]

😂 Yes.

[@darrendavis4731]

Or bore a 4 inch hole through a glue lam for a waste pipe.

[@peterbaruxis2511]

If the plumber has to cut, it probably shoudn't have been there.

[@saltbeltupstateny4857]

A retired builder, never heard not installing a 24” vanity in the corner!,

[@genrlgadget]

The other component of that requirement is that the toilet cannot be closer than 30" (center-to-center) with any other fixture. So, in other words, the center of the lavatory drain would also need to be 30" from the center of the toilet flange--which would also need to be 30" minimum from the center of the tub/shower drain.

[@T.E.P..]

This video seems just like yesterday ....Can't believe how fast time is flying by .... all the vids are so great and Erik's editing is superb!

[@kellilangvo]

a custom 24” vanity with the sink closer to the edge opposite the wall seems like another option…

[@JTWebsites]

Glued to your videos. Thank you. Very useful, informative, and nicely presented as learning material. Much appreciated, guys!

[@adrian_sanchez]

At least you got a solution...Now if they call you out on the shower height, you can put a dorm on the roof which would be a weird but possible cool thing to get natural sun exposure and view while showering.

[@Cpt1nsano]

Interesting, in Canada that would only apply to an accessible fixture. For other's reference, below is the code from the IPC. 405.3.1 Water Closets, Urinals, Lavatories and Bidets A water closet, urinal, lavatory or bidet shall not be set closer than 15 inches (381 mm) from its center to any side wall, partition, vanity or other obstruction, or closer than 30 inches (762 mm) center to center between adjacent fixtures. There shall be not less than a 21-inch (533 mm) clearance in front of the water closet, urinal, lavatory or bidet to any wall, fixture or door. Water closet compartments shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width and not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) in depth for floor mounted water closets and not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width and 56 inches (1422 mm) in depth for wall hung water closets.

[@RaulTorresMorfin]

Now you will have Another code issue. The wall at the shower/tub needs to be 80” high minimum. Perhaps You could get away by doing a wall mounted / pedestal sink?

[@timahern8670]

Thanks for tip, seems like strange code and guessing when it was adopted some of it was dropped. Must been reason but they forgot what that was. LOL Reciprocating saws are always hungry hahaha

[@danielmorris4301]

The 15" rule does not apply to a single family home. The rule is for barrier-free compliance in non-residential buildings.

[@mikewoods897]

Gotta love Sawzalls and screws! Sure makes fixing mistakes a lot easier! 🤠👍

[@MyDIYAdventures]

Ahhh! The ol’ Milwaukee eraser!

[@dominicm2175]

I think The code your plumber is referring to is for the toilet.....heck 18” and 24” vanities are very common and almost always tucked in a corner

[@BBuford]

I’ve never heard of this code before.... would make any vanity under 30” useless except for where you’re putting it on a open wall.

[@tompolk7588]

ANSI Accessible code A117.1 section 605.... maybe 606. Applies to commercial work. I am not familiar with residential codes.

[@hizacaine]

@@tompolk7588 It's not in 307.1 of the IRC or the ORSC. Most residential is exempted by 101.2 of the IPC. That bathroom is not accessible.

[@tompolk7588]

@@hizacaineSounds right. ANSI A117.1 is commercial and the 15" + 15" is wheelchair front approach. Clear floor space is 30" x 48". A "regular" residential vanity will not cut it - knee clearance is needed. The 30" x 48" is to the drain centerline.

[@wstu777]

I agree with Dominic, I am a licensed architect and there is no requirement in the IRC for this. Now this could be a local ordinance that requires this

[@peckerhead1783]

The plumber just needed more room to rough it in ”his way" lol

[@para-cad_llc]

Great video as always. I enjoy the realism that you bring to the Internet. Keep up the great work.

[@yardfowl3149]

Gotta love the brand new remodel situations....

[@forwardhomeenhancements2622]

Amazing that I never met you guys obviously... There are so many things that we have in common in regards to building.I watch your videos often, and noticed that you guys do the same things that I do. Keep making your videos they make my day.

[@harleybuilds4199]

Man I wish I can work and learn with you guys. I’m 20 years old from Asheville and I love everything you guys do.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

Find a good crew. It's easier than anything to get with a bunch of hacks that don't take anything seriously. It is all the difference in the world to find a crew of experienced guys that want to teach the trade to a hungry hard worker. I left the trade 20 yrs ago because of bad crews. Had I found some old true Craftsman, I would have stayed.

[@jamusmorrison3073]

Kevin Kiser sorry to hear that Kevin. The guys I got are all ages I have 18,29,36,41,45 and 48. All but one I’ve had for 3-15 years. It’s good to have a crew that feeds off each other. We all look forward to completion of a task. Also have pride in what we do. Makes for a good day that flys by!

[@fredroehl956]

That's the kind of thing that makes it so exciting to build homes and I personally enjoy adversity on the job it keeps you on your toes LoL 😮...

[@believerscc]

That literally happened to me with a small 12" vanity. Luckily I didn't have to move a wall. But the plumber had to move his pipes, then the vanity. FML

[@SuperFunny65]

Good integrity and work. Thank you for sharing.

[@jacobecorder]

There goes my plan for my small bathroom. Thanks for showing this

[@RemboUSMC]

That is precisely why this should’ve been laid out on the blueprints before the house was started

[@TheSteveoTube]

Another thing you want to watch out for in this type of layout is the type of vanity you're going to be installing. If it has drawers on the side they could interact with the case molding around the door. The cabinet installer will have to put a spacer in to allow the drawers to move past the door trim. That could affect how much space you have between the toilet and the vanity.

[@f.demascio1857]

I hate that sh!t. I always ask about that and most of the time they show up with some crap that totally interferes with a standard rough-in.

[@benlucy941]

Real life! Even the masters make errors on occasion …. Picasso, Pacabel, Patula Clark (when she feels down, she goes “downtown”-not to the woods,)and Perkins Brothers! I love the Finewooding Magazines article “ how to fix dumb mistakes”.

[@harrypouncey9218]

Cool! Room for a 30” vanity now!! Even better🤣

[@toobad9946]

Suddenly, the prices on 24" vanities have dropped to clearance prices.

[@michaelc.3812]

Pro-tip: scribe a line before you tear out that bottom plate and simply measure the distance out from where you were. And if it’s about 3.5”, just lay another scrap board behind the floor plate and scribe a line. SUPER FAST and accurate.

[@FritsvanDoorn]

Happy new year. Looking forward to see more of your wonderful videos! Thank you!

[@markbarsh3107]

I am all for codes when they're created to protect people but this one is just plain stupid

[@1jasonover]

Ah the reciprocating saw, the great fixer of F-ups

[@johnbrever2556]

Saved my bacon more than once lol

[@ubrayj02]

sawzall and spackle

[@stevenfoust3782]

Looks like you didn’t even have the 24” space correct. No drywall space or sink top overhang allowed in rough.

[@toomanymarys7355]

I thought that was going to be the mistake.... The one time I didn't recheck measurements in a remodel, my guys made the space half an inch too small!

[@garrybear6555]

Love the Chanel please do another tool belt set up video

[@kalidasmusic1008]

So which code standard is being used? IBC SBC?? Can you cite the code reference? also it doesn't seem like you accounted for wall finishes in your layout measurements.

[@johnathancarlton4202]

Also I build a lot of houses I agree “ Dominic “with comment down below 15 inches is center of toilet to edge of vanity and also 15 inches from edge of tube or shower pan . I believe it has everything to do with size of plumbing distance from toilet and sink for properly venting

[@workisfun...2438]

Interesting, been remodeling for years and haven't heard of this one here in Missouri. My one question would be, Doesn't moving the tub back create a conflict of code required headroom above the tub?

[@f.demascio1857]

IPC 405.3.1

[@jamusmorrison3073]

Yeah. It plumber doesn’t have to worry about that!

[@TheNormalUniverse]

Thanks for the video! Your hard work is inspirational

[@leethompson7049]

Center to center between fixtures need to be 30" minimum also. Do you have that between the Lav and Water Closet? 2018 IPC section 405.3.1

[@hizacaine]

See the scope exception 101.2, most houses are covered by the IRC and exempted from the IBC.

[@joshuasutton2163]

When do you prefer to use screws rather than nails?

[@LTTang]

I’m a building official for a city in California. I have never seen such a code in residential construction. I’ve been at this code profession since 1997. Your plumbers need to present a code section. On a side note for you builders, please always question your inspectors if they come with weird requirements as this. Many inspectors are less experienced than you are. Aks for a code section. They can only enforce the written code and not what they think is right.

[@blakelankford6930]

Did you move the toilet flange too? Or will it just sit closer to the vanity than it would have before?

[@camoman1907]

It all shifted down to meet code

[@countrylifetales2700]

Love the work you guys do and, the very informative videos. Cheers.

[@DjeehBear]

Nice fix humbly brought bro!

[@hcvalliere3901]

Could you not put the toilet and vanity on the slopping wall and the shower on the other wall to avoid losing headspace?

[@zacharymurphy7004]

Excellent info

[@tite-r-tone8258]

Do you ever use pressure treated bottom plate in bathrooms? To me seems better for inevitable rot.

[@MsElijah16]

Tite-R-Tone In NZ we use a 17mm treated ply for bathroom floors

[@Nest2309]

I’m under the impression you r not allowed to use inside the house other that the bottom plates at foundation cause the arsenic they use to tread the wood is bad and always bleed.

[@tite-r-tone8258]

Nest2309 They use copper now...

[@MsElijah16]

Tite-R-Tone CCA - Copper Chrome Arsenate/Arsenic sounds poisonous haha

[@odilardofaria2230]

I am a GC for over 33 years, and we’re specialized in kitchens and bathrooms remodeling in the Westchester County NY, I’ve literally done hundreds os bathrooms and most went under inspections in many different cities and towns, including Yonkers, New Rochelle and White Plains, the toughest cities regarding code enforcement, I’ve NEVER heard such bull shit code about not allowing a 24” installed in the corner, and to have a roughing of no less than 15” from the corner. The contractor needs to fire this guy.

[@peterbaruxis2511]

Before I watch this, if I watch it, Were construction plans approved by the code enforcement official or building inspector? Were approved plans followed? How tall is that wall that you're moving six inches & how tall will it be after you rebuild it?

[@marcelgaddis9319]

Or the sink could be off centered in the vanity to meet the "code".

[@davidbrogan606]

That might not look good.

[@toomanymarys7355]

It can't. He was at less than permissible clearance after the walls were taken into account for the toilet and the shower already with a 24" vanity.

[@Bitplanner]

Great video as always! You look like Ali G in the thumbnail 😉

[@randymathews3348]

I do not see the purpose of this code, what am I missing?? 🤔

[@randymathews3348]

@h2s what is a 15" "elbow" and why would it be under a 11/4" vanity drain? A 4" 90° doesn't even take up that much space

[@cognitive-carpenter]

I imagine it's more of an accessibility perspective. Why would you want to stand that close to a wall to wash your hands. Not to mention, it just looks wrong too. Human elbows

[@randymathews3348]

@@cognitive-carpenter I thought about ADA regs... N code doesn't care about your elbows

[@Taylormade2350]

Mitch McQuoid they don’t make codes based on your comfort when washing your hands lmao.

[@cognitive-carpenter]

@@Taylormade2350 hahaha they design code around your feet as in walking, why wouldn't it be the same for your experience in a washroom. Think of tread nosing on stairs. Hell, there should be one for leg room on a toilet lol sometimes you're knees to the wall

[@jamesp7623]

Why not get or have made a 24" vanity with a sink that isn't centered? Put a row of narrow drawers on the left side. The head room above the tub looks a little short.

[@RDDPro]

This is why I advocate for screws in certain places. Cost more, time consuming, but priceless as well.

[@AudioGardenSlave123]

So how many lives will be saved by this code? What's the reasoning for making builder's apply this standard?

[@markschiavone8003]

So you moved the tub/shower wall to accommodate the code on vanity drains, are you now not complying with ceiling clearance code over a shower?

[@wdwerker]

A powerful Sawzall is a wonderful thing in situations like that. Cut it apart and reuse the framing.

[@matthewfortune25]

I have that same sloped ceiling above a bathtub in a home I am currently building. I'm afraid the water is going to bounce off the shower-taker and onto the drywall. Do you have any suggestions on waterproofing the ceiling above the tub?

[@elchapoguzmanloera2379]

I died when u tried to pull off that 2x4 that was screwed in. My ghost typed this

[@phillipward937]

Did you allow for dry wall on your sink center

[@peterbaruxis2511]

They will make that correction after the walls are finished.

[@garybarchas4984]

waddya know, a real world framer!! Now how are you going to get the headroom for the shower?lol

[@johnwick8756]

When pulling the bottom plate thats been nailed if you take a couple wedges and beat them in under the plate it comes up a lot easier.

[@guwop2234]

it was screwed lmao

[@nickwillis773]

I do not see anywhere in codebooks where it requires sink clearance from the wall... just for the toilet. I hope this is the case.

[@michaelsparks8632]

The same code applies to the toilet! Exception, Handicapped Toilet, urinal or lavatory requires 18'' in California

[@PerkinsBuilderBrothers]

Yep👍

[@rickd1412]

You should have seen the contractor when I told him that per the ADA the toilet has to be exactly 18" from the wall in a commercial facility. They had it right until the tile was installed. The new ADA allows 1 inch of adjustment either side of the center.

[@dennisatkinson22]

not sure what state you're in, but i think the plumber is thinking of FHA codes and a forward approach to the sink/vanity. For single family, a 24" vanity is fine. If for R2 (aparments) you will need to 15" (but be warned, that measures from the face of baseboard to center of bowl)....

[@jimmorrison2776]

I can't seem to find a reference to this in the 2018 NC Residential code. I see 15" from the wall for water closets, but there's not a reference for the vanity. Can you point me in the right direction?

[@mattychamberlin]

Why did you use screws while framing? Also why is there no tub backing 32"? Does the plumber put the backing in after he sets the tub?

[@chriscarpenter8415]

What code was your plumber quoting? The Oregon residential code is based on the IRC and has no such clearance for a lav. Water closet CL to wall/tub 15" min is required though.

[@AllAmericanDreamChaser]

Man that's so much extra work. Thank you so much for sharing this experience.👍

[@camden7488]

Code doesn't say what size vanity you want. The code is the plumbing line has to be 15" from the wall. Which will still be contained inside a 24" vanity. The drain assymbly will simply be off center 3" which will still allow for the p-trap. I think you made 2 mistakes one by listening to the plumber nd 2 by changing what you already did.

[@Robert-wz7jw]

why didn't you just use a vanity w/ an offset sink?

[@johntucker8168]

Robert wy

[@f.demascio1857]

Sadly, no one makes a 24" vanity top with an offset basin. It's already too small as it is.

[@mikerose7375]

Did you get 6' 4" on the low side of the shower?

[@judee00]

I'm 6'5". 6'4" wouldn't work for me. Short world I live in. LOL

[@johnathancarlton4202]

Could do an off set vanity base cabinet allowing sink to be installed away from wall draws on the left. Darn sacrificed the head clearance of shower. And time to to redo it ! Or move the entrance to bathroom 6 inches grow the bath

[@marciam6224]

Is there a reason why you couldn't put the sink there and the shower on the other side? Just wondering since a lot of people don't stand completely straight at the sink when washing their hands.

[@frenstcht]

May your lumber be straight, and your mistakes small and fixable.

[@joelmendez8475]

The waste doesn't have to be center in cabinet, it can come out at 15" in a 24" vanity.

[@kenthuntsingersr7501]

Henrico county Va. , the knee wall under the rafters will not pass code . Inspector says the rafters can deflect and cause the floor below to deflect. These idiots want the 2x4s nailed to the side of the rafters. Everywhere you go there is something different. We used to leave a few obvious code violation just so the inspector would think he was king .

[@defenda1]

Just curious, how come when you're reframing the wall the bottom plate doesn't break under a stud?

[@howardlovecraft750]

At least you were able to reuse the 2 x 4's.

[@simplytimber3251]

I've never heard of this. Had to look it up. IPC 405.3.1

[@genrlgadget]

Yes, for Commercial construction. For Residential it's (2015) IRC P2705.1 item 5.

[@Mike__B]

@@genrlgadget Is there a rational to why it must be this way? I mean I get the convenience factor of why you don't want a sink that close to a wall, but is there a reason why the drain placement matters for safety reasons?

[@dominicm2175]

@@genrlgadget item 5 refers to a water closet, lavatory, bidet , not a sink/ vanity.

[@jeffreybell436]

@@dominicm2175 "Lavatory" in this case means a bathroom sink. From the Latin for washing.

[@genrlgadget]

@@Mike__B I can't think of a safety-related reason, but then not everything in the code is fire and structural safety. We have minimum ceiling heights, minimum light and ventilation requirements--even a minimum room size! I suspect some of it might just be to give the construction industry a bit of standardization.

[@Faruk651]

I would place the toilet on the exterior wall side as far as it can go back to the slope. Minimum would be your head barely touching the sloped ceiling while you are standing to piss. That way you are using the dead space more efficiently. Than you can place the shower to the interior wall parallel to the exterior wall. There should be a lot of room left for the vanity after that on either side of the room.

[@rossmillard9804]

Was the ceiling height in the tube code????

[@rezatashakori2]

Your correct but check with your architect. The requirements are different city by city also if you do commercial min clearances are different. For instance you need 17” min from center of your toilet to any obstructions not 15”. I think you should also check your head clearance for your shower. Again each city and each state different requirements

[@roberttasker3323]

Never had a plumbing inspector call me out on a 24 inch line that

[@daversj]

Be careful using screws for framing as well. Deck screws are brittle and dont meet code for framing. There are structural screws which can be used for framing. Having done mostly renovations the past thirty years, hot dipped galvanized nails last the longest when framing. I have seen many epoxy coated screws rust badly from moisture when the coating is comprised. Some seemingly rust for no reason, or are comprised from the chemicals in pressure treated lumber.

[@modernpsalmist]

As long as the plumbing itself is “code”, just offset the drain inside the 24” cabinet. All good

[@chrisgraham2904]

That was my first thought...and the simplest solution.

[@jefflinnell8492]

That's what we always do. The vanity can be smashed up against the wall but off set the drain .

[@dg-vg9di]

Or have a custom vanity made. That has got to be the dumbest rule Ive ever heard.