The California Building Codes and the Model Codes - Part 2

[@JC-jo2zl]

Hi Jose, I live in California and I am aspiring to become a building inspector. Would you recommend studying California Residential Code or the International Residential Code? I am looking forward to taking the inspectors exam and obtaining the certificate but not sure which one to study for. Thank you for your time and for the great information that you provide for us!

[@CBO.online]

Thank you for your question, and congratulations on pursuing a career as a building inspector! You bring up an excellent question, that is very often asked -- and can get a bit confusing to explain. My best explanation… Your choice between the California Residential Code (CRC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) depends on your career goals and where you plan to work. If your career will be primarily in California, focusing on the CRC is a great choice. As you probably know by now, California has specific building codes, and the CRC is tailored to the state's regulations. However, keep in mind that California certifications might not be recognized in other states if you ever decide to relocate. On the other hand, the IRC is widely recognized across different states. Ultimately, your decision should align with your career goals and where you plan to work; not only in the near - but long term. Best of luck with your studies and your upcoming exams! If you have more questions or need further guidance, please feel free to ask. - Jose M

[@esexavo]

thank you so much bro, being watching you for over a year now, tome flies, I learned a lot on my first build on my way to becoming a full time builder

[@CBO.online]

Thank you, Yair. Your comment means a lot to me - and thank you for continuing to support the channel. It is very inspiring to hear of positive experiences from people like yourself and I am very sure it is inspiring to other people as well. I truly liked what you said about learning a lot… reflecting on lessons learned will always help you further succeed. Keep driving onwards and upwards - and I look forward to hearing about your continued success. Feel free to reach out to me directly if you ever have any questions. - Jose M

[@MryoungbloodCity]

Do you do consulting calls? I could use some advice

[@CBO.online]

Yes, I can. Feel free to email me directly at [e-mail] and we can exchange contacts.

[@martinezjesus01]

Greetings friend, your information is excellent, I ask you two curiosities that I have. 1.- Because most of the constructions in Los Angeles are made of wood, why aren't blocks and cement used? 2.- Why in some wooden houses do not use pipes to pass the electrical wiring? I am asking you these questions because I do not live in the United States and I am learning about their construction systems.

[@fsoileau]

I agree his information is excellent. I have been a Licensed builder and residential designer for 40 years in California. Question #1: We can use CMU walls "concrete blocks", steel studs, and many other materials, but the most common stick framing is "wood". In the United States, we have two design options for residential design, 1) Performance Design "professionally engineered" or 2) Prescriptive design "Residential code" with no engineering required. The advantages of wood framing are that it is fast, cost-effective, popular with builders, performs well in seismic areas, and has a very long performance history. Most Cities in California adopted "Light Weight Wood Prescriptive Design" many years ago because historically buildings in seismic zones with old unreinforced brick and block failed while wood framed did well. Up until the 1990's most builders only used engineers for major loads such as beams everything else was from the Uniform Building Code span tables. So now wood framing remains the most popular for residential construction. Question #2: We call the pipes raceway or conduit and we use it within block walls, underground, large wires, etc. I think you are seeing a wire called Romex. This wire is designed for this, it has a protective cover around the wires inside. As long as it is used in the proper locations, conditions, and installation methods, it's the fasted most cost-effective method. We have many types of wire for different applications, wet, temperature, capacity, etc. Our codes specify the connectors, electrical boxes, number of wires allowed in a box, and attaching electrical wire and conduit plus thousands of other requirements. Good luck with your research. Fred

[@martinezjesus01]

@@fsoileau Thank you very much for the detailed information that you provide me, I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions

[@CBO.online]

@@fsoileau Wow. Quite an impressive and detailed response! I don't think I could have explained it better. Great historic perspective as well - thank you very much for responding, it was a great read. Once again - thank you, Fred. - Jose M