Top 10 Residential Building Code Violations

[@davidcollins2617]

Some builders don’t like inspectors and feel the codes are too restrictive. I’d like to point out that “to code” means the lowest quality and shoddiest workmanship that a builder can legally get away with. If a builder can’t (or won’t) even do that? Think about it.

[@PPG1967]

Minimum Code is like being graded on a C scale. The sad part about it is 80% of the builders can't even do that.

[@richarddebrunner1149]

Love your videos, I’ve had the opportunity to train many new inspectors in the last couple of years and now I always direct them to your videos as they are really informative and chalk full of real world examples in a short easy to digest manner. Keep up the great work it very appreciated!!!!

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback...let me know if I can help in any way.

[@PPG1967]

Any topics you want me to do a video on?

[@alpine5551]

Nicely done with the video! Great coverage on key elements to make darn sure are done correctly and to code. Keep up the good fight man! Cheers from the PNW!

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback. What are you located in NW?

[@alpine5551]

Just south of the Canadian border in western Washington.

[@PPG1967]

Oh ok, cool

[@Deep_Divers]

Great videos. The quick format showing the violations is very helpful. Thanks.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching.

[@iviaverick52]

Enjoy a lot of the info you are able to provide. I'm currently working on getting my inspectors license and I really like seeing common things that other inspectors come across.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching.

[@CitizenShane]

You ever check for notches in floor joists that plumbers make for running DWV?

[@PPG1967]

All the time.. we use a lot of web floor joist, so it's not as big of a problem. However they'll notch the hell out of some studs on a load bearing wall.

[@billyoung8118]

As someone who is 6'4", I really appreciate the staircase headroom code. Nailed my head many times on those. 6'4" is really the tallest "average" person you will run into regularly. There's plenty far taller than me but you don't run into them often. I feel for those people!

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching

[@lazygardens]

My 6'6" nephew feels the pain.

[@PMStacker72]

Enjoy your content, I’m a special inspector out of Los Angeles California-lot of framing deficiencies found out this way to lol, great video thank 🫵🏼 you 👍🏼

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback..thanks for watching!!

[@flightmedic7169]

You’re so knowledgeable. I’m in Arizona and doing an owner builder home. Currently we are in the review process of the plans and some revisions came up that I don’t have knowledge on and my plan guy is taking forever to get back to the county. We are on the 2012 building code and I’ve been wondering if I can hire someone else to work out this revisions or pay for advice if someone could look at what they’re asking for. Thanks

[@PPG1967]

Check with your building department first. Most jurisdictions allow third consultants.

[@PPG1967]

Email me if you need me. [e-mail]

[@raterus]

Seeing those nice pretty, finished stairs that now have to be ripped out completely and redone makes me feel bad for the homeowner.

[@PPG1967]

They normally can make a correction without ripping out the staircase.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching!!

[@AJ_900]

Just out of curiosity, what’s the big deal if that’s how someone likes their stairs?

[@EdLavender]

​@@AJ_900tripping hazard.

[@pipi7731]

Very good video. I like the way that you show whats wrong. If you use framing language you might want to point out exactly what you are talking about such as the bolts and straps in the end plate.

[@PPG1967]

Great idea…l appreciate you watching!!

[@thomasglessner6067]

Very good info. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching.

[@StephenNielsenFitnessViceCoach]

Great job, very informative and easy to follow along. I am now starting my Inspector career. Do you have any videos of the office work or process after you find the violations?

[@PPG1967]

Good luck on your journey.

[@ryanhogan5072]

Great video! Learning you don’t have 6’8” clearance on final inspection is brutal. lol

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching!!

[@1keeponkeepon170]

The Window Egress and the Silling off the chase would have got me.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching!!

[@Halfwheelhell]

Great video! lvl is 1.75" studs are 1.5". Best (required) practice is full bearing, there should be one more stud under the LVL

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching!!

[@paulbartlett3470]

How did you get familiar with all the codes? Just reading through everything?

[@PPG1967]

So, it’s a combination of a few things, Years of experience in the field doing the work (inspecting), reading, studying, and becoming certified in a number of disciplines (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and framing), and learning from inspectors that are more knowledgeable than I am.

[@FreeDumbDaily]

Have you ever heard of there having to be 1 hour fire rated 5/8 sheathing BETWEEN the OSB sheathing and the siding?

[@PPG1967]

Sure.

[@uncleMike-uu2mh]

I can't believe people do such pour quality work.

[@PPG1967]

Unfortunately, I see it all the time…thanks for watching.

[@DavidSmith-kl7bw]

Excellent content, I have couple of questions 1) If all exterior walls are total glass like in commercial buildings, is that an energy code violation? 2)If all exterior walls are solid concrete with no internal insulation and no drywalls, is that an energy code violation? Thank you ❤️

[@PPG1967]

No code violation for all glass exterior walls.

[@PPG1967]

So, a concrete foundation wall is normally a R-8 value.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback...thanks for watching!!

[@DavidSmith-kl7bw]

@@PPG1967 I am sorry i don’t mean concrete foundation walls What i mean is Concrete walls above the ground instead of stud framing, drywall and siding

[@PPG1967]

So, check with your local or city building department.

[@Rambleon444]

Don't drawings have to be submitted and approved? If they were, was it usually the contractor's mistake, such as the wrong-size windows, inconsistent stair height, or the clarity between the ceiling and stairs?

[@PPG1967]

You're correct. The General Contractor is ultimately responsible.

[@upliftingandinspirational]

Nice, please do more… will be very helpful for BI..

[@PPG1967]

Will do, I appreciate you watching.

[@InvincibleExtremes]

Thank you for your kickass videos on this

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching!!

[@pixelatedmushroom]

Why is over-driving nails by 1/8 inch in a plywood sheet so bad?

[@PPG1967]

Google "overdriven fasteners"

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your comment.

[@redbaron7710]

Loved this video. Thanks for the information!

[@PPG1967]

Glad it was helpful!...thanks for watching!!

[@mjohnson7325]

As a former Builder; very good points… easy mistake has been done by the carpenters and builders, builders must do their own inspection during the construction phase; it will cost more money to fixing things later… As a builder or carpenters must follow the code, I don’t understand why are cutting corners such a sloppy work. Absolutely no cost savings

[@PPG1967]

The majority of GC's don't check behind their subcontractors.

[@mjohnson7325]

@@PPG1967 they have to…. If a big GC, then they do have their Owen superintendent

[@edled1026]

very good video thank you

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching.

[@yolandagailes5628]

Thank you for your great video.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching.

[@Aboard_and_Abroad]

dude great videos! just subbed. how did the architect, pm, super, subs and inspector not catch that window? they even painted the damn room! that is going to fix easy.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching!!

[@DavidTheCastle]

Hey there. I live in garland tx. And I’m rebuilding my external wall. I read that class zone 1, 2, and 3 do not need vapor barriers. Is this true? Thank you

[@PPG1967]

Check with your Building Department in your city, county, or state.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching!!

[@chanelpate886]

If a county has the building code set for the published year prior, would be better to go ahead and plan to the newest year in case of future planning? For example I plan on building a shipping container in the near future, however the county is currently using the 2018 building code. Should I make two plans, one for 2018 and one for 2021?

[@PPG1967]

When are they transitioning to 2021?

[@chanelpate886]

@@PPG1967 I haven't seen anything on the county website indicating that they are going to. I'm figuring this out as I go

[@PPG1967]

Is there a local or city building inspector that you can contact??

[@chanelpate886]

@PPG upon watching more videos I figured out that this was probably the best way to go about that. I'm having difficulty finding the information, but wish me luck! 🙏🏾

[@Buildsolarhomes]

Excellent video

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching!!

[@willsee1404]

#5 the windows that are to small , will they have to tear the windows out and install bigger ones?

[@PPG1967]

Yes sir.

[@willsee1404]

@@PPG1967 wow , that’s being pretty tough on the owner don’t you think , passed it on the rough inn and turn it down on the finish?! That’s kinda messed up don’t you think?

[@PPG1967]

So, if there was a fire and someone dies because they couldn't get out, how do you think that would go over??

[@PPG1967]

Swap out windows or getting sued for millions and your reputation ruined...which would you choose??

[@approots]

It's not a difficult fix to elongate the window downwards if it's an option. Nothing structural. New window and trim of course, but everything else can just be cut out quickly. Hopefully no wiring in the way.

[@clayjones553]

That truss is an obvious and easy fix. If the framer scabbed on a 10ft 2x4 you wouldnt ket that pass?

[@PPG1967]

Sir, an engineered plan showing the correct fix is required.

[@jmontoya1677]

where can i find the anti tip bracket in 2018 irc code?7:37 now what? how did you hold the builder accountable?

[@PPG1967]

Manufacturer's installation instructions sir...you familiar with that??

[@jmontoya1677]

@@PPG1967 yes sir I am a building inspector, but the anti tip was new to me. I just inspected an apartment complex and did not know to look for it.

[@PPG1967]

What state are you in?

[@jmontoya1677]

@@PPG1967 The great state of Texas😁 I work for a small municipality in the Texas Panhandle. We see minimal new construction so your channel has been a blessing to me. We are in the 2018 ICC code cycle. Keep up the good work brother, guys like me are learning and becoming better educated inspectors from people like you!!!!

[@dunnrightmowing3800]

Do you have any videos that deal specifically on fire place inspection?

[@PPG1967]

I don't at the present time. I'll work on a video for you.

[@beta-carotenefunk7373]

I unno how our house passed inspection. As a kid, I never really cared but now, every time I go to the basement or attic, I feel like our house is standing on faith alone.

[@PPG1967]

It's all about safety. That's the primary job of an inspector, ensuring that a home is safe to occupy.

[@beta-carotenefunk7373]

@@PPG1967 Yeah I get you. Maybe I am a bit paranoid and it's been standing for a good 20 years but, seeing nails miss the beams by a good inch or wood that's damaged used as support beams doesn't inspire confidence.

[@Markanthony51786]

I just can't understand how someone can't live the way they want to. Where I live we are not required to have home owners insurance. So inspections for that can be voided. I just can't believe that the state can come in and tell someone how to live

[@PPG1967]

??? I'm sorry, I don't understand. This video is about framing code violations

[@dalelehman5194]

Your dead on right.Home owner pays for everything and some young over educated punk tells you how to build your house. The safety thing is hog wash. On a 6 foot crawl basement ,4 feet dirt on outside 30 x30 i HAD TO PUT IN 4 TON OF 15 MIL STEEL and steel beams from a bridge constriction Over kill by 10 times, Why do we always hear politicians talk about (AFORDABLE HOUSING) is just a joke ,Gopher snake seen in 1993 (30 years ago) cost me 5000 dollars to make sure he is not still alive

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

@@PPG1967 Free wheeling can kill you or the next owner of the home you built. Rules help keep that from happening. Inspections prove you followed the rules. So maybe you won't live without them.

[@EdLavender]

If you own your home, you are not required to have insurance. If it burns down, or is significantly damaged, it's all your loss. If you are taking money from a bank, and they are paying most of the bill, they will require you to have insurance, or they will not give you a mortgage. That way, their investment is protected against damage. Inspections have nothing to do with insurance. They are required by the municipality, to ensure that the residence is safe for occupancy

[@jaytravel-12]

I have a question so I have a 30amp for my hot water heater when the old heater was token out it was leaking at the heat elements and water was evey where then it made a pop electrical spark so should i change my breaker for new one .?

[@PPG1967]

Consult a competent electrician in your area.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching.

[@justintindel9271]

This was awesome dude thanks 🤙

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching.

[@knowledgenerd2hinkle275]

Love the t-shirt where can i get it.

[@PPG1967]

Local clothing designer. I'll post a link

[@everythinghomerepair1747]

Nice collection of common violations to look for. When you call out things like the egress windows do the builders have to tear into the walls to put in bigger windows or is there an easier fix?

[@PPG1967]

Yes sir...builder get pretty upset about this one.

[@raterus]

@@PPG1967 Well it's their own dumb fault...

[@robertfrancis4876]

You can switch the window to a casement . That sometimes works. They have casement that look like double hung windows

[@Combat556]

While you’re checking egress windows, also check distance of lower edge to floor.

[@tonkatruck929]

Yes. The inspector doesn't have to tell the builder how to fix it, just what the code requires.

[@robertfrancis4876]

Great videos .glad I found your u-channel. It is 5.7 Sq. ft. 2nd floor egress

[@PPG1967]

Welcome aboard!...I appreciate your feedback

[@jon10231]

Can you reference what you said about the 4 ply lvl beams? You said they needed to be staggered bolted, what did you find that information?

[@PPG1967]

Manufacturer's Installation Instructions...thanks for watching!!

[@DrumAdrian16]

Great video

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching.

[@jamesanderson4014]

I have always thought any window should be at least 22 inches wide and maybe 52 inches in height in a stud wall for egress.

[@PPG1967]

Where did you get those dimensions from?

[@jamesanderson4014]

A lot of us need windows for responders to get in and get most folks out. Most windows here double hung are 22-28 inches wide more for custom orders@@PPG1967. Can't speak for other folks. In an energency a door is not always available. Most codes are minmum but some common sense always makes a better build and a better product.

[@annekabrimhall1059]

Like your shirt!

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback.

[@johnmichael642]

AWESOME video

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching!!

[@DR-lh9rm]

First time viewer. :) Algorithm comment. 😁

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching!!

[@gauchoengenharia]

can i use 14mm x 38mm grams replacing plywood nailing nails?

[@PPG1967]

What code book are using??

[@gauchoengenharia]

@@PPG1967 I'm building in Brazil, we don't have our own legislation here, I would like to follow some guidance from you..

[@PPG1967]

I'll help you any way I can.

[@gauchoengenharia]

@@PPG1967 At this moment my biggest question is why I don't see clamps being used in the US to fix plywood, I've already built several houses here in Brazil always using 38mm clamps to fix OSB or plywood.

[@PPG1967]

@@gauchoengenharia email me pictures of what you're talking about. [e-mail]

[@imperialkingzent]

What happens if it's not caught on the rough like the windows for egress?

[@PPG1967]

Unfortunately, it will have to be corrected before the C.O. is issued.

[@JEDI5464]

Nice shirt at da gate 🤙🏽

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching.

[@spackelquack9252]

excellent VDO

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching!!

[@brandymoore5967]

Do you inspect tiny homes?

[@PPG1967]

I do..

[@FourthWayRanch]

How do these plans make it past approval to build?

[@PPG1967]

Plans Examiners miss stuff too.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching!!

[@FourthWayRanch]

@@PPG1967 I'm trying to figure out the grade for my slab. Where is that in the code? I'm hearing make the top of the slab 18" higher than any ground within 10 feet of the foundation?

[@PPG1967]

Where are you located?

[@PPG1967]

What code book has your state adopted?

[@tonkatruck929]

Nice video.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching.

[@DavanteDavidson]

Does anyone know what code book the state of michigan be found?

[@PPG1967]

I’m pretty sure it’s the IRC & IBC. Check with a city building department to verify.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching.

[@DavanteDavidson]

@@PPG1967 where can i check?

[@PPG1967]

Contact your local or state building department.

[@AntOfBobby]

1:47 Who the hell did that?!?!

[@PPG1967]

A framer

[@alanf403]

It may take longer and be a hell of a lot of work, but I'm planning a 1400 sq/ft single story home/garage and I'm doing it myself. I've watched so many videos about shoddy construction that I just don't trust anyone. Sad state of affairs in this country.

[@PPG1967]

Facts

[@PPG1967]

Let me know if I can help.

[@jimzimmerman5288]

That stair you show needs a landing inside the door.

[@PPG1967]

Ok...I appreciate your commenting.

[@richdobbs6595]

As some one who is 6' 1 1/2" tall, it has pained me at various times in my life when people didn't meet the 6'8" head room. You try to step down and whack your forehead.

[@clivevreeswijk4555]

Many of these can be traced back to the design phase

[@PPG1967]

I agree with you….thanks for watching.

[@christophermacquarrie8224]

That's assuming anyone actually read or even skimmed over the blueprints😂

[@thatguy8005]

I’ve seen face Bats exposed inside a chimney… toward the chimney…. Yikes

[@PPG1967]

Wow!!

[@captainjackson6135]

any nails that missed the framing need to be removed. The egress windows should have been caught at Plan Review, permit should never have been issued on it. Drywall can be used to seal the chase

[@PPG1967]

At plan review??...it should've been caught on the rough inspection.

[@captainjackson6135]

@@PPG1967 Should have failed plan review, they don't measure for egress window openings at framing. The contractor and superintendent screwed up, but if they used the windows called out in the plans, the Plan Reviewer screwed up, but ultimately it falls on the contractor.

[@ferdburful6352]

Anti tip on a stove ? Ridiculous. Amazing how generations survived without some of these stupid regulations

[@PPG1967]

I know, right?

[@toddwheeler1526]

If you want to see some real garbage built homes, come to California. Although we have some very stringent codes, the general workmanship, of almost all of the trades especially on tract homes is atrocious. There are very few tradesmen left who know the overall care and fitment of the material elements that go into producing a good product. Then we have to seismic hardware! Junk high moisture content Lumber, prefabricated everything, fools with nailguns, drills, chainsaws etc and junk levels and don't know what a string and a plumb bob is! Proper inspection is consistently hampered by time constraints and politics. BUYER BEWARE! Thank you sir for your public service. Retired GC, commercial, industrial, residential and Sr. Construction Inspector, Civil Engineering, Public Works. Glad I'm done!

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for watching.

[@MikeTyson2]

Thank you if I knew you I would buy you a coffee

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your support.

[@Mrs.Motivation213]

That house boy 😮 I hope they didn't pay someone else to build that

[@PPG1967]

I know, right??...I appreciate you watching.

[@murphmurph2124]

Man codes are absolutely ridiculous I hate them all

[@PPG1967]

Sun Codes??... I'm not familiar.

[@murphmurph2124]

Oops that was a typo sorry​@@PPG1967

[@anthonys6066]

if my inspector ever needed a tape measure it was an automatic fail.

[@PPG1967]

Really??...interesting

[@johns6119]

Very good video if you have the patience to watch the boring intro

[@PPG1967]

Ok

[@alangarcia3971]

that shirt goes hard as f

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate you watching.

[@grannygear1001]

A shirt on backwards. 🤭

[@PPG1967]

I know, right...

[@DZOElPortavoz]

These guys cost people so much money over an inch i honestly think there should be some commen sense befefore costing someone 25k over an inch or two

[@PPG1967]

These guys?....Who are you referring to?...Building Inspectors?

[@DZOElPortavoz]

@@PPG1967 code enforcement in my opinion is a violation of people’s private property’s. I understand the need for enforcing sanitary conditions.But code enforcement will leave a family homeless for violations they deem un safe. I’m not saying you are that type at all I’m speaking in general terms code enforcement has a horrible reputation and most people hate that department.

[@PPG1967]

I understand what you're saying. I worked code enforcement for 3 years before getting into building inspections. Some people don't understand enforcing city ordinances, especially on private property. There must be some standards in place and enforced, especially if you have neighbors.

[@PPG1967]

I appreciate your commenting.

[@randyscrafts8575]

There are far too many unnecessary codes and regulations. These cost the builder & buyer more and more money. Its nothing but a racket to make suppliers money. These overblown codes and regulations increase the cost of residential construction well over the $10,000 mark. At best, they should be options and not requirements. I was going to build but decided not due to these rediculous codes and supply chain issues and supply curtailment and price gouging and crap contractor employee workmanship. Its no longer worth it. I had a builders license since 1995. 2 years ago I let it lapse. No longer useful.

[@spardasquadspqr3535]

If builders wouldnt try to cut corners all the time u wouldnt have any codes. Did u really thing that village came out with codes and permits just for lolz?? Or maybe it was years and years of people bitching to village major to do something about it? Im working construction and u have no idea about building anything if codes are issue for u. Mostly they are based on common sense and other times u have some that demand union tondo the job.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

@spardasquadspqr3535 yep. Codes will make building last and be much more safer. A knowledgeable Building Inspector is a valuable asset both to builder and owner.

[@iseeweiners3772]

Build it right the first time

[@driley4381]

Which codes and regulations are you suggesting should be eliminated??

[@ferdburful6352]

@@driley4381My area requires a four inch exhaust pipe on my gas water heater. The water heater has a 3 inch exhaust. Duh.

[@picmanjoe]

Wow. Some of the worst framing wood I've ever seen.

[@PPG1967]

Ok, I've seen worse.