How are plans reviewed? -- #23

 How are plans reviewed? -- #23

Important definition: Secondary Suite

Secondary suite means a self-contained dwelling unit located in a building or portion of a building of only residential occupancy that contains only one other dwelling unit and common spaces, and where both dwelling units constitute a single real estate entity.

#secondarysuite #dwellingunits

Guidelines for Effectively Engaging a Building Code Consultant

 Guidelines for Effectively Engaging a Building Code Consultant

When contemplating the engagement of Building Code Consultants, it is crucial to examine their LinkedIn profiles to verify that they possess the necessary qualifications and experience, unless we are prepared to provide them training through our projects.

Consider the following scenarios:

If we were to hire a #physician to safeguard our health, but this "physician" has never attended medical school or treated a patient in a #clinical setting, the consequences could be dire.

If we were to engage a #structural engineer to design a #skyscraper, yet this "structural engineer" lacks knowledge of structural mechanics and has no prior experience in an architectural firm, the building could potentially collapse.

If we were to select a building code consultant to aid in our building permit application, but this "consultant" has never enforced Building Code within a municipality, our application process may become increasingly complicated.

Many challenges we encounter today may stem from our initial hiring decisions. #hiring #design #training #experience #buildingcodeconsultant #linkedin.

Test to architects and plans examiners

 Test to architects and plans examiners

Evaluate the architectural design for the carport attached to the existing garage depicted in this image. What issues can be identified with this addition?

#carport #gagage #addition #architect #plansexaminer

How are plans reviewed? -- #22

 How are plans reviewed? -- #22

Converting a single-family house into a daycare facility is a complex undertaking that cannot be accomplished solely by an architectural designer. It requires the involvement of an architect, a structural engineer, a mechanical engineer, and an electrical engineer. Crucially, the expertise of a building code consultant, well-versed in the relevant codes, is invaluable for ensuring compliance and achieving cost savings. In a recent project, I successfully saved the building owner approximately $50,000 by retaining the existing structure and providing appropriate fire separations.

#singlefamilyhouse #daycare #buildingcodeconsultant #fireseparation

9.15.4.9. Crack Control Joints

 9.15.4.9. Crack Control Joints

This Article sets minimum distances for the location of joints in foundation walls designed to reduce #cracks so that the entry of soil drainage #water and #moisture can be minimized.

Both cast-in-place #concrete and concrete block shrink over time as a result of curing and drying. To control #shrinkage cracking, concrete block masonry units are either steam cured or autoclaved by the producer, and are required to satisfy permissible limits on linear drying shrinkage. Even so, some shrinkage may be expected for both cast-in-place concrete and concrete masonry #foundation walls.

Crack control joints may be necessary to accommodate this shrinkage. These joints are designed to move apart slightly as the wall shrinks, while maintaining a watertight surface. These are required to be installed not more than 15 m (45 ft.) apart when the foundation walls are longer than 25 m (75 ft.). Figure 9.15.-17 illustrates the requirements for crack control joints in foundations and two approaches for sealing the joints.

Where possible, crack control joints should be placed adjacent to a #window opening, where the concentration of tensile stresses encourages shrinkage cracks to occur.

Quoted from Illustrated Users' Guide - NBC2015

#crackcontroljoints #foundationwall #castinplaceconcrete #tensilestress

9.15.4.7. Reduction in Thickness

 9.15.4.7. Reduction in Thickness

1) Where the top of a foundation wall is reduced in #thickness to permit the

installation of floor #joists, the reduced section shall be not more than 350 mm high and not less than 90 mm thick.

2) Where the top of a #foundation wall is reduced in thickness to permit the

installation of a masonry exterior facing, the reduced section shall be

a) not less than 90 mm thick, and

b) tied to the facing material with metal ties conforming to Sentence 9.20.9.4.(3) spaced not more than

i) 200 mm o.c. vertically, and

ii) 900 mm o.c. horizontally.

3) The space between wall and facing described in Sentence (2) shall be filled

with #mortar.

Quoted from NBC 2015

#foundationwall

How to Find a Good Building Code Consultant?

 How to Find a Good Building Code Consultant?

For those seeking a reliable Building Code Consultant, consider this golden standard: 3 years in building design at an architectural firm combined with 8 years as a Building Code Engineer in a Municipality. This unique blend of experience qualifies an individual for the role effectively.

The 3 years spent in an architectural firm provide a solid foundation in blueprint reading for structures ranging from simple to intricate. On the other hand, the 8 years in a Municipality offer valuable insights into Building Code enforcement. This extensive duration involves specialized training and licensing, equipping professionals with the ability to review and enforce codes for various building types proficiently.

It's crucial to note that the expertise of a Building Code Consultant significantly differs from that of Fire Engineers or Fire Code Consultants, as their focus is distinct from Building Code matters.

#design #training #building #designers #buildingofficial #codeconsultant

9.15.4.6. Extension above Ground Level

 9.15.4.6. Extension above Ground Level

This Article sets the minimum extension of foundation walls above ground level. The extension of a foundation above ground level is intended to avoid the entry of #rainwater run-off and #snow-melt over the top edge of the wall, and to protect water-sensitive materials supported on the foundation from prolonged wetting.

Foundation walls must extend a minimum of 150 mm (6 in.) above the #ground. If a #cladding is used that is adversely affected by #moisture, such as #wood or wood-based #siding, #clearance between the finished ground level and the bottom of the #cladding must be a minimum of 200 mm (8 in.) (NBC Article 9.27.2.4.). This also applies to #stucco over wood-frame construction (NBC Article 9.28.1.4.). These conditions are illustrated in Figure 9.15.-15.

Quoted from Illustrated Users' Guide - National Building Code 2015

#foundationwall 

How are plans reviewed? - #21

 How are plans reviewed? - #21



Cost-saving opportunities exist for all types of projects, whether they involve new #construction or #renovations. For example, I recently achieved a 64% cost reduction on commonly used materials for an interior renovation of a #daycare facility. Additionally, I was able to reduce #costs by eliminating one layer of ⅝” Type X drywall from the ceiling to the wall in a #garage this morning. All cost savings are achieved while ensuring compliance with the Building Code.

#costreduction #interiorrenovation #buildingcode

How are plans reviewed? – # 20

 How are plans reviewed? – # 20

It is crucial to engage a Building Code Consultant with a solid foundation in Code enforcement. It is not wise to assume that we are fortunate if the plans examiner overlooks any deficiencies. From my understanding, some plans examiners may not review the plans thoroughly before granting the building permit.