Very interesting discussion....

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by prussell

...We are an unlicensed state, there is no oversight except at the town level.

That's how it is in most of the country. I know of no state enforcement of building codes.

Originally Posted by prussell

Enforcement varies

Yep. Unfortunately.

Originally Posted by prussell

...and it is written into our code law that any code enforcement officer can amend the code for his jurisdiction.

Now I'm very curious about that statement. Can you provide a link that states that any code enforcement officer can "amend" the code locally? I suspect what you mean is that local jurisdictions may choose not to adopt certain sections of the code. But please give some more info about this.

[Peter C. Russell]

That's how it is in most of the country. I know of no state enforcement of building codes.


Not sure about your state but here in NH the state fire marshal has authority over most codes but is usually not involved outside legislation.


Now I'm very curious about that statement. Can you provide a link that states that any code enforcement officer can "amend" the code locally? I suspect what you mean is that local jurisdictions may choose not to adopt certain sections of the code. But please give some more info about this.


That is correct, should have stated it a little different.

For example, some codes near the ocean will require impact resistant glass where in the mountains it's not.

We also have two climate zones which gets confusing because of different insulation requirements depending on which zone you are in.

I do have to say that the state is working with the state fire marshal, local officials and the legislators to make the codes more uniform. As I said earlier, we accepted ARRA money so NH has to be 90% compliant with codes by 2017. This refers mostly to the IRC energy code but will overlap the building code too.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Pete, can I save those pictures to show some of my constituents?

All to true, Code is the minimum requirement to make it legal.
Build to code, you have a good house, build above that standard, you have a superb house.
Those pictures show what happens when no thought given about quality and performance of their work. But it met code per CEO.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by prussell

Mike, I do agree with you to a certain point. Maybe the bigger issue is enforcement or lack there of.

Here are some examples, I am on the forth house in this neighborhood. Every house is leaking, 50 of them, only 10 years old and yes all built to code.

No kick out flashing for the roofs, joist hangers with improper nailing, decks not properly supported.

In NH we adopted the IRC code as the state code but education and enforcement is a problem

It's difficult to explain to a home owner that after only owning a brand new home for 10 years it need 10K worth of repairs, especially when they say.... "But it was inspected by the code enforcement officer".

What a great example Thanks ... Roy

[Brian E. Kelly]

As an Inspector in one from or another for a long time I would often be told, "Well it met the code" or "It was built to the Plans/Specifications".

My usual response was "Really, show me the Code/Plans/Specs it met."

Most of the time the "Tradesmen" had not looked very closely at any documents and even if they did, they did not follow them properly. (that is if they could even find the appropriate Documents )

You build it to the Documents, you do not Inspect Quality into the build.
You Inspect to ensure Compliance with the Minimum Standards agreed upon.

Contractors have a real hard time with this concept when dealing with, or becoming, Inspectors IMO.

[Peter C. Russell]

Roy and Marcel, you have mail

Pete