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Framing a wall: idiot edition

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Howard_Casto:
Jimmy, I don't want to start a big argument with you, but everything you argued with just isn't correct. 

As Vigo said, yeah WV uses the IBC 2009... and then there's a little unnoticeable comment that any local laws or existing state specific laws take president and thus 90% of what's in there is overridden.  Keep in mind, I don't even live in the city, I live out in the sticks, but because the nearest city is Charleston, all the inspectors go by Charleston code.   That's how it goes in WV... most of the inspectors are based in a town or city, most people live in a rural area... whatever code they decide to inflict on you largely depends upon who you call.  This probably isn't even legal, but it doesn't matter... it's simpler to just deal with their particular code.

There was a house next door with the same vintage lumber... he was getting it inspected for something else and the inspector complained that his studs were too far apart.  The owner explained that it didn't matter because it was thicker timber but the inspector didn't care... he wanted that 16 on center as opposed to the 18 or 20 that it was.  It was a big fight to keep from having to rip the stuff out, so nope.... no real consideration for old construction materials. 

I've met 10 inspectors over the years... they are all out of work or aging or down on their luck GCs.  Most of them blindly followed the code.  Others would cuss and swarm about how dumb the code was, but they'd follow it anyway.  So when even the supposed expert tells you the code is b.s. and yet he fails you, the whole inspection is naturally b.s.  I'm not even in construction in an official capacity but I could go get my license in general construction inspection right now.... you just have to pass a rather simple test.  Oh and give the state some money (naturally).   

You are right, it is easier in a rural area... only because we don't get anything inspected.  If you are going to go the legal route though it's just as bad, if not worse because things just aren't followed closely and you never know which inspector you are going to get. 

TopJimmyCooks:
That sucks that Charleston has so many exceptions to IBC, and it's true of course that local jurisdictions make additions and edits as I mentioned.  Most places in NC/SC/VA don't do that because it exposes the city to liability.  IE something is charleston codeworthy but not ibc and mold grows in the walls, they sue the ---- out of the city inspection department.  Taxpayers pay the legal bills.  it happens all the time.  The great thing about widely accepted code formats like ibc, cabo, etc. is that the training is better and the interpretations come into line. 


--- Quote from: Howard_Casto on July 10, 2013, 03:34:37 pm --- . . . that his studs were too far apart.  The owner explained that it didn't matter because it was thicker timber but the inspector didn't care... he wanted that 16 on center as opposed to the 18 or 20 that it was.  It was a big fight to keep from having to rip the stuff out, so nope.... no real consideration for old construction materials. 

--- End quote ---

See - that's well covered under IBC code- there are a million charts of stud size/spacing etc. and 16" isn't the only option, and to a certain extent you can interpolate. 

If you get into this kind of fight - just get an engineer (PE) letter, sealed, saying it's ok.  That absolves the inspectors - they want to CYA even when/especially when its a little off the beaten path.  I've done this probably 10 times over the years.  cost ranged from free to maybe $400 was the most I ever spent. 


--- Quote from: Howard_Casto on July 10, 2013, 03:34:37 pm --- . . . but I could go get my license in general construction inspection right now.... you just have to pass a rather simple test.  Oh and give the state some money (naturally).   

--- End quote ---

I suspect the test is like a civil service exam - to get into the job.  Once you got on board, you'd have to go to class to get certification for what you're inspecting - building, plumbing, whatever.  That's my guess. I have not done any work in WV.  If it's exactly what you're saying then I agree, that's ridiculous.  Around here you can't get inspections sometimes because they're all in training all the time. 

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