Building code for new construction (Welcome: insurance, new home, to buy)

[JohnE1000]

Where can I find the building code standards that is enforced for new homes by the local government?

I am planning on building a new home, and I want to educate myself on what should I expect from the builder.

I search the web, but I could not find any links.

Thanks

[saturnfan]

Expect pure junk materials and immigrant labor.

Don't think of the codes as any protection. You need a good builder and a competent inspector.

[ducter]

Originally Posted by saturnfan

Expect pure junk materials and immigrant labor.

Don't think of the codes as any protection. You need a good builder and a competent inspector.

The codes are useless, "to code" is a joke here. Get a good builder. knowledge of construction is needed, if you dont have this you might need to hire a good inspector to review plans BEFORE going into contract.materials used is an issue but so is unskilled labor.

[sacredgrooves]

You would basically have to take a class to understand how to decipher the IRC. The book is a monster, and navigating the contents is a learned skill.
Then you get into variances allowed at the municipal level. You can get reference guides that hit all the major stuff. They are called "The Code Check" series here; Gas detectors | Thermal Imaging Cameras for under $90. I second the notion of getting a good inspector, or course I am biased in that department lol.

[JohnE1000]

Guys, I am going to hire an inspector, but I need to educate myself. I need to know what grade of insulation should be installed in variouse places, thickness of drywall, HVAC effecincy...etc

[saturnfan]

Don't use the code as a guideline. Get industry best practices which usually far exceed code.

[JohnE1000]

Originally Posted by saturnfan

Don't use the code as a guideline. Get industry best practices which usually far exceed code.

Where can I find the industry best practice?

I asked many builders about the material they use, their anwers are always the same "To meet or exceed the building code". That is the reason I want to find the building codes

[rwally]

you should be able to buy a hardcopy of the latest building code ay the NC Dept of Insurance, 322 Chapanoke Road, Suite 200. Call ahead to make sure what form of payment they take, phone 661-5880. The main website is ...
Welcome to NC Office of State Fire Marshal

The online version of the North Carolina State Building Code is ...
http://ecodes.iccsafe.org/nxt/gateway.dll/?f=templates$fn=main-nf.htm&vid=icc2:nc_free

[sacredgrooves]

Originally Posted by JohnE1000

Guys, I am going to hire an inspector, but I need to educate myself. I need to know what grade of insulation should be installed in variouse places, thickness of drywall, HVAC effecincy...etc

12-14" blown fiberglass or 9 1/4" fibergalss batt for attic insualtion
6 1/4" fiberglass batt for sub-floor insulation
3 1/2" fiberglass batt for walls

HVAC will be 13 seer and 80% efficiency for a furnace standard, 90% would probably be considered an upgrade in alot houses

drywall is either 3/8 or 1/2" thickness

feel free to PM me and ask any questions you want. I am an inspector, and if by chance I cannot answer them, my father is a licensed GC as well as an inspector and he can.

[JohnE1000]

Thanks Dave. I PM you.