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  1. rktect 1

    A History of Code Compliance Abuse : Case in Point - Riverwalk Saloon, Lehighton, PA

    I will just say this. One of the reasons that I left my previous office was because I was asked, after I did a plan review, if we sent it out to a third party and they were ok with it, would I be ok with that? I said no and they did not pursue the matter with the third-party plan review...
  2. rktect 1

    Why Contractors Avoid Pulling Building Permits: Uncovering the Truth

    I looked at our permits the other day. We had almost 900 permits for the year. I also had over 120 stop work orders and of those close to 90 required and led to a permit. So we are at about 10% and that is only what we catch which means you can probably double this number. JMHO.
  3. rktect 1

    Contractor Complacency & Laziness Pure and Simple

    They have been doing it that way for 30 years. Why would they change when it was semi correct in 1993?
  4. rktect 1

    NFPA 101 Chapter 43 Rehabs and Sprinkler Requirements.

    The IBC chapter 903 applies. So, if the building is an A-1 over 12,000 or occupant load greater than 300 or one of the other two conditions AND 50% or more is reconstruction (see definitions especially area of rehabilitation) then they would need to install the fire sprinkler. That is how I...
  5. rktect 1

    POLL: 10 year battery

    So the answer is yes, but once a permit is required we go above the Illinois requirement and need all hard wired smoke alarms with battery backup and interconnected. Illinois Smoke Alarm Law Effective January 1, 2023 The updated law requires Illinois residents to replace their old smoke alarms...
  6. rktect 1

    POLL: Testing smoke alarms

    Not sure which code you have. But mine says at 314.2.2 Exceptions: 2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems.
  7. rktect 1

    POLL: Testing smoke alarms

    Not required for a furnace replacement but whenever a remodel comes in, we don't just press the button. We will have one smoke detector added, hard-wired and all inter-connected, in every bedroom, one on each floor outside of bedrooms within 15 feet and carbon monoxide detectors added one on...
  8. rktect 1

    Temporary structures

    Man, you should see some of these structures in real life.
  9. rktect 1

    Temporary structures

    OK, how does anybody deal with section 3103 of the IBC for Sukkahs? Do you amend the code section in some way to allow this type of structure for this specific holiday? If you amend your zoning ordinance to allow for these, do you need to amend the IBC 3103?
  10. rktect 1

    Does Anyone Read & Comprehend Anymore?

    I have done similar. Usually something like "If architects and contractors did their jobs at 70% or better I would be out of my job." Fortunately for me, they don't average out at 70%. Some are really good, many are ok, but the bad ones drop that percentage through the floor.
  11. rktect 1

    Top Ten Forum Members by Posts

    Was there a contest? I'd post more if I knew what the prize was.
  12. rktect 1

    Air supported roof collapse

    https://www.yahoo.com/sports/roof-collapses-at-arena-for-tiger-woods-and-rory-mcilroys-new-indoor-golf-league-in-florida-231509459.html That is exactly what will happen when you don't follow the building codes. Required to have an auxiliary inflation system and backup generator in case of...
  13. rktect 1

    Deck Collapses in the U.S.: Building Codes and Safety Concerns

    Some states in the US do have a system in place, but not all and not Illinois. A city could hire the first guy off the street to be their next electrical inspector if they wanted to. There are cities here who have Community Development departments run by AICP planners who also claim the title...
  14. rktect 1

    Deck Collapses in the U.S.: Building Codes and Safety Concerns

    Ice. Well, you have two options in front of you then. Wait for a month, or two, or six to rehire a "qualified inspector" for the position that just opened up due to the retirement of the old inspector or <Ice to fill in the blank> It just is not a perfect word is all I am saying. Sure we can...
  15. rktect 1

    Deck Collapses in the U.S.: Building Codes and Safety Concerns

    Sometimes its do to laziness but it is also an experience factor. All inspectors are not created equal on day one of the job (we all have different and similar pasts we draw from) let alone after one, two, five or ten years down the road as an inspector. I don't try to condemn people who are...
  16. rktect 1

    1 hr fire rated wall assembly - wet location

    I was wondering if anyone knew of a 1 hr fire rated wall assembly for wet locations. Situation is a 5 story building with 1 hr fire rated corridors with apartment/condo unit that wants to turn a simple bathtub into a shower enclosure using tile. The tub is along the rated corridor. Type 1A...
  17. rktect 1

    Which one do you like best?

    That one. Right there in the middle.
  18. rktect 1

    3ft x 10ft deck: joists or not?

    I can now see why the building department/city/town would not want to issue a permit for that. Add the extra joist since it will only cost you $5
  19. rktect 1

    Apparently it has arrived. Plan Review Utilizing AI

    I remember when autocad or other cad type systems came out and was going to save so much time we wouldn't have a job in a short amount of time.
  20. rktect 1

    The New Code Books Are In

    Don't forget your green building code.
  21. rktect 1

    3ft x 10ft deck: joists or not?

    If you are not using joists, where are you being supplied by with the dirigible supports? Is that cost effective?
  22. rktect 1

    What do you call this form-tie in your area?

    Old
  23. rktect 1

    Billiards Parlor Occupant Load??

    Now that you figured out the 5 or 10 or 15 per square foot, which is nice, just wait for a tournament(s) when they cram people all along the wall edges. I think it is a wash using the total sq. ft. area of the space then. Sure, most of the time its 2-4 players per table but like I said, wait...
  24. rktect 1

    ISO/BCEGS/Verisk Review Impact

    We passed on this this year
  25. rktect 1

    The NEC Now Allows a 10amp Circuit Breaker

    Just amend it out. Poof.
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