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  1. J

    3 Trump Properties Hit With New Disabilities Violations Complaints

    There is no real "justice" any more in the USA, only win or lose. If you are on the bad side of the dog fight, you fight back or surrender. Where any issue ends is with the best fighter. Right now the "special interests" have been the better fighters. Whether you agree or not with the winners is...
  2. J

    Affordable Housing

    I might trust an Engineer to "observe" and report on structure because of the rigor required in their professional practice. Being a licensed Architect myself, I get a "WTF" moment thinking that Architects would be the persons in charge of safety for everything else. Don't lump the building...
  3. J

    After a customer catches on fire, city red-tags rooftop fire pits.

    Ok, now for some personal knowledge. I live about an hour from Carmel, been to the rooftop at Vesuvio a bunch of times over the years for happy hour and a few dinners. Every time I went, I had to ask the head waiter to turn down the flames on the fire pit, if I am lucky enough to get seated by...
  4. J

    Induced earthquakes raise chances of damaging shaking in 2016: USGS

    I preferr earthquakes; tornados and hurricanes are terrible weather and environment conditions for days to weeks. When it's nice weather with an earthquake, it still is nice weather..
  5. J

    Stop the madness

    It is understandable why a contractor wants to minimize labor, but not at the risk of someone getting seriously hurt or killed. Can the electric utility in the area add some weight to not having panels wide open & unattended by "qualified" personnel?
  6. J

    Codes & reference book library for sale

    Sold out !!! Thanks Ron, Brent, & Jim
  7. J

    Inspector you are thirty minutes late

    My favorite comeback: "If you are willing to pay more for permits, I can hire enough people to make firm appointment times and be on time. By the way, please talk to your competition about doing better work so I don't have to spend so much time writing corrections before I get to your job."
  8. J

    Homes on Steep Slopes?

    Most anywhere in the very dry state of California, you will need a geotechnical and possibly geologic investigation and report(s) that outlines the foundation system or alternates for that specific site that also includes the necessary surface & subsurface water control systems with maintenance...
  9. J

    Outlet Modifications

    Was this install by "amateur" or supposed "professional"?
  10. J

    ICC Site

    I gave up on ICC site years ago. Do you really need to use it? Since you mentioned it, I tried the site, can't even log in.
  11. J

    Codes & reference book library for sale

    Sold a few more, see Update2 for remaining books still available. Try being "old school" and have a book in your hand. Beats a secured pdf file from ICC for old codes. Update2_CodeBooksAndRefBooksInventory.pdf Update2_CodeBooksAndRefBooksInventory.pdf
  12. J

    An average day

    It's a matter of acceptable risk and a majority of people today don't want to risk something they don't understand; like cars. I have talked to and seen people with the most unrealistic expectations for cars, houses, appliances, and other every day items. A lot of them will be good candidates...
  13. J

    Recessed toilet paper dispenser vs. grab bar clearance

    Tolerance allowed but there is no published trade or professional standard known applicable to the condition. Talked this over with Bobrick about 5 years ago and the result is "?" for tolerance. Claim that product is accessible is "caveat emptor".
  14. J

    Codes & reference book library for sale

    Sold a few books out of the hundreds.Posting the updated inventory list for anyone else interested Update1_CodeBooksAndRefBooksInventory.pdf Update1_CodeBooksAndRefBooksInventory.pdf
  15. J

    An average day

    Conarb - still fixing up house to sell so no mortgage payment when I relocate. My wife of 44+ years retires this June. I like the 40's 50's & 60's style hot rods. Not worried about customers, will build what I like.
  16. J

    Codes & reference book library for sale

    Since I "retired" last year, I need to reduce expenses. Part of the reduction is getting rid of many decades of accumulated "stuff" (remember George Carlin's stand up routine about "stuff"). I have well over 100 code books and many other reference books/pamphlets/handouts that need to find a...
  17. J

    An average day

    Post #1989: brings back memories when I would tell the offending homeowner to pull it out, start over, don't glue it just dry fit, will look again before allowed to glue up & test. If you don't get it right in 3 more tries, then hire a licensed plumber. Gunshot wouldn't beat the phone call back...
  18. J

    Chicago building inspector charged with trying to extort building owner

    Seems Chicago has people getting caught every 5 to 10 years. I remember them in the news starting in the 1960's for graft, extortion, and bribery by Health Dept, then Planning, then Building, then Public Works. Seems to be a culture of preying on the customers.
  19. J

    Braille signs exempt?

    If the building is "public" and owned by the agency you work for, then the ADA is required. Typically all permanent rooms/spaces require signs with braille. Wayfinding signs are not required and generally do not require braille, however it is helpful if they are at least "tactile" (raised...
  20. J

    An average day

    post #1985: give me a big enough price reduction and I might be interested.
  21. J

    Condensation floor pipes

    Need some more info: Project location: code section?: & definition for "condensation floor pipes" It appears you may be dealing with "floor drains", please clarify. Unusual that your floor drain is going to be 1" above floor tile grade, clarify why as most floor drains are flush to floor tile...
  22. J

    Faulty Wiring Fatality

    I hope that what caused the pool to be energized is found, we can all learn something from this tragedy.
  23. J

    Seismic Disclaimer

    There are retrofit standards by the Fed seismic safety outfit that have varying degrees of retrofit quality. If the standard is clearly stated on the calcs and on the plans, it is recommended that the property Owner acknowledge that the design and final work product is at a level agreeable to...
  24. J

    Condensate P-trap

    Installation instructions usually have the manufacturers minimum requirements for the condensate ptrap and many times has pictures for the illiterate contractor
  25. J

    Do you check out every building you enter?

    For you "youngsters"; look up the "Fonz"
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