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  1. Darren Emery

    We Need New Blood

    Who knew? Not me, and I'm a fairly techy guy for my age. I thought you had to have a Stripe Account to pay with Stripe. Thanks for the info!
  2. Darren Emery

    We Need New Blood

    I get that the issue was on my end with PayPal. That's exactly why I would prefer to not use PayPal. Many potential Sawhorses may not have PayPal or stripe, and some like myself, would prefer to never use PayPal again. I'd pay with a CC today if I had the option.
  3. Darren Emery

    We Need New Blood

    One other thing that caught my attention - I found it odd that I could not use a credit card to pay for my Sawhorse renewal. I did my best to use paypal, but still have not been notified of my upgrade, so I'm wondering if I did something wrong with paypal. I would much prefer to use a CC.
  4. Darren Emery

    Apparently it has arrived. Plan Review Utilizing AI

    Very interesting and informative podcast series right now on the Ezra Klein Show. First episode covers the current state of affairs of LLM/AI, and how to most effectively use the tools at hand. And to address an earlier statement about not losing our jobs to AI before we all retire; We're...
  5. Darren Emery

    Plan Review Software - a different question

    On the contrary...that's exactly the kind of answer I was looking for. Thanks!
  6. Darren Emery

    We Need New Blood

    A few initial thoughts: I know ads are somewhat of a necessary evil in the forum "business" but one of the amount of screen real estate dedicated to ads here seems excessive. It makes for a difficult read at times. Can that be scaled back a bit, or a lot? I participate in a number of...
  7. Darren Emery

    Plan Review Software - a different question

    Thanks to all who have replied so far! Good discussion, and some interesting ideas. I wasn't aware that BB would integrate with other software. Another related question to stir the pot a bit: during plan review, does the PE (plans examiner, not professional engineer, I know very few AHJs...
  8. Darren Emery

    I am new to the forum have questions about new construction and electrical work installed into code violating framing.

    You certainly may be right, but it might also be they have not had an opportunity to return to the forum to read responses. Its only been 18hrs since the initial post, and it is the weekend!
  9. Darren Emery

    Plan Review Software - a different question

    I've done a bit of reading of past threads on this issue, and Bluebeam seems to be the hands down winner as far as document handling and markup goes. How about the process and workflow side of things? I'm curious as to what system (if any) others use to track the plan review process from...
  10. Darren Emery

    Why Do American Homes Suck? [video]

    Very well done video. I'll admit I pushed through pretty quickly, mostly due to the fact that I realized about 90 seconds in that I am going to agree with most everything he has to say. But also - because I need to get to work. Speaking of work: in light of the truth shared in the video...
  11. Darren Emery

    The Importance of The Permit Technician in the Building Permit Process

    A high-end, professional, effective permit tech can be a game changer for a building department. The PEs can just E. The BIs can just I. The BOs can just....well, whatever a BO does when he or she is being effective.
  12. Darren Emery

    The Importance of The Permit Technician in the Building Permit Process

  13. Darren Emery

    Leaks Among Us

    Related question: does your office get called out for these type of inspections (flashing, house-wrap, anything related to keeping the water out) or do you have to be proactive and catch the project at the right time?
  14. Darren Emery

    Building Stronger Communities: The Power of Collaboration in Code Enforcement

    In our jurisdiction we have the building dept. (plan review, inspections, contractor licensing) code enforcement, zoning enforcement, fire inspections, fire prevention, and as of late this year, animal control all in our office under the banner of Risk Reduction It is not without it's...
  15. Darren Emery

    Why I Appreciate This Forum

    I haven't been all that active of late, but I do remember the very early days of this forum, and have encouraged every new inspector I hire to engage and learn from this group of dedicated professionals. Thank you Jar, and others, for the time and effort you put into this very worthy endeavor!
  16. Darren Emery

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

    Can you share a link to the ICC Deck code? I have not see that one yet!
  17. Darren Emery

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

    Who took what out of which code? 2021 IRC R507.5.1 still calls for full bearing at beam ends.
  18. Darren Emery

    Spacing of Through Penetration Firestop system

    Agreed - minimum and maximums per penetration, but I cannot find how many different penetrations can be allowed in a given area of a 2 hour wall. For example, in a given floor joist cavity (say 12" by 16") how many times can I cut hole in the wall in this space, and use an approved TPFS for...
  19. Darren Emery

    Spacing of Through Penetration Firestop system

    Full listing from UL. Indeed. Has anyone else found the "ever improving" UL website a nightmare to navigate? So far...I cannot find the full report :(
  20. Darren Emery

    Spacing of Through Penetration Firestop system

    The system is for SER cable, 3M WL3195. Cut sheet attached if interested.
  21. Darren Emery

    Spacing of Through Penetration Firestop system

    If memory serves (and I'll be the first to admit it doesn't always serve me well these days) I found an answer to this question many years ago, but having no luck currently. I believe the answer may be found deep in the details of the associated UL testing procedure. Any input would be...
  22. Darren Emery

    Garage Floor Drain

    I agree that the IRC is pretty much silent on this issue. In our jurisdiction, single family garage floor drain must connect to sanitary sewer, no separator required.
  23. Darren Emery

    Contractor and Tradesperson education

    Wondering how other building departments go about educating their GCs and tradespeople on code changes, or changes in level of enforcement? We used to send out a quarterly newsletter, but it never seemed to have much reach. Have tried email for a while, but I get the feeling no one reads email...
  24. Darren Emery

    Holding the Inspectors and Building Department Accountable?

    Interesting discussion. Two comments to add: Our inspection software allows for the inspector to add violation types on the fly, and then we add code sections to the violation library later. The next time that violation type is used, the code reference is included in the email notification...
  25. Darren Emery

    Dr. J Evaluation services?

    Yes - that is just one of the items of concern.
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