CODES ANALYSIS

Kristen Detwiler & Barbara Harley-Bishop

INTA212 Residential Design
Week 3, Assignment 2
July 16, 2016

PART I:
CODE CHART

PART II:
DISCUSSION TOPICS

Essay Question 2: Select a topic from Part I and discuss three reasons why you feel the topic demands code compliance in
residential design. Explain what could happen if code compliance is not met for this topic.
Fire and Life Safety Codes are imperative to minimize the effects of fire and related hazards. The International Residential Code (IRC) is
a comprehensive code regulating the construction of single-family houses, two-family houses (duplexes) and buildings consisting of three
or more townhouse units (2015 International Residential Code). The 2015 IRC is the third edition to require fire sprinklers as a standard
feature in all new homes starting January 2011 (Section R313) however, home builder associations in many states have tried to block
adoption of the IRC sprinkler provisions. Currently, more than 30 states have passed legislation that prohibits local governments from
enacting the residential fire sprinkler system code. This fire sprinkler requirement has been adopted by California, Maryland, Pennsylvania
and South Carolina, with many other states and local jurisdictions planning to consider this requirement when they update their codes.
Home Builders Associations oppose the IRC sprinkler provisions citing its an impractical and expensive mandate and have convinced
legislators to pass bills that override the requirement (Sawyers).
I think the fire sprinkler requirement demands code compliance for 3 reasons:
1. After more than five years after requiring all new homes to have fire sprinklers, the results in California and Maryland have
been that the housing markets are thriving (Vote to Defend).
2. New homes with this fire and life safety feature provide home builders with a competitive advantage over resale
properties that do not include sprinkler systems (Vote to Defend).
3. Legal liability - regardless of whether a state chooses to adopt the fire sprinkler requirements out of the IRC, courts
could possibly hold builders accountable to follow established standards of care for fire safety as national code requires every
new residential property to be equipped with fire sprinklers (Avsec).
4. A poll conducted by the Home Sprinkler Fire Coalition, shows that:
78% of home owners said fire sprinklers provide the ultimate protection
74% of homeowners said they would be more likely to buy a home with fire sprinklers that one without.
59% of homeowners said fire safety is very important to them
7 out of 10 homeowners said that a house with fire sprinklers has more value to them (Home Fire
Sprinkler Coalition).

Essay Question: Discuss how important codes are in residential design. Explain how knowing this information will specifically advance
your future application of code factors while designing. Provide at least two examples.
Building codes are essentially health and safety rules. They define the standards that building structures must meet to be considered legally safe.
Building codes are also very universal in nature. They apply to architects, contractors, and all other people involved in the building process, but
theyre also used by tenants, insurance companies, environmental scientists, and various other parties. Because building codes cover so much
territory, theyre usually detailed and complicated.
Building codes are important to residential designers. Professionals study building codes to learn how to apply laws, codes, regulation standards
and practices in their design work. This includes expanding their knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so they can implement
its accessibility requirements. In interior design thesis projects, designers usually have to apply their knowledge of building codes and technology
as well as design concepts.
Besides understanding ADA guidelines, interior design professionals adhere to fire codes established by the National Fire Protection Association
and international codes set by the International Code Council (ICC).
Essentially, designers must keep building codes in mind for every aspect of their work. That includes the types of the materials used, the placement
of fixtures and other features, and more.
Examples
A plumbing code that addresses the buildings potable water supply and waste systems.
Its not just drain pipes and its not just safety issues, either. Some codes are meant to protect the consumer from bad plumbing or building
practices from contractors. There are codes concerning the use of soldered joints underground. Although this is not a good practice, if there were
no code enforcement, unethical plumbers might solder underground because its fast and cheap
A mechanical code that addresses the buildings combustion and mechanical equipment. The International Mechanical Code is a code that
protects the installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of HVAC, exhaust, duct systems, ventilation systems, vents and chimneys, as well
as covering fuel gas distribution equipment and piping.

WORKS CITED
2015 International Residential Code. Web. International Code Council. N.d. 15 July 2016.
http://codes.iccsafe.org/app/book/content/2015-I-Codes/2015%20IRC%20HTML/Chapter%203.html.
Avsec, Robert. Why Do Home Builders Oppose Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems? Web. 22 Dec. 2015
15 July 2016. http://www.fireemsleaderpro.org/2015/12/22/residential-fire-sprinkler/.
Homeowners Poll. Web. Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition. N.d. 15 July 2016.
Residential Building Codes. Web. State Building Codes. N.d. 15 July 2016.
http://www.statebuildingcodes.com/residential-building-codes/.
Sawyers, Harry. The Fight Over Sprinklers in New Homes. Web. Popular Mechanics. N.d. 15 July 2016.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a6146/the-fight-over-fire-sprinklers-in-new-homes/.
Vote to Defend Home Fire Sprinklers. Web. International Residential Code Fire Sprinkler Coalition. N.d. 15
July 2016.

WORKS CITED
By the Book: The Importance of Following the Plumbing Codes .. Web. Plumbers Live By The Code . 17 July
2016. http://plumbingcircle.com/blog/plumbing-codes/
Description of the Regulations/Practices Involved: Their History, Prevalence, and Justifications.. Web.
Building Codes and Housing. 17 July 2016. https://www.huduser.gov/periodicals/cityscpe/vol8num1/ch2.pdf
Interior Design Building Codes Basics.. Web. Harrington College of Design. 17 July 2016.
http://www.harrington.edu/student-life/blog/october-2013/interior-design-building-code-basics
What are some important building code requirements?.. Web. Reference. 17 July 2016.
https://www.reference.com/home-garden/important-building-code-requirements-24be1b7f8358a8cf#