I at the Pro Desk wi keep deck contractors coming back for m"g.re

D) UILDING code requirements

l)vary quite a bit from state to state, between neighboring counties, and sometimes even from one town to another. Experienced and conscientious builders do their best to be code compliant with their projects. However, questions come up, and inspectors find things that make the builder scratch his head and wonder when the heck did that change?

Building codes change on a regular basis as a result of advances in technology, development of new building practices, and sometimes even due to the rising popularity of a certain type of project (e.g., outdoor living areas). There are going to be a lot of building code changes for decks and railings over the next few years.

Since builders by nature prefer to work with their hands and listen to the hum (or screech) of their power tools versus spending inordinate amounts of time reading code books, many of them get their information word-ofmouth from inspectors, other builders, and sometimes vendors during product demonstrations. While these ancillary resources may very well provide accurate information. the most trusted resource is always the first sourcethe book.

Pros will go where they can find answers quickly and easily. What ber ter place than your Pro Desk! They need to go to your yard for materials anyway. Builders have a choice where purchase their materials. Decisions of who they decide to deal with have as much to do with service as with price. They will certainly choose your yard over another when they know they can get the help they need in addition to their materials.

Much of the building code in use today is based on a version of model codes developed by the International

INorth American Deck & Railins Association

Code Council (ICC). In particular, your builders will be interested in two ICC model codes: International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). (There are several other model code books put out by the ICC covering other areas such as plumbing and electrical requirements).

The agency that governs building code for your jurisdiction may have adopted all or part of the an ICC model code book. Sometimes only a portion of a model code book is adopted. As well, a jurisdiction may instead choose to adopt its own code or amend code from the ICC model codes. A well-known example of this is the state of California. which has adopted its own code. The Los Angeles Building Code has further amendments in addition to the California Building Code for application in that jurisdiction.

The ICC works on a code development cycle that runs for three years. Be aware that a jurisdiction may not be using the most current version of an ICC model code book. This is common as it takes time for newer versions to work their way down to building departments, be reviewed (sometimes modified), and finally adopted. Therefore. it is very important to determine what code and which version is currently adopted in your jurisdiction. Some building departments make finding this out easy by listing the code books that they have adopted on their website.

If you serve more than one area, make sure you contact the building departments for neighboring jurisdictions as well. Be sure to get on their mailing list for updates, and make a call now and then to be sure your materials are up to date.

You can also ask for or download copies of permit forms and handouts that the building department may have on hand. Ask for sample copies of permit requirements, punch lists, and anything else that might help your pro customers do the best job of code compliance possible.

It is important to keep in mind that your Pro Desk is not the building department and should not give advice. You are only supplying casual resources for the builders to look at. Code questions should be answered by the building department.

There are several ways to get the word out:

. Simply tell the builders when they come in and point out the books and forms now available to them. Then post a sign, do a mailer, include it in your e-newsletter, or announce it at a breakfast or lunch-time demo that you host.

. Tell the building inspectors-they will tell the builders.

. Invite a building inspector to do an hour presentation on some area of building practice, and then tell that captive audience that you now have these references available. The builders will know that you have their best interests at heart, and they will come back.

- Diana Hanson is co-owner and operater o.f deck contract0r Woodpile Construction, Meridian, Id., and Woodpile Products, maker of Deckit deck spacers. She is active in North American Deck & Railing Association and frequently writes .for industry publications. Contact her at