The International Residential Code is widely adopted in the United States, across all but one of the 50 states (what’s up Wisconsin?), and though it is amended in an unlimited variety across the country, there are some commonalities that can still be found. Along with these common provisions, there are also common mistakes that can lead to a failed inspection. These mistakes, however common, are not necessarily obvious. Often mistakes come from impatience and innocent ignorance of the code—and from forgetting that the way we once did things is not always the way we should do things. Based on my experience as a longtime (and former) building inspector, here are some of the mistakes that often get flagged on residential building sites.
Read More
