Product Description

The 2003 International Residential Code brings uniformity to construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories high. A comprehensive code for homebuilding, this book brings together all building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical provisions for one- and two-family residences. It establishes minimum regulations using prescriptive provisions, and is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and building designs. This 2003 edition is fully compatible with all the International Codes published by the International Code Council (ICC).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #148508 in Books
• Published on: 2003-02-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 604 pages

About the Author
ICC is a leading organization dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national model construction codes. 48 states have adopted various International Codes from ICC.

Customer Reviews

Would you like to purchase the corrections supplement, too?
Ask yourself why you want your own code book. Do you want instant access to the same information as your city building inspector?
I have a fourth printing (March 2004) and have found dozens of mistakes, items where my code book differs from the one adopted by my state and city, the first printing (January 2003). You would think that given the stated goal of the building code to standardize building practice, that the ICC would either be more careful, or they would put corrections in the public domain. For sure, you shouldn't have to proof the copy and then go looking for corrections. If you want a compendium of all of the known mistakes in all of the ICC code books, you can purchase the bound volume for an additional $13 directly from them. You just have to then figure out which changes go with your edition. It's too bad the ICC doesn't make the corrections edition available at Amazon so that it can be sold "Better Together". My advice? Find out what edition your city uses and get that, it's probably the first printing. If you can't get the same book, wait a couple of years for your city to adopt the next new code (2006?, 2009?) and get a first printing. That way you can borrow your building inspectors' corrections.

Building Code - 2003
Very good reference book for understanding the details of what the building inspector is using for acceptance criteria. Not for the novice, unless you have a good dictionary available. It does leave some of the minute details in the referenced industry standards (National Electric Code, ANSI standards, etc.). Provdes an excellent way to communicate specifics with the general contractor/builder.

As exciting as the phone book
You really need to WANT to have the Residential Code to wade through the 'jargon' in it. The answers ARE there, but you have to look for them. The chart on window and door header requirements is nearly 3 pages long! The code must cover all possibilities, but it doesn't need to be so technical that only 'inspectors' can decipher it (if they're lucky). The 2002 National Electric Code is just as complex, but it is written to be understood by nearly anyone. I hope the editors/writers of the next version of the IRC take the hint.