Code Check: An Illustrated Guide to Building a Safe House Spiral-bound – November 24, 2009

Full disclosure... I am one of the authors. Code Check 8th Edition literally takes several thousand pages of the building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes and pulls out the most commonly used codes - then we summarize them in an easy to use 32 page laminated flip style book. They are designed for use in either the office or field.Some of the critical comments are that the codes are summarized. There is no other way to fit a few thousand pages into 32 - unless we used REALLY small print! lol Also, the separate code books would cost 100's of dollars to buy and then you would have to be able to find the code citation you wanted. We also pull out info that is only found in standards documents and summarize them in Code Check as well. For example, the SMACNA heating duct support standard costs over $200 to but. The info from it is summarized in Code Check as part of the $21.95 price.One issue I find confusing is some of the reviews. There are reviews on this book from 2014 - which is impossible. We didn't start writing CC 8th edition until 2016. This edition uses the most commonly adopted model codes in effect today in the US. I hope you enjoy! -Skip

I do a lot of projects around the house and this book has been extremely helpful. Explanations are clear and it provides examples to help explain why the code exists. Understanding the reasoning behind the code makes it much easier for me to remember. New code from previous versions is highlighted in blue to make it clear what has changed.There are picture examples of most items that also make it easy to assess. I had version two of the book and was impressed at how much they were able to consolidate into version 8. The entire book is about the size of a thin notebook and is printed on a material that will hold up to the less than ideal conditions of a job site.Certainly not an exhaustive list of code requirements but

Product was excellent, but the shipper failed to ensure that it was in the envelope prior to closing and the sticky flap actually adhered to the product. Not only was the envelope difficult to open, but when I tried to peel the envelope flap off the cover of the Checklist, gooey stuff remained on the product.So, while the product was excellent, the care taken in packaging was horrible.

If you're a do it yourself remodeler or basement finisher this is a good reference to make sure you meet the building codes. It provides some quick answers to things like nailing requirements, maximum spans for doors, roof frames, and floor joists, and many other quick facts for plumbing, electrical, fire and structural codes. But for many questions/issues it just lists the IRC or UPC reference. For that reason it would be even more valuable if you had a copy of the International Residential Code in case you needed more details since it provides the references. I have a building permit to finish my basement and I want to make sure that I meet the codes and this book has been helpful. I plan to buy the plumbing, building and electrical Code Check too.

I use this to make sure I'm aware of a code (and its name) for the process of building. I'm an owner/builder so I need a bit of help making sure I'm aware of what I don't know. This is a great reference with some really awesome drawings that help make things really understandable.

I had an idea what to expect prior to getting the book. I alread own a previous version of the electrical code. I did find, however, that the section dealing with electrical code was smaller than the full electrical code book, and imagine it's the same with the other sections. No matter, you will still learn the basics that a homeowner should know prior to undertaking any work that will have to be inspected.

Excellent Format, Quality, Lightweight easy to carry to jobsite. I am a Certified Professional Inspector for homes and this is very useful for looking up code references and great diagrams and organized well by trades. Very good to use but I always advice you know what Code year and amendments your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) Uses and make sure you get the Code Check book that applies.

I acted as my own general contractor building our new home and the local building department recommended I get one of these. It is very straight forward to use and much better than trying to wade through the actual code. If you are totally naive to building code, as were we, you will have to look up a few of the terms, but that's easy. Using this I was able to completely install the house's electrical, plumbing, heating, and railings on my own (we used sub-contractors for the foundation, framing, insulation, and drywall).