Code

Where the Building Code Requires More Than Two Exits

by Sean O'Hara March 29, 2018

In most building types the occupant count is low enough that the building is only required to have  one or two exits. The International Building Code calls out where you must have more. In each story where you have 501-1,000 occupants you are required to […]

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The Escalating Cost of Escalators

by Dean Dalvit March 27, 2018

Often in larger scale commercial developments, vertical circulation is handled by escalators in addition to elevators in order to move large volumes of people from one space to another. Escalators are complex truss structures with a remarkable mechanism of chained treads that move in sync […]

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Type ‘A’ vs. Type ‘B’ in Residential Design

by EVstudio AEP February 14, 2018

Type A dwelling units are those that are required by and defined in the International Building Code. These units are referenced in Chapter 11 of the IBC and have to comprise at least 2% of the units in R-2 occupancies so long as there is […]

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Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) Between Dwelling Units

by Sean O'Hara January 11, 2018

In multifamily building construction you need to insulate the dwelling units for sound. When using the International Building Code all common interior walls, partitions and floor/ceiling assemblies between adjacent units and between units and hallways, stairs and service areas need to be insulated. There are […]

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The Importance of Specifications and MasterFormat

by EVstudio AEP January 11, 2018

According to the Dictionary of Architecture & Construction a specification is “a written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to be used, methods of installation, and quality of workmanship for a parcel of work to be placed under contract; usually utilized in […]

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EVstudio Mid-Roof Inspections

by Nic Snow November 20, 2017
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EVstudio is now capable of performing mid-roof inspections throughout the city and surrounding areas. Jefferson County, Wheat Ridge, Boulder, Golden, Littleton, Broomfield, Thornton, and Castle Rock are among the areas requiring an inspection and allowing third-party inspections. A mid-roof inspection may be required when the […]

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Separation of Top of Foundation Wall and Adjacent Exterior Grade

by evstudio August 28, 2017

One of the most commonly asked questions to the structural department involved the required distance between the top of a foundation wall and the adjacent exterior grade. The 2009 International Residential Code requires a minimum of 6 inches of separation where brick veneer is not […]

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LEED VOC MSDS SCAQMD

by EVstudio AEP August 25, 2017

Part of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is to provide better environments for building occupants. Something we do every day but don’t think about much is breathing. Our lungs are very sensitive to contaminants and dust. If you have ever walked into […]

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The ADA, ICC/ANSI A117.1 and Kitchen Sinks in Break Rooms

by EVstudio AEP August 15, 2017

Building codes and guidelines are always full of exceptions and variations on a theme and the Americans with Disabilities Act is no different. The ADA was first created in 1990. It is designed to protect against discrimination based on disability. The act has five titles […]

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Minimum Room Sizes and Minimum Ceiling Heights

by Sean O'Hara August 3, 2017

Occasionally when designing small residential units the question comes up about what the minimum size is for a room and what the minimum ceiling height needs to be. For single family homes and duplexes we go to the 2006 International Residential Code. It states that […]

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Staples or Nails? Choosing the Right Fastener for Wall and Roof Sheathing

by Dean Dalvit May 15, 2017

We are often asked by contractors if they can substitute framing staples instead of nails for their wall and roof sheathing fasteners. There is no easy universal answer to this question because the location of the project may place it in a high wind or […]

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Understanding Xcel Design Requirements for Transformer Rooms

by Dean Dalvit January 29, 2017
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There are several design requirements that must be met in order to provide a transformer room within the building for your project. First, the fire ratings of the walls and ceiling must be a three hour assembly. Ventilation must be provided as well as street […]

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