Code

Understanding Xcel Design Requirements for Transformer Rooms

by Dean Dalvit January 9, 2015

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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Slope on Stair Treads and Landings

by Sean O'Hara December 2, 2014

I received an email today from an individual who’s contractor had built an exterior concrete stair for them. Each tread sloped 3/4″ down from back to front. I quickly emailed them back to let them know that isn’t up to code and in fact is […]

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Upcoming Changes in the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code

by Bill Foster October 4, 2014

In its efforts to improve building energy efficiency by 30% the following improvements are being proposed in the 2012 IECC. As with all proposals that involve significant change and numerous stake holders there will be significant push and pull on these issues at both the […]

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How Much Does a Hydraulic 2-Stop Elevator Cost?

by Dean Dalvit October 4, 2014

A very common question we get when designing multi-level commercial projects is: Will I need an elevator and how much will that cost? It can often be a deciding factor in going with multi-story design. Elevators come in all shapes and sizes, so I’ve decided […]

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IRC Fire Separation Requirements

by evstudio October 2, 2014

When designing single family dwelling units, it’s important to remember the fire separation distance requirements. Fire separation distance is measured from the face of the building to the property line, centerline of a street or alley, or to an imaginary line between two buildings. Exterior […]

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All Handheld Showers Require Backflow Protection

by Dean Dalvit August 29, 2014

We do a large amount of design work in the medical sector and are often called upon to do a code analysis on existing facilities that are being renovated. Recently, we were asked by one of our Clients to look at the hand held showers […]

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Can I Re-Use My Existing Building?

by EVstudio AEP August 29, 2014

With the increased demand for a more sustainable way to use buildings, adaptive reuse of existing buildings has become a viable economic solution. Adaptive reuse consists of improving, remodeling, and adding to an existing structure for either different or more extensive spatial requirements. The first […]

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

by Dean Dalvit August 20, 2014

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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Varying Design Wind Speeds for Arvada, Colorado

by evstudio July 15, 2014

Contractors, Owners and Designers should be aware that the City of Arvada has five different wind zones of varying intensity. This could mean a difference of up to 20-25 pounds per square foot of wind pressure on the components and cladding of roofs. For a […]

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Separation of Top of Foundation Wall and Adjacent Exterior Grade

by evstudio July 15, 2014

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

by Anthony Ries May 29, 2014

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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Avoid Costly Future Alterations: Free Fair Housing and Accessibility Presentation

by evstudio May 20, 2014

This week the Department of Local Affairs (DORA) Civil Rights Division offered one of four free lectures on Fair Housing, Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodations. The lecture is given by DORA’s fair housing expert, Jennifer McPherson, she covers the local, state and federal fair housing regulations. This is a must see for architects, […]

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