CBI Building Code Fundamentals & Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'plan review' in the building permit process?
- An examination of construction drawings by the building department to verify code compliance before issuing a permit (Correct answer)
- A review of the building owner's financial plan
- An inspection of the completed building
- A neighborhood meeting about the project
Correct answer: An examination of construction drawings by the building department to verify code compliance before issuing a permit
Plan review involves building department staff examining submitted architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical drawings for code compliance before construction can begin.
Question 2: What are the key inspections required during residential construction?
- Foundation, framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, insulation, and final inspection (Correct answer)
- Only a final inspection is required
- Inspections are optional for residential construction
- Only the foundation and roof require inspection
Correct answer: Foundation, framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, insulation, and final inspection
Multiple inspections at critical stages ensure code compliance: foundation before concrete pour, framing before covering, rough-ins for MEP systems, insulation before drywall, and a comprehensive final inspection.
Question 3: What is an egress window and when is it required?
- A window meeting minimum size requirements for emergency escape, required in every sleeping room and basement habitable space (Correct answer)
- Any window that opens
- A window on the east side of a building
- A decorative window that does not open
Correct answer: A window meeting minimum size requirements for emergency escape, required in every sleeping room and basement habitable space
Egress windows must have a minimum opening of 5.7 sq ft (5.0 sq ft at grade), minimum 24-inch height and 20-inch width, and a maximum sill height of 44 inches, providing emergency escape from bedrooms and basements.
Question 4: What is the inspector's role regarding ADA compliance in commercial buildings?
- Verifying that the building meets accessibility requirements for people with disabilities, including ramps, door widths, and restroom dimensions (Correct answer)
- ADA compliance is not part of building inspection
- Only federal inspectors check ADA compliance
- ADA only applies to government buildings
Correct answer: Verifying that the building meets accessibility requirements for people with disabilities, including ramps, door widths, and restroom dimensions
Building inspectors verify ADA and state accessibility code compliance in commercial and public buildings, checking accessible routes, ramps, door hardware, restroom dimensions, signage, and parking requirements.
Question 5: What is a building envelope?
- The exterior components (walls, roof, foundation, windows, doors) that separate conditioned interior space from the outside environment (Correct answer)
- A mailing envelope used for permit applications
- The building's footprint on the property
- The total square footage of the building
Correct answer: The exterior components (walls, roof, foundation, windows, doors) that separate conditioned interior space from the outside environment
The building envelope includes all exterior elements that separate inside from outside, controlling heat flow, air infiltration, moisture, and serving as the primary barrier against weather, affecting energy efficiency and durability.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)?
- To establish minimum energy efficiency requirements for buildings including insulation, windows, HVAC, and lighting (Correct answer)
- To regulate electricity pricing
- To promote renewable energy installation
- To limit the number of electrical outlets in homes
Correct answer: To establish minimum energy efficiency requirements for buildings including insulation, windows, HVAC, and lighting
The IECC sets minimum energy efficiency standards for new construction and renovations, covering building envelope insulation values, window performance, HVAC efficiency, lighting power density, and air sealing requirements.
CBI Building Code Fundamentals & Compliance 2
What is a 'plan review' in the building permit process?