In the past, there were two main model codes, the UBC and CABO. These have now been incorporated into the new International Building Code that attempts to smooth out the differences between the above two model codes and align American building practices with international standards. This new code is being adopted in many areas as the model code.

For local modifications to these model codes nobody will expect owners or builders to have all that information in their plans. That's what plan checkers are for - and it's the reason no set of plans ever comes back from plan review without some changes. It doesn't matter if you paid $100 for an inexpensive stock plan or $15,000 for a custom design. There will be red marks on the plans - guaranteed!

Code books are thick. Building inspectors have differing interpretations, and they have concerns that differ because building techniques, climate and other factors are quite different in different parts of the country. Thus codes are a body of law, and like any other body of law, reasonable people can disagree about things.

Owner/builders who have never applied for a permit before can be upset by this. But experienced builders expect it. They just do the things the red marks call out and negotiate changes they don't agree with or think are excessive. Most inspectors are reasonable and flexible as long as you make a good case for your argument. This doesn't mean you'll get your way every time, but sometimes you do. This is as it should be. Local situations vary.

If you were to build every house to meet the worst load conditions of occupancy, soil, wind, earthquake, freeze/thaw and other possibilities, every house would be vastly overbuilt and very expensive. Every house needs to adjust to its local conditions.

For most owner/builders who want to stay in the general vicinity of code compliance without an exhaustive study of some very dry and largely irrelevant material, the best bet is the Code Check: West Guide. This is a laminated booklet based on the UBC code. There are also Code Check guides on Electrical , Plumbing , and Heating and Cooling.