Our staff attended the 2017 Code Conference in Bozeman and learned a tremendous amount about the latest code specifications for our projects.
Below are six highlights from our staff:
1. Reference the 2018 IBC instead of 2015
“The State of Montana will not be adopting the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), but will skip over to the 2018 IBC.“ – Collin Pullman, AIT
2. Always check if special inspections are needed for your project
“Remember to review IBC Chapter 17 to determine which special inspections are required for your project. The Building Department may require additional special inspections. The Owner or the Architect may hire the special inspector.” – Kory Kennaugh, Architect
3. Know the benefits between LED disk light vs. tradition “can light“
“I learned about the requirements of the energy code in residential projects. One interesting thing was how installing a LED disk light vs a traditional “can light” boosts the efficiency of a room. The disk LED light doesn’t require you to penetrate the insulation in the ceiling to install it unlike a traditional “can light” that does.” – Megan Moody, Interior Designer
4. The ability to reuse and re-purpose existing building features
“I found the continued use and reuse of existing buildings class particularly helpful – especially as we learn how to increase safety and usability. In particular we learned more about the details of different remodel/addition levels. All this goes toward advancing my ability to quickly and effectively advise our clients on creative and new ways to re-use or re-purpose existing buildings.” -Jason Egeline, Architect
5. Keep flammability in mind when choosing interior finishes
“The most important item that was reiterated throughout the course I took was that interior finishes account for a significant portion of fatalities in building fires. Interior finishes have been known to accelerate fire or react with it to create toxic, deadly gas. Interior finishes are usually what covers the floors, walls, or ceiling, but can include all sorts of “extras” from foam acoustical panels to furniture upholstery. This gave more meaning to the definition of my job: protecting the public health, safety, and welfare by staying well informed about the testing with which these finishes need comply.” – Tyece Sweat, Interior Design Director
6. Remember soil testing affects on size and depth of foundation walls, making sure to build fire rated walls and design with a safe path for users in case of emergency
“First, I learned about the impact of soil testing and how that affects size and depth of footing & foundations walls. Second, I learned the importance of fire-rated wall assemblies for area separation. Making sure that the fire wall consists of two walls so that one area of the building could burn down without affecting the rest of the building. Allow a safe path for users of the building to find safety and egress to the exterior of the building.” – Matt Avard, AIT