If I could change one thing in the Building code

[PauHana]

Many of us have had "Role your eyes" moments dealing with the building code, so lets start a list of what should be changed.

Also just plain goofy stuff; like forbidding wiring or plumbing in an indigenous structure and at the same time requiring a sprinkler system.

[The_Saints]

I am limited to changing just one thing? But, but, I have so many...

Lets start with the limitation on a homeowner performing work on the electrical and plumbing systems in their own home. If you're so worried about it, make us pass a skills test before we do the work, like so many other cities and counties around the county require.

Can I have one more? PLEASE!!! No, wait, two more - maybe three?

[Tink]

The limitations of who can do electrical and plumbing is made by the jurisdiction as an amendment to the Code, and not in the Code. You get another shot!

You are correct, an "Owner/Builder" should be able to perform all tasks involved in building a structure without this amendment to protect the unions.

I can see particular amendments added to the Codes that pertain to the environment (seismic, hurricane, etc.), but how does an amendment such as "only licensed contractor may install..." serve the public other than perhaps show the public the educational shortfalls of the Building Department in their inspection methods that "if a licensed contractor did it it must be right", while the rest of the inspections lack in enforcement consistency from one job to the next, and usually mis interpreted. JMO

Community begins with Aloha

[PauHana]

If you have more than one prioritize.

Perhaps a program like "Master gardener" where you get a certificate of competence from HCCC to do the work. Electrical and plumbing. Class and or test.

[kalakoa]

certificate of competence from HCCC to do the work. Electrical and plumbing.

Especially where that's off-grid PV and catchment, in a low-density area with limited neighbor impact ...

[HI_Someday]

You guys beat me to it. I don't live there (yet) but in investigating my housing options one was buying a lot and having a contractor build from scratch. I thought I would be able to do the electrical myself and some of the plumbing (I have experience) to save money. Then I find it's not allowed. I don't really understand this because if a permit is obtained, plans submitted and approved then all work inspected and signed off by the inspector why would it matter who did the work? If it meets code it meets code.

I see the comment about it being an amendment to the code, but it is still part of that process and that is what I would change.

[The_Saints]

Let's allow the use of globally accepted alternative materials, Such as bamboo. An example of the use would be bamboo in place of re-bar within concrete. Why dig iron ore out of the ground on the other side of the world, ship it somewhere else where we then expend the energy and cost of making it into steel bars, and then ship those bars to another facility where they are rolled into re-bar. And, after all of that, they have to be shipped over the ocean to our island? We can grow an acceptable substitute right here locally. Let us keep it local; let us use a local resource; let us keep the money here. I would very much prefer to source as much as possible from local resources supplied by local people. Why force me to send the money to the mainland or another country.

[The_Saints]

Why do I have to use a steel or cast concrete lintel. We should update the code to allow current technology. How about a cast composite lintel? Or perhaps an engineered lumber beam lintel? Because again, these can be sourced locally from reclaimed materials... Cheaper and the money stays here.

[The_Saints]

Not strictly a code issue, more of a zoning issue, however, I lump them both together in the same bucket of dysfunction. Why can I not have a full kitchen in my ohana unit if I am on Ag zoned property? I am limited in how many of these accessory structures I can have. So it is not like I can create a little village of rentals on my lot. Why must I share the kitchen in my house with my in-laws? That's why you build an ohana structure, to keep them out THERE, so they don't have to come in HERE.

[David M]

quote:

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Originally posted by The_Saints

Not strictly a code issue, more of a zoning issue, however, I lump them both together in the same bucket of dysfunction. Why can I not have a full kitchen in my ohana unit if I am on Ag zoned property? I am limited in how many of these accessory structures I can have. So it is not like I can create a little village of rentals on my lot. Why must I share the kitchen in my house with my in-laws? That's why you build an ohana structure, to keep them out THERE, so they don't have to come in HERE.

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Low cost housing is a hot ticket item, but talk only. Suggestions such as yours offer a real solution that could benefit many - therefore it won't happen. I had a very similar talk with one of our state reps about 10 years ago. I now realize his response was really, "I want to talk about the problem, not fix it"

David

Ninole Resident
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