New Building Code Information

[hotinhawaii]

BIB, forgive me. My terminology may have been misleading in one sense. Officially, chapter 5 of the old Hawaii Code was repealed and replaced with the new code. The new chapter 5 of the Hawaii Code is an amendment in that it amends, or formally modifies, some portions of the IBC 2006. It doesn't amend the old chapter 5. My bad.

[john the architect]

Much of what is feared about the new code does not apply to Puna, so everyone ought to calm down a bit. There is more of an architect's input required on most new structures which will be a good thing. Our job is to be concerned foremost with safety (most of the code changes are in this area) but if we are doing that job the way we were taught we also make your home more efficient, comfortable, and valuable.

John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@me.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082
www.jmagreenbuilding.com

[hotinhawaii]

I agree that increased safety is a good thing and architect's input is a good thing. I don't know that your statement about much of the new code's provisions not applying to Puna is true, however.
The new code requires wall and ceiling insulation, with no exceptions for walls. It requires impact resistant windows or at least coverings. Those are two expensive changes. It also requires more detailing on the plans-- seismic and wind calculations for all structures, which will mean more costly plans.
While the benefits of these changes can be debated, I don't think the increased costs associated with them can be.

[kjlpahoa]

The whole code applies to Puna. The punative Administrative section applies to Puna, The ability to condem on grounds of "substandard" applies to Puna, the hurricane safe room requirements applies to Puna. With the new code, you will not be able to build R-3's that provides the hawaiian life style that we have had for generations and is still so popular in lower Puna. I think what you are saying when you state "does not apply to Puna" is the admittance that more and more punatics will be building without a permit to have what they really want in a no hassle environment.

quote:

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Originally posted by John the Architect

Much of what is feared about the new code does not apply to Puna, so everyone ought to calm down a bit. There is more of an architect's input required on most new structures which will be a good thing. Our job is to be concerned foremost with safety (most of the code changes are in this area) but if we are doing that job the way we were taught we also make your home more efficient, comfortable, and valuable.

John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@me.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082
www.jmagreenbuilding.com

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[kjlpahoa]

For clarification, The new Chapter 5 does adopt and amend the 2006 IBC. But only for Chapters 4 on in the IBC. For the Administrative chapters, the County DID NOT adopt the IBC Administrative chapters as State mandated. But they took their old Administrative chapter, made a few minor changes, mostly more restrictive and adopted them. They do not follow, in any way or manor, the IBC asministrative sections. It is the administrative sections that are so punitive and out of line with modern code practices.

quote:

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Originally posted by hotinhawaii

BIB, forgive me. My terminology may have been misleading in one sense. Officially, chapter 5 of the old Hawaii Code was repealed and replaced with the new code. The new chapter 5 of the Hawaii Code is an amendment in that it amends, or formally modifies, some portions of the IBC 2006. It doesn't amend the old chapter 5. My bad.

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[john the architect]

That's not what I'm saying, that things don't apply because of non-permitted building activity.
It is my current experience with permitting projects on the Big Island that some things (never said all) don't apply in Puna. I have been designing above the code and with alternative materials for permanence (so not to waste and have to do it over ) and comfort, and that is not "first cost" cheaper, so I can only control budgets by refining and better detailing. I choose to work for my clients on solving these new challenges.

John Maloney
310.562.0362
johnmaloney3@me.com
Hawaii Architect AR8082
www.jmagreenbuilding.com

[jerry]

There seems to be so much confusion regarding this new code. So let me ask two specific questions.

1) Safe rooms: required or not, under what conditions?

2)Insulation: required or not, under what conditions?




Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com

[hotinhawaii]

Jerry, safe rooms are optional. If you choose that option, the new code specifies how they are to be built. Insulation is required in walls to be R-13 with no exceptions. Ceilings are to be R-19 with exceptions allowed if the roof is a "certified cool roof" or if a radiant barrier is used. No insulation required under slabs or floors.

[VancouverIslander]

What is the purpose of insulation in this climate? Is it for it's fire retardant value?

[Rob Tucker]

It is my understanding, perhaps in conflict with what has been stated above, that the insulation requirement is for air conditioned spaces as an energy saving issue.

Aside from that the tropics have a lot of heat issues. I find a well insulated home to be of good purpose for three reasons.

Hot-cool/electric bills/quieter - Sun on a metal roof generates a lot of heat into a poorly designed building. No planning for heat gain results in many (most?) people buying ceiling fans for almost every room. VERY expensive to run fan motors where the electric rates are the highest in the nation.... plus the fact that all those fans do is push hot air around for the most part. A well insulated roof will result in lower electric bills, cooler home and quieter in heavy rain.

I have a well insulated home and another benefit is that the coqui are less of a disturbance at night.

So it surprises me that people think insulation a waste. It may actually be one of the most cost effective things you can spend money on.