I’m a full time geologist who builds houses for re-sale. Over the last ten years I’ve built six houses, some of which I sell new and some of which I live in for a year or so and then sell. I’ve heard that there is going to be a new BC building code soon and I’d really appreciate it if you could give me a “heads-up” on some of the bigger changes coming our way in the new year.

Part 3

Last week we discussed some of the new 2006 Building Code changes that affect the interior design of residential buildings including windows, combined rooms, ceiling heights, room sizes and interior doors. One of the design changes we didn’t look at is the new flexibility in stair design.

For example, the old Code restricted the use of winder treads to one set of 30 degree winders in any flight of stairs. Now, you can design 45 degree winders and there is no limit to the number of winders you can incorporate in a flight. As well, landings no longer have to be 90 degree rectangles. Curved, radius or angled landings are all permitted, which makes for much more creative staircase design. Also, the old rule of 100 mm (4 inch) bottom guardrail height has been changed to 140 mm (5-1/2 inches) clear space between a floor and the underside of this horizontal rail.

Here is a significant change that will surely be of interest to contractors and one time home builders alike. Code authors have reduced the required “perm” rating for air and vapour barrier materials. This change permits the use of a much wider range of vapour barrier materials such as vapour barrier paints, plywood, OSB board, polystyrene and foil-faced polyurethane. In other words, you can now realize a significant cost savings in labour and materials by replacing the traditional 6 mil UV rated polyethylene vapour barrier over insulation with vapour barrier paint on the interior drywall.

Here are a few quick one line changes that fall into my “for better or worse” category. The requirement to install a laundry washing facility in every dwelling unit has been deleted. Carbon monoxide alarms are now required whenever the building has any fuel burning appliance (including a gas hot water tank) in the suite or an adjoining service room or if the suite adjoins a garage. Cheater vents (air admittance valves) are now permitted under certain conditions and in specific locations. It also appears that the BC Plumbing Code is now requiring the installation of at least one 3 inch vent through the roof of every building. Stay tuned. Next week, just to play the devil’s advocate, we’ll construct a virtual residential suite using the new minimum Code prescriptions.