General Knowledge in Construction

Patios more than 30 inches above ground require 36-inch guardrails.

A daycare facility must be located at least 200 feet from a 'high hazard use' area.

A strong, structural element that runs perpendicular to studs, joining them to form a solid concrete-framed member.

White Pine is NOT an acceptable decay-resistant wood.

A W8x15 steel beam 10 feet long weighs 150 pounds (pounds per linear foot multiplied by length).

In a 32/16 plywood panel index, 32 indicates support spacing for roof sheathing, and 16 for sub-floor support spacing.

The bottom cord of an open-web steel joist is under tension.

A #4 reinforcing bar has a diameter of ½ inch. Rebar sizes increase by ⅛ inch increments.

Roof pitch is rise over run. A 'six pitch' means 6 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run.

169.125 inches is equal to 14 feet, 1 and 1/8 inches.

A CSL (Certified Structural Lumber) holder has specific responsibilities outlined in the Massachusetts Building Code Amendments, pages 319-326. These duties include following regulations regarding the use and inspection of structural lumber.

The use of native lumber is specifically addressed in the Massachusetts Building Code Amendments, page 317. You can find cross-references to the International Residential Code (IRC) index for more comprehensive information.

The placement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is outlined in the International Residential Code (IRC) on pages 67 and 68. However, for additional requirements, you need to consult the Massachusetts Building Code Amendments on pages 233-234.

The location of heat detectors is not explicitly mentioned in the IRC, but you can find it in the Massachusetts Building Code Amendments on pages 233-234. Remember to add this information to the IRC index.

An architect's signature on a building permit application isn't mandatory for a single-family home under 1800 square feet. However, factors like insufficient water supply, zoning violations, or lack of worker's compensation insurance can prevent permit issuance.

Homeowners of single-family homes are exempt from licensing requirements and can pull permits for many projects. This exemption does NOT apply to the construction of manufactured homes exceeding 20x20 feet.

Retaining walls exceeding 10 feet in height require professional architectural or engineering services for design and construction. This rule is outlined in the 'Construction Control' section of Massachusetts building code amendments on page 23.

A minimum of 1 business day (24 hours) notice must be given to the building official before commencing construction. This requirement is cross-referenced to section 105.3.1 of the International Residential Code.

According to the Massachusetts Building Code, the basic wind speed for Boston is 128 miles per hour.

A building inspector typically has 30 days to process a permit application. This timeframe is cross-referenced to section 105.3.1 of the International Residential Code.

The Unrestricted Construction Supervisor is primarily responsible for supervising the construction process to ensure compliance with building codes.

If changes are made to approved building plans, the construction supervisor must notify the building inspector immediately.

The construction supervisor is responsible for ensuring subcontractors follow safety regulations on the construction site.

If a construction site generates excessive noise during restricted hours, the supervisor must request a variance from local authorities.

The construction supervisor must keep the original building permit and approved plans on-site at all times.

If hazardous materials like asbestos are found during construction, the supervisor must report it to OSHA and hire a licensed abatement contractor.

A building permit must be renewed if work hasn't commenced within six months.

The construction supervisor is responsible for scheduling inspections at key project milestones.

Failing to comply with the Massachusetts State Building Code as an unrestricted supervisor can result in a fine of $1,000 per violation.

Work on a construction site can only commence after securing a building permit.

The zoning board enforces compliance with local zoning laws.

A minimum of 10 days' notice must be given to abutters before excavation in Massachusetts.

If an adjacent property is damaged during construction, the construction supervisor must contact the building inspector and property owner.

Verification of utility disconnections is required before demolishing an existing structure.

When hiring subcontractors, the construction supervisor must verify their licenses and insurance.

If unexpected conditions arise during foundation excavation, the construction supervisor must stop work and consult a structural engineer.

The construction supervisor should regularly inspect work for code compliance throughout the project.

The approved building plans and permit must be posted at the construction site.

Maintaining OSHA compliance includes displaying the OSHA poster on-site.

Construction debris must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

A design professional is required when structural modifications are made to an existing building.

The maximum slope allowed for temporary construction ramps is 12%.

When working near power lines, notify the utility company and maintain a safe distance.

If water infiltration occurs during construction, stop work and address the issue immediately.

The minimum R-value for attic insulation in new residential construction in Massachusetts is R-49.

The minimum R-value for wood-frame walls in new residential construction in Massachusetts is R-21 or R-13+5.

The maximum U-factor for windows in new residential construction in Massachusetts is 0.30.

A home must have an air leakage rate of no more than 5 ACH at 50 Pascals to pass the blower door test in Massachusetts.

The minimum R-value for floors over unconditioned spaces in Massachusetts is R-30.

The minimum R-value for basement walls in unconditioned spaces in Massachusetts is R-15.

Ducts in unconditioned spaces in Massachusetts require at least R-6 insulation.

The minimum R-value for crawl space walls in Massachusetts is R-15.

The maximum solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for windows in Massachusetts is 0.30.

The maximum U-factor for skylights in new residential construction in Massachusetts is 0.45.

The minimum efficiency required for furnaces in a two-zone HVAC system in Massachusetts is 90% AFUE.

The minimum energy factor (EF) for gas-fired water heaters in Massachusetts is 0.67.

Hot water pipes in unconditioned spaces in Massachusetts require at least R-2 insulation.

At least 75% of permanently installed lighting in new construction in Massachusetts must be high-efficacy.

To qualify for a zero-energy-ready designation in Massachusetts, at least 50% of the home's energy consumption must come from renewable sources.

Vapor barriers must be installed on the warm-in-winter side of the insulation in Massachusetts.

The minimum insulation level required for slab-on-grade floors in Massachusetts is R-10 for 2 feet.

The minimum required ventilation rate for new residential construction in Massachusetts is 0.35 ACH.

The maximum allowable leakage for ducts in unconditioned spaces in Massachusetts is 6%.

New residential construction in Massachusetts requires a solar-ready zone space of at least 200 square feet on the roof.