Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Nov 30, 2004 07:28am | #1

   Best thing to do is check with the city or state that issues the license, and see what they require.  Doesn't matter if they are two publications behind, you will have to pass the test based on the code they have adopted.

    

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   housedktr | Nov 30, 2004 07:31am | #2

   thanks.

2. 
   robzan | Nov 30, 2004 09:07am | #3

   Housedktr,
   I have been a GC since 2000. Here in California, you get your licence by taking a test that has very little to do with what you are actually doing when you are building. Actually, there are 2 parts to the test, the trade portion that i was refering to above, and the law portion which is the same no matter what trade licence you are going for. Here in CA there are LOTS of laws, so that portion of the test is very relavent. You basicly have to go to a school to get the knowledge on the test here. I do not think that reading the applicable code book would get you very far. Hope this helps..RZ

1. 
   housedktr | Nov 30, 2004 04:12pm | #4

   Appreciate it. 

   So far my work has been home repair, small remodeling type stuff.  I've learned lot's here at this site over the last couple of weeks... enough to start realizing I didn't know as much as I thought I did.  I figure getting my hands on the code book can't hurt.

   There are some local community colleges around here that do GC classes.  I'll look into it.

   thanks...st

    

1. 
   BobKovacs | Nov 30, 2004 04:23pm | #5

   The code books are generally only revised every 3 years or so.  You won't find a "2004" edition- the 2003 will be used until the new one comes out- probably in 2006.  As stated before, many towns/states don't even adopt the "current" code version right away- so check with your local jurisdiction, and also see what codes (if any) the licensing test is based on.

   Bob

1. 
   Jay72 | Nov 30, 2004 04:29pm | #6

   In Virginia the building portion of the test is based upon the 2000 IRC book and it really helps to be very familiar with it if you plan on passing the BLD section of the test. Good Luck, Jay

3. 
   pvaman | Dec 01, 2004 04:42am | #7

   I just finished taking 2 courses at the community college -- one covered the 2003 code and one was more of a 'building methods' class. I found it useful. Really gave me good feeling for the layout of the code and how to find things quickly <-- that's kind of the key.

   With some work i think i could pass the residential builders exam (what you're referring to) BUT in addition to this you need to have a year's experience and/or have another GC sign off that you have the equivalent experience.

   After i took the code class i was much more familiar with indirect references to code issues when i looked at products.

   I did not get a chance to look at the law materials ... these are separate from the IRC code.

1. 
   brownbagg | Dec 01, 2004 06:52am | #8

   when I was building my house, I had a new copy of the 2000 SBC (southern building code) the county inspector office was still on 1997. I build to 2000 codes and fail some items because it was not 97 codes. had to file disagreement with the head chief inspector to override 97 code.

4. 
   RalphWicklund | Dec 01, 2004 07:32am | #9

   Every state has their own requirements for the GC license. Before you start to study what you think might be required, get the info straight from the horses mouth - the licensing board for your state.

   If there are such entities in your state, take advantage of construction schools that will prepare you for your states licensing exams. They cut through the chaff to make it easier to jump through the hoops. If you don't know the general direction to focus your studying energies you will end up overloaded and underprepared.

   In FL the GC license is classified as unlimited and the testing will not be just on what you plan on doing. We had to test on finance, accounting, management and construction law as well as code and construction practices, heavy equipment, blueprint reading and more calculations than you could shake a stick at. I had a booklet with 12 pages of prints in it and had to calculate a change in drywall quantity for a 4 story building and how much sod to order for the landscaping.

   Building to code will be the least of your worries. When you become a GC you are not a tradesman anymore, you are a businessman and the state expects and wants you to succeed as a business. You'll find many references on this forum regarding this transition.

5. 
   Mooney | Dec 02, 2004 02:31am | #10

   You or anyone else didnt mention North Carolina . You need to know which code your state is on and what year.

   Every tradesman should "own" a code book of their trade. You should own a residential building code book. If you never take the test , you still should own one. Not many here own one. I get a little tired of answering code questions for them. If they are to call themselfs pros , they should know their own code book so they can reference it.

   Arkansas is on the 2000 International Building  Code  . There is a residential and a commercial volume.

   I dont expect people to know fire codes , saftey codes , osha,  and codes out of their trades . I do expect a professional builder to own a code book. A master plumber should own his code book , the same as the other trades. 2003 mechanical code book  and 2005 national electrical code, for this area.

   Tim Mooney