You don't need to be an expert to assess your house's codes - you just need this guide.

What is the proper clearance for an egress window? Does flexible duct have to be supported every four feet or five? Can vent pipe terminations be located near operable doors and windows? The difference between a code-compliant fixture and an egregious violation is often smaller than you think. You may have friends, family, or neighbors who claim to know, but how can you be sure? Is it worth taking their advice against future violations, fees, and fixes?

The completely updated Codes for Homeowners is here to help. Written by International Residential Codes–certified home inspector Bruce Barker, this third edition of Codes for Homeowners is current with most national codes in force for the period of 2015 through 2017.

Based on his decades of experience, Inspector Bruce Barker has winnowed down the massive heap of codes in force to only those that a single-family homeowner is likely to encounter. Building codes, electrical codes, plumbing codes, and mechanical (HVAC) codes are shown and described in everyday, easy-to-understand language. This third edition includes all of the great information in the first version but is updated to reflect any changes to codes, including the 2014 National Electrical Code, the 2015 Universal Plumbing Code, and the 2015 International Residential Code.

Bruce Barker is president of Dream Home Consultants, LLC., a building inspection and consulting firm. He has built or inspected more than 3,000 homes during his 30 years in the construction and building inspection industries. Mr. Barker is a Residential Combination Inspector, certified by the International Code Council. He is also a licensed contractor in Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina.

Mr. Barker is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). He has served on the Board of Directors and was previously chairman of the Society’s national Standards of Practice Committee. He was also vice president of the North Carolina ASHI chapter. Mr. Barker is a frequent contributor of technical articles to ASHI Reporter, Home Energy, Builder News, and other publications. Mr. Barker is also a member of the International Code Council.