Cob: code

[Ted Schluenderfritz]

I sent this but wasn't sure it went through, so here it is again...sorry if
you've seen it already.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Another reason to build small . . .
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 09:31:43 -0800
From: Ted Schluenderfritz <teds at rtvision.com>
To: strawbale at crest.org
References: <3.0.5.32.19991220214324.00939a00 at pop.azstarnet.com>
<385F1595.AC1F0EE6 at earthlink.net> <385F7F56.920CA62D at innotech.cnchost.com>

I'm considering building a cob, srawbale structure in PA (they apparently have
or will shortly go to a state wide building code)...Where do you find out if I
will even be allowed to build such a structure. Who do you call, and how do you
go about finding answers without them thinking you are insane? :^)

thanks for your help.
Ted

Leonard Jones wrote:
> 
> Excellent advice...
> 
> These guys can make or break a project.  It's always a good idea to develop a good
> relationship with them and to ask for their advice.
> 
> Paul's suggestion about taking plenty of pictures of each part of the construction as it
> is underway is a good idea, too.
> 
> Another rule of thumb is that anything that will be covered up where it can't be seen
> again (like your rebar or plumbing in a wall or under the slab), they will definitely want
> to see before it's covered up.
> 
> Leonard Jones
> 
> "SANCO Enterprises " wrote:
> 
> > Carolyn wrote:
> >
> > > Well, I really blew it on my stemwall inspection.  I thought that the
> > > inspection was for the top of the wall, where the jbolts and rebar connect
> > > to the bales, so I poured concrete in the darn thing before calling the
> > > inspector!  I soon found out that he wanted to inspect the rebar inside the wall,
> > > not above the wall and failed my inspection.  When I called him up and told him that
> > > I had 20 people coming that weekend to raise the walls, so what should we do now???
> > > He said, "Well, since its such a small structure, I'm not too worried.  Reschedule
> > > the inspection for tomorrow and I'll pass it.
> >
> > Carolyn,
> >
> > You have had your first "freebie" from an inspector.  Be thankful.  Unfortunately most
> > owner-builders with little experience with the all powerful "Building Department" take
> > a "them against me" position for fear that something may not pass inspection and in
> > some cases take extreme measures to get around an inspection and pay the ultimate
> > price --- tear it down and start over.
> >
> > I learned early on to meet with the "person" who will be doing the inspection.
> > Discuss the project and ask what specifically "he or she" wants to see and when.  Some
> > of the things they are interested in are not specifically identified on the inspection
> > sign-off.  Make the inspectors your friend, not your worst enemy.
> >
> > If an inspector feels confident that you know what you are doing and the workmanship
> > quality is good to very good, you will soon find out that he or she will coach you in
> > the next phase of the inspection or make recommendations that can save many $$$$$.
> > For my last project, the inspector was only on site twice and signed everything off.
> > To protect myself when he said "ok" to the inspection request, I took photos and made
> > a note of the time and response given to the request for inspection.  It's always a
> > good idea to rake photos anyway.
> >
> > A good rule of thumb, "if it is structural, under pressure, has water flowing or must
> > support traffic", it needs to be inspected. Anything cosmetic they could care less.
> >
> > Paul Salas
> > SANCO Enterprises, LLC
> > P.O. Box 45741
> > Rio Rancho, NM 87174
> > (505) 238-1485
> 
> --
> The difficulties and struggles of today are but the price we must pay for
> the accomplishments and victories of tomorrow.
> 
> ^ÖWilliam J. H. Boetcker