Changes to the California Building Code Effective January 2014

Change affecting all remodel Permits, whether or not plumbing work is involved:

This rule applies  to all structures finaled prior to January 1st, 1994.

2013 California Green Building Code 301.1.1
Effective January 1, 2014 all residential buildings undergoing permit alteration, additions or improvements shall replace noncompliant plumbing fixtures with water-conserving plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixture replacement is required prior to issuance of final completion,  certificate of occupancy or final permit approval by the local building department. See Civil Code Section 1101.1, et seq. for the definition of a noncompliant plumbing fixture, types of residential buildings affected and important enactment dates.

Civil Code Section 1101.3(c)
"Noncompliant plumbing fixture means"
(1) Any toilet manufactured to use more than 1.6 gallons of water
per flush.
(2) Any urinal manufactured to use more than one gallon of water
per flush.
(3) Any showerhead manufactured to have a flow capacity of more
than 2.5 gallons of water per minute.
(4) Any interior faucet that emits more than 2.2 gallons of water
per minute.

Home Inspection Safety Tips

Here is a list of the primary causes of mortality in US Homes.

Your home inspection therefore should include inspection and testing of these preventable hazards to you and your family.

Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and under. 

The home inspectors primary standard of care is to advise and educate their clients on home safety conditions and prevention strategies for these primary in-home safety issues.

1. Radon

The primary cause of preventable mortality in U.S. homes is from Radon gas. Radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the EPA have identified Radon gas as the second leading cause of lung cancer, as well as the primary cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. 

For over two decades, the EPA has recommended that all homes be tested for Radon. One in fifteen homes have Radon gas levels that are at levels determined as a significant risk to the occupants. 

It is critical that home inspectors continue to inspect, educate and report to their clients on these safety conditions to help prevent tragic, but preventable deaths related to Radon gas.

2. Falls

The home inspection should include the identification of trip hazards at both the exterior and interior areas of the home. If stairs are present, they should be evaluated for safety conformance to current standards. Upper level windows should have safety screen systems installed to prevent child accidents.

3. Poisoning

If children will be present in the home, safety latches on storage areas of potential poisons should be recommended. Potential poisons include: cleaning supplies, over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins and herbs, mouthwash, toothpaste, alcohol, lead paint, nail polish and nail polish remover, cosmetics, hair sprays, perfume, automotive supplies, and some house plants. 

Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed at each level of the home in areas near bedrooms.

4. Fires

Homes should be evaluated for smoke detector locations that meet current fire safety standards: e.g. one at each level and bedroom. 

All of accessible electrical systems should be evaluated to meet current safety standards. 

If attached garage is present, fire wall and door systems must be evaluated to conform with current safety requirements. Proper fire egress from bedrooms and other interior rooms should be reported.

5. Air obstructions

Window cover cords should be properly elevated to prevent child access.

6. Water

Drowning accounts for about 800 deaths a year. Water can be a particular threat to children. People don't realize that a very young child can drown in as little as an inch or two of water; Certainly, a backyard pool, a bathtub, any amount of standing water can be a deadly danger to a small child.

About Guaranteed Property Inspections

For more information on Radon and home inspections or to contact the author, please visit: http://www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, is an ASHI/CREIA/NEHA Certified Inspector and owner of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation in Southern California. He is also certified in: Radon, Mold, Energy Efficiency and Asbestos testing.