CRC Building Codes & Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which IRC chapter primarily governs the energy efficiency requirements for new residential construction?
- Chapter 3 – Building Planning
- Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency (Correct answer)
- Chapter 9 – Roof Assemblies
- Chapter 4 – Foundations
Correct answer: Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency
Chapter 11 of the IRC, often cross-referenced with the IECC, establishes energy efficiency requirements for residential buildings.
Question 2: A homeowner wants to convert a garage into a bedroom. Which code concern is MOST critical?
- Roof pitch compliance
- Egress window requirement (Correct answer)
- Garage door width
- Driveway setback
Correct answer: Egress window requirement
Bedrooms must have at least one egress window meeting minimum opening size, sill height, and net clear opening dimensions under the IRC.
Question 3: Under IRC Section R302, what is the minimum fire-resistance rating required for the wall separating an attached garage from a dwelling?
- No rating required if drywall is used
- ½-inch gypsum board on the garage side (Correct answer)
- 2-hour fire-rated assembly
- 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board throughout
Correct answer: ½-inch gypsum board on the garage side
IRC R302.6 requires the wall between an attached garage and the dwelling to be protected with not less than ½-inch gypsum board on the garage side.
Question 4: What does the acronym 'AHJ' stand for in the context of building codes?
- Architectural & Housing Journal
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (Correct answer)
- Approved Housing and Zoning
- Association of Home Judges
Correct answer: Authority Having Jurisdiction
AHJ stands for Authority Having Jurisdiction, the entity responsible for enforcing code requirements in a given area.
Question 5: The IRC requires smoke alarms to be installed in which of the following locations?
- Only in the kitchen and garage
- In each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each story (Correct answer)
- Only on the first floor near the main entry
- In the attic and basement only
Correct answer: In each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each story
IRC R314 requires smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every story including the basement.
Question 6: When a local code conflicts with a state-adopted model code, which typically takes precedence?
- The federal standard always supersedes both
- The local code, if it is more restrictive (Correct answer)
- The model code always takes precedence
- The contractor may choose which to follow
Correct answer: The local code, if it is more restrictive
Local amendments may be more restrictive than the adopted model code, and where adopted, the more restrictive local provision generally governs.
Question 7: Under the IRC, what is the minimum net clear opening area required for an egress window in a sleeping room?
- 3.3 square feet
- 5.7 square feet (Correct answer)
- 8.0 square feet
- 4.5 square feet
Correct answer: 5.7 square feet
IRC R310 requires egress windows in sleeping rooms to have a minimum net clear opening area of 5.7 square feet (5.0 sq ft for grade-floor openings).
CRC Building Codes & Regulations 3
Which IRC chapter primarily governs the energy efficiency requirements for new residential construction?