2018 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings

The International Code Council's residential code sets out requirements for building, plumbing, mechanical systems, fuel gas and electrical work in one- and two-family homes and in townhouses up to three stories. The 2018 edition's changes include an updated seismic map that assigns the most conservative Seismic Design Category for any soil type, with a second map allowing less conservative categories for certain site classes. Townhouses may now be separated by two fire-resistance-rated walls or a common wall, and some sprinklered homes no longer need an emergency escape opening in basement bedrooms. The smoke alarm interconnection exemption for existing areas is gone, girder and header tables now use #2 Southern Pine, and new tables address stud heights where winds are high.

Alan Pierce, chief executive of Ansuz Balder Magni Investments, called it a great book for an overall understanding of mainly modern Western building and its many styles and materials.