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Alan, I think it would be great experience for you. By studying for these exams, it will force you to deal with issues in the code that you probably haven’t encountered as a contractor. Also, if you are considering employment in this field, it will make you more marketable.
Dan
Prescriptive codes don't address the connection at less common angles, so base the connection off more typical ones using bolts, structural screws, blocking, and steel tension ties.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
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Alan, I think it would be great experience for you. By studying for these exams, it will force you to deal with issues in the code that you probably haven't encountered as a contractor. Also, if you are considering employment in this field, it will make you more marketable.
Dan
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I dont know if it is the cold weather that makes one think that the inspector has the better job.
Anyhow, I ordered some books and will take the test for building inspector.
Is it worth it?
I know that at the very least I will become more proficient with building, generally, by doing this.
But I cant seem to shake the feeling that the only ones who seem to really be advancing is the booksellers.
Any thoughts?
*Alan J. Although I doubt I would ever work for government again,being the Code Enforcement Officer(CEO) was an experience that Bill Gates money could not buy. You'll see my code background reflected in my regular quoting of the codes in my posts. I came to the job with some archit4dtural and structural engineering background, and lots of hands-on house building experience.On the job I learned lots about the NEC code and plumbing and plumbing codes. One of my building inspectors(I headed up the department) was also a licensed Master electrician, and another was a licensed Master plumber. I also learned a lot about septic systems since they were under my control. I was also the Zoning Administrator, and learned a lot about what too many builders don't know enough about, set backs, variances and so on.Because I had to attend Zoning and Planning board meetings,the CEO is advisor to these boards, and also serves to keep them out of trouble, I learned a lot about sub division regulations, zoning board hearings, and that conditions necessary to sucessfully obtain a variance.Thus in this job I was able to round out my education. Go for it. It pays well, and while you probably won't leant much about alternative methods, you'll certainly learn a lot about the codes, and why they mostly, but sometimes don't, make sense.At least you'll finally learn that there is no such thing as BOCA or UBC approved anything.ONLY the local building official has the authority and legal right to allow or deny a product or method of building. Gene L.