Existing building code essentials: Mechanical, plumbing and energy conservation

The 2018 Code Essentials series are available as valuable companions to the 2018 International Building, Residential, Fire, Energy Conservation, Existing Building and Plumbing Codes. Aimed at all user levels — including first-time users, veteran code users and other professionals such as architects, designers and contractors — these guides use a straight-forward, focused approach to explore code requirements with non-code language, allowing readers to gain confidence in their understanding of the material and build a solid foundation for learning and applying the code’s requirements.

2018 Existing Building Code Essentials

In general, Level 2 Alterations work that results in reconfigured occupied spaces and spaces made habitable or occupiable must be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation per the requirements of the International Mechanical Code (IMC).

Newly introduced devices, equipment or operations that are part of Level 2 Alterations work that adversely affect or impair health or cause discomfort to occupants must be provided with local exhaust in accordance with the requirements of the IMC.

When the occupant load of a building story is increased by more than 20 percent as a result of Level 2 Alterations work, plumbing fixtures for that story only must be provided as required by the International Plumbing Code based on the increased occupant load.

Level 2 Alterations to existing buildings do not require the entire building to comply with the energy requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). However, the work associated with the Level 2 Alteration project must comply with the IECC for new construction.

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