Welcome to Building Code Geek

Field-tested inspection logic from someone who’s enforced the code.

I’m Rich — a retired municipal building inspector and licensed supervising electrician with decades of real-world jobsite experience. I also served in the fire service for over 30 years, which shaped how I view safety, accountability, and real-world risk.

I’ve inspected framing, ventilation systems, electrical installations, and commercial and residential projects from footing to final. I’ve written red tags and passed projects, so I understand how compliance is evaluated. Before enforcing the code, I worked in the trades myself — I know how projects actually come together on the jobsite.

Building Code Geek exists for one purpose:

To explain how inspections are actually evaluated.

Not internet myths.
Not over-applied code.
Not “best practice” confusion.

Just enforceable requirements — and how inspectors determine applicability across electrical, structural, and mechanical systems.

What You’ll Learn Here

  • Why projects fail inspection
  • What triggers NEC, IRC, and IMC requirements
  • How inspectors determine code applicability
  • Where contractors misinterpret scope or plans
  • What applies — and what doesn’t

I cover:

  • Electrical inspections (NEC)
  • Structural and framing inspections (IRC)
  • Mechanical and ventilation inspections (IRC / IMC)
  • Plan reading and inspection logic

If you’re roughing in a new build, remodeling, or preparing for final inspection — this site is built to help you pass the first time.

Start Here: Common Red-Tag Topics

These are issues that regularly generate red tags and slow projects down. I cover electrical, structural/framing, and mechanical requirements across both residential and commercial work — always through the lens of real-world enforcement.

Start with these field-tested problem areas:

  • Roof ventilation requirements (1:150 vs 1:300 explained)
  • Subpanel bonding and feeder neutral isolation rules
  • Stair geometry and headroom violations
  • GFCI and AFCI trigger conditions
  • Slab vapor retarder requirements
  • Bathroom exhaust termination rules
  • Emergency egress and window requirements
  • Guardrail and handrail compliance details
  • Garage and exterior electrical wet-location rules
  • Commercial hood and ventilation trigger conditions

These are the types of details that cause inspections to fail — not because they’re complicated, but because they’re often misunderstood or misapplied.

Let’s Get the Job Done Right the First Time

Luke 6:48 — For a house built to withstand any storm.

Don’t waste another hour guessing what the inspector wants to see.

I’ve stood on both sides of the clipboard — and I built this platform to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Explore Inspection Guides and Start Here:

Start Learning Now