About Building Code Geek: Straightforward, field-tested building code advice from someone who’s actually been on both sides of the process. I’m Rich — a retired municipal building inspector, firefighter, and supervising electrician with decades of jobsite experience. If you’ve ever stood in front of a service panel wondering “Is this going to pass?” — I’ve been there. And if you’ve ever failed an inspection without a clear explanation of why — yeah, I’ve been there too.
Who This Site Is For
Whether you’re a licensed electrician, a contractor trying to pass final inspection, or a serious DIYer who just wants to get it done right the first time — Building Code Geek is here to help. No code-speak. No vague answers. Just clear breakdowns, real-world logic, and the kind of guidance I wish someone gave me early on.
Why I Started Building Code Geek
I’ve been on both ends of the inspection process. I know what it’s like to be the one getting inspected — waiting for answers, dealing with corrections, not always getting helpful direction. And I know what it’s like to be the one doing the inspecting — trying to keep people safe while also trying to be fair. This site was born out of that experience: to help people navigate code compliance with clarity, not confusion.
And that’s really what Building Code Geek is all about—bridging the gap between the field and the codebook. I write the way I talk on a jobsite: clear, practical, and no fluff. Whether you’re reviewing NEC or IRC requirements, updating kitchen wiring, or trying to make sense of an inspection correction notice, my goal is to offer the same kind of support I gave to my crews and the contractors I worked with for decades. It’s field-tested guidance designed to help you get it right the first time—and pass your final inspection without the stress.
A Little Background
I come from a family of tradesmen and builders. Before I ever picked up a code book, I was laboring for my dad and crawling under houses with uncles and family friends. I’ve worked various trades and have experience as a residential general contractor. That hands-on background shaped how I inspect, teach, and explain things today.
- Supervising Electrician – Licensed & on the tools
- Retired Fire Captain/Medic – Life safety isn’t just a code section to me
- Municipal Inspector – ICC Certified in Residential & Commercial
- Trainer & Educator – Building code instructor on YouTube and blog
- Author – Pass the Inspection: GFCI & AFCI Field Guide — written to take the guesswork out of NEC 210.8 and 210.12
Why It Matters
Too many good people waste time, money, and energy failing inspections for things that could’ve been prevented with a little clearer direction. That’s why Building Code Geek exists — to help close the gap between the code and the people actually doing the work.
You shouldn’t need a code library and a law degree to pass your inspection.
Let’s Get to Work
Start with the Blog for hands-on code walkthroughs, or check out the Books page for my latest field guides. Got a question or an inspection story to share? Head to the Contact page — or jump into the comments on YouTube.
Let’s get the job done right the first time.