Questions tagged [california]

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California: what happens if HVAC fails HERS? [closed]

In California, I recently had my AC and furnace replaced and am getting a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) test done as part of the permit paperwork. The contractor did not make modifications to my ...
Kevin's user avatar
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0 votes
4 answers
263 views

What is the best way to add insulation to an uninsulated 1950's house? [closed]

We are in the process of closing on a 1950s house (1 story, 1100sq ft, 2B/1ba) in southern california. It has not been renovated (old windows, no insulation anywhere) but in decent conditions. I am ...
aaaaa says reinstate Monica's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
163 views

Plumbing - What is the min size of a Kitchen + Dishwaser drain in California? (1.5in or 2in)

Code: 2019 California Plumbing Code, Based on the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code - https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-plumbing-code-2019/chapter/7/sanitary-drainage#7 Context: I am moving the kitchen ...
Max's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
247 views

Framing Question - 4x4 Post with Perpendicular Beam Next to Patio Doors

Context: Doing an addition and opening up a bearing wall to create a great room. The bearing wall will be replaced by a 5.5in x 14in PSL beam 18'8" long. Rafters and Joists sit on the beam ...
Max's user avatar
  • 643
3 votes
2 answers
98 views

Smallest width California residential code compliant below grade R-5 cement masonry wall assembly?

I'm in California, IBC climate zone 3B, California climate zone 8, very high termite area. I'm trying to determine the smallest width (for the total wall assembly) code compliant way to insulate (to R-...
gmbuell's user avatar
  • 31
1 vote
2 answers
84 views

Can two light sources be on a dimmer within the same 3-panel switch?

Our GC's electrician recently installed a new 3-panel switch in our California bathroom to control two light sources and a dehumidifier/fan. I had wanted both light sources to be on the dimmer, but ...
Dean Bach's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
216 views

Required, or recommended, to upgrade panel?

I'm getting an EV charger installed, as we're getting an electric vehicle, and I want to check whether it's appropriate to do this install with the service we have now, or if we'll need to upgrade the ...
Joe's user avatar
  • 924
1 vote
0 answers
40 views

Clearance from a bath external vent to a kitchen external vent?

I know that bath and kitchen vents have to terminate outside a building, at least 3' from the operable portion of a window. What if I have two such vents? Can they come out next to each other? Here ...
Bryce's user avatar
  • 10.7k
2 votes
2 answers
292 views

If I live in the US Southwest, would a heat pump or conventional dryer use less energy?

Suppose I live in Poway, CA (weather), where temperatures are roughly between 50 and 90 F throughout the year and relative humidity is generally between 40 and 60%. With climate change the highs have ...
matmat's user avatar
  • 161
1 vote
1 answer
847 views

Dealing with ants coming in from walls

We just moved to California, and specifically one of the many areas that has a major problem with Argentine Ants. The house we're renting is relatively new (1980s construction), but it seems like it ...
Joe's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
94 views

Is this fan control switch appropriate for this ceiling fan?

United States, California, house is built in the 90s. I have a ceiling fan that says model number CF101H-60, 1.2A 120W. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-Industrial-60-in-Indoor-Outdoor-White-...
Satya's user avatar
  • 103
0 votes
0 answers
822 views

(CA) Code for outdoor sink drainage?

I'm planning an outdoor BBQ island with a simple sink with cold water for handwashing. My city defers most code to California's code but in both cases I'm having trouble finding the relevant section. ...
GeoffM's user avatar
  • 143
7 votes
5 answers
2k views

Possible to use trim with routed out channel to hide 12/2 or 12/3 wire instead of using Wiremold?

I plan to add some lighting in positions on the ceiling that doesn't have nearby wire available. The there is no free space between the ceiling/roof in which to run a wire (there's the wood, then ...
Matthew's user avatar
  • 135
0 votes
1 answer
290 views

white termites - 2 orange oil treatments, building won't fumigate

I live in a condo in LA (3rd floor) and am seemingly the only resident with termite problems. Last summer (2020), I had 3 separate areas infested with winged drywood termites - the ones with a reddish ...
Stephanie's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
208 views

Required permit/expansion tank/inspection

My county requires a permit to replace an electric water heater. They also require installation of an expansion tank. I looked up the purpose of an expansion tank and learned municiple sourced water ...
Broke and Bitter's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
399 views

Tips on how to check if this guest house in ADU was built with permits?

I am about to buy a house in Santa Clara, CA county that has an ADU. As of today ADU has guest house and an operational garage. Seller is convinced that 990 sqft guest house in the ADU was built ...
user2138912's user avatar