SOUTHWICK – The Town of Southwick is sponsoring their second seminar focusing on a specific aspect of the 2015 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) that homeowners may not be aware of. The first seminar on May 9 focused on general information about the 2015 IECC.
The latest training will take place on June 27, from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Southwick fire station and focus on the construction of building safer decks. Officials estimate that around 50% of decks built in backyards of homes wouldn’t pass inspection.
That percentage of unsafe decks caught Southwick Building Inspector Art Lawler’s eye so he wanted this particular seminar to address the proper building techniques to reduce any future risk of problems within Southwick.
This seminar is just another in a series of outreach programs that Lawler has initiated after he attended an event a couple of years ago that was sponsored by the Building Officials of Western Massachusetts.
Town of Southwick Building Inspector Art Lawler. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
“This is a good tool for us to get it out there to the homeowners that build their own decks,” said Lawler.
Along with homeowners, contractors are also strongly encouraged to attend this free event. Lawler said that it is important for contractors to know the exact building codes for decks so inspectors like he don’t have to fail the inspection and put the contractor or homeowner in a delay or increase the project costs.
“I want to get the contractors aware because it saves them money,” said Lawler. “We want to get it all done right the first time, it’s better for everybody.”
Lou Daviau, who is the Territory Manager for Simpson Strong Tie Co., has done a number of building code presentations in the past and is expected to be an informative presenter.
“He’s really knowledgeable,” said Lawler. “He’s been in the field just about his whole life.”
If you are a homeowner or contractor, and would like to attend the seminar on June 27, contact the Southwick building department and pre-register by no later than June 23.
