Gary,
My sister-in-law's sister is buying a home and the dryer vent blows into the garage. My brother (who builds some too and been in and around construction all of his life) said that the dryer vent at the home discharged into the garage and he believe this was against code. Can you tell me if this is the case?
Lisa
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Lisa,
Your request for clarification introduces somewhat of a dilemma that home inspectors find themselves in from time to time. Allow me to attempt to explain some of the parameters and boundaries that are in place with respect to code violations and the home inspection. I believe for the most part this question involves interpretation.
First and foremost we (licensed inspectors) in the state of Mississippi are not "Code" inspectors. We have no jurisdictional authority or ability under State law to enforce code. Code enforcement responsibilities are held by the building official in the county or city in which the building construction permit is issued.
Mississippi does not have a uniform building code. Each community governs this process independently. In some locations (since there is no state policy) use the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) and some use the 2006 IRC. Some use a much earlier version. Some locals don't have a permit office at all and a builder (or individual, since any one can build a home) does not have to apply for a permit or have his/her work monitored in any way at all.
As a licensed home builder for over 24 years, I have seen codes evolve, change, die, be introduced and enforced by the building official in many ways. As part of my responsibilities as a contractor I try and build by code rules. In order to build by code I have, over the years, owned several different versions of the IRC code book. The latest is the 2006 IRC.
With reference to the 2006 IRC Code for One and Two Family Dwellings:
Chapter One
Part 1-Administrative
DUTIES AND PROWERS OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL
SECTION R104 General. (in part)
"The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The building official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions."
This code section goes on to explain the process of application for construction, how and when they inspect, how and when their records of inspection are kept, and rules of how their actions are protected when they enforce or carry out their duties for the state. In the sections of how and when they inspect, with respect to finalizing the process and allowing a family to live there, after the last inspection is finished the building department (with approval from the building official) a certificate of occupancy is issued. With this document in hand, the builder (as far as he/she is concerned) is officially finished with the home.
Specifically, with respect to dryer vents, the 2006 IRC Mechanical Code reads:
Chapter 15
EXHAUST SYSTEMS
SECTION M1501 General.
Outdoor Discharge.
"The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system shall be discharged to the outdoors. Air shall not be exhausted into an attic, soffit, ridge vent or crawl space."
SECTION M1502 CLOTHES DRYER EXHAUST
M1502.1 General.
"Dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other systems, and shall convey the moisture to the outdoors."
So...based on the code book the building official (in my opinion) allowed the vent to be discharged into the garage in his attempt to define "outdoors"? I am very cautious in my attempt to decipher his/her reasoning.
Yes, you could make a case that you personally don't want the dryer vent to terminate in the garage. As a suggestion, put it on a punch list and ask the builder to change it. But, since the house has all the necessary utility hookups I am of the impression that the building official has already issued a certificate of occupancy. Most likely he/she will explain to you that the home is finished. Maybe he will work with you and change it? As a builder if this were my client, I would attempt to resolve the issue.
Gary Smith - Mid MS Inspections
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