Code.

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Ah ha! I found the codes for my county and a place to lay my hands on one of the three or four different variations of code books currently being used. That one costs right at about $240. My worry is that the code will change. That code was written in 1988. Could you imagine buying all the books and having the code references be revised? I will continue to search online. I did note that the county is required to keep three copies of each on hand. I am not sure that means I may access them though. Further, I am not sure access would mean much if it was designated that I only read the material wherever it is stored. Still, after a few weeks of searching, I have a bit more to go on. On quick review, actually there are six various code books used, fire (two of these, different sources), electric, plumbing and mechanical, and general (two of these, different dates)... I think. Ugh. At least I can be sure these are ripe for the ease of do it yourselfers!

The main ones, I believe, are by the International Conference of Building Officials, 1988, and from International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, 1988. Most of the books are from 1988, though the electrical guides were printed in 1990. I am pretty sure, that with these resources in hand, or printable, I could look over tasks I am considering and break them down, look them up, and figure things out. I doubt if it would be a fast process, but it should be doable. The electrical aspect possibly, and the gas for sure, might be something best left for professionals. With electric, it is more because the jobs are much more tedious and might require more than one guy than because they are over the top (like some wiring stringing, running from the box to the switch, and such). With gas it is because I do not trust the durned stuff at all.

I am trying to figure out how to get education in this field in a way that is more practical than just tearing out walls and figuring things out from there. Given my inability to function on any given day, I am not seeing that. It may simply come down to doing what I can, as I can, and hoping.

I had a couple of gentlemen stop by tonight. They are locals, doing a social call. My place is not exactly the neatest, but that was fine. I was not exactly company ready myself, but did not wish to be rude. We had an interesting discussion, learned a bit about each other and I learned a little about the town. I have suggested that they may send people to visit, apparently a monthly thing, and that I am interested in offering some money for the local food locker. It seems also that they do local networking for disasters and such. There are block captains and some sort of civil plans. All good. I look forward to having the visitors and learning more.

One of the reasons I have not cooked as much here as I had hoped is that I have precious little counter space. Cupboard space I have in spades, which will be nice if I can get more counter space. I am even considering having a split isle and a sitting whole island. The kitchen is actually huge but all floor space. Raising the cupboards would also help though, too. As is, the counter space is an odd space for me to bend in and down to use. I would actually like to put up a kitchen work bench for temporary usage. It would be super to have a place where I can cut or otherwise work that is open all around and raised for my optimal use. It is odd, but it is often seemingly little or even trivial seeming things that make all the difference. Oh, and open shelving underneath to have easy access to my larger appliances and pans! We will see. Another thing on my list.

Well, I am going to try to get to bed soon and try and get up early. Good night.