Building code consulting, expert witness support, and code training in California
Cherenkov Code Consulting (C3) helps contractors, architects, owners, attorneys, and public agencies work through building code questions, from plan-check corrections to litigation to training. C3's principal, Dennis Cherenkov, is an ICC-certified instructor with 22 ICC certifications and has been an ICC building code instructor at Contractor State License Schools since 2018.
- ICC B1, B2, B5, and M2 certified, with 22 ICC certifications in total
- ICC building code instructor at Contractor State License Schools since 2018
- About 20 years in construction
- California-certified DVBE and Small Business
- US Army infantry veteran
- Services available in English and Russian
How C3 helps
Building code consulting
If a project is stuck in plan check, or you are unsure what the code requires for existing or unpermitted work, C3 can help. C3 researches the code, helps you answer correction comments, and reviews plans before you submit.
Expert witness and litigation support
C3 provides code analysis, document review, and written opinions on building code questions for attorneys representing plaintiffs or defendants.
Building code training
C3 offers a live 2024 IRC B1 exam-prep course and live online code training for contractor teams.
Government and DVBE teaming
C3 is a California-certified DVBE and Small Business and is available to team with primes and partners on public contracts.
Online Building Code Classes
Studying for the ICC B1 exam? The Code Book Bootcamp is our live online building code class: Tue/Thu evenings, recorded, starting Oct 20.
From the blog
Free guides on the building code, ICC exam prep, and becoming a building inspector.
Why We Need Building Departments and Independent Inspectors
Why cities and counties have building departments, and how independent inspectors protect communities, owners, and builders.
Taking an ICC Exam? Don't Rely on the Index
Why the IRC index fails on ICC exam day, and what to do instead.
How to Become a Building Inspector in California
State requirements, the ICC B1 exam, a step-by-step path, and how to study the code.
ICC B1 Exam Prep: A Study Plan That Works
An 8-week ICC B1 study plan, worked chapter by chapter.
Online Building Code Classes: What to Look For
How to choose an online building code class: live instruction, exam coverage, and a workable schedule.
Why work with C3
C3 understands how plan check works.
C3's principal is an ICC-certified instructor with 22 ICC certifications. He knows what examiners look for, what a complete correction response looks like, and how to cite the code so the answer holds up.
C3's experience starts in the field.
Before moving into inspection and plan review, Dennis spent years on job sites, including in his family's construction business, and later worked as a building inspector and quality auditor. C3 understands what a code requirement means for the people doing the work.
C3's principal teaches the code.
Dennis has been an ICC building code instructor at Contractor State License Schools since 2018. C3 explains the code in plain language and shows you where the answer is in the book, so you can find it yourself next time.
C3 gives candid answers.
No honest consultant can promise an approval. C3 gives you a clear read of what the code requires, where you have options, and what the best path looks like.
How it works
- Tell C3 what's going on. Send a short description, the project location, and any plan-check comments or documents.
- Free 15-minute call. After a quick conflict check, C3 sets up a free 15-minute introductory call to talk through the situation and whether C3 can help.
- Fee quote. If it's a good fit, C3 quotes a fee for the work. The scope and fee are agreed in writing before work starts.
- A clear path forward. C3 reviews the documents and the applicable code sections, explains what the code requires and the options available, and can help draft your responses.
Have a project that's stuck?
Tell C3 what's happening. The first 15-minute call is free, and you'll find out whether C3 can help and what a sensible next step looks like.