Building code services for projects, disputes, and teams
Every service below comes down to the same thing: reading the code carefully, applying it to your facts, and explaining it clearly. C3's principal does the work personally. C3 is based in the Sacramento area and serves clients throughout California.
Building code consulting
For projects that are stuck in plan check, or that you want to keep from getting stuck.
When a project stalls in plan check, the cost adds up quickly. C3 helps you figure out what the code actually requires and how to get the project moving again.
Code research
A clear answer to a specific code question, with the sections cited, so you and the building department are working from the same text.
Plan-check correction responses
C3 reviews the correction list, sorts out what the code requires from what can be resolved another way, and helps you prepare responses that answer each comment directly. When a correction calls for a design change, C3 works alongside your architect or engineer.
Pre-submittal code review
A code-focused review of your plans before you submit, to catch the issues that commonly lead to corrections.
Existing and unpermitted work
For additions, conversions, and other work built without permits, or for existing buildings with a change in use, C3 helps owners navigate the options and make informed decisions.
Who this is for: contractors, architects and designers, owners and developers, and property managers.
Expert witness and litigation support
Building code analysis for attorneys and their clients.
Construction disputes often turn on what the code required at the time the work was done. C3 helps attorneys understand the code issues in a case and explains them clearly. C3 works with attorneys representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
- Review of plans, permits, inspection records, photos, and other case documents
- Building code analysis and research, including the code edition in effect at the time
- Written reports and opinions on building code matters
- Consulting support to counsel during discovery and case preparation
- Deposition and trial testimony, when retained as a testifying expert
C3's principal was first retained as a building code expert in 2025. An early, candid code assessment helped the matter resolve quickly, without going to trial.
Before accepting any matter, C3 runs a conflict check.
Who this is for: plaintiff and defense attorneys, insurers, and parties in construction disputes.
Building code training
C3 offers a live 2024 IRC B1 exam-prep course for people preparing for the ICC Residential Building Inspector exam, and live online code training for contractor teams. C3's classes are taught live by a real person.
Government and DVBE teaming
C3 is certified in California as a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise and a Small Business. C3 teams with primes and partners on public contracts where building code expertise is part of the scope.
What C3 doesn't do
So there are no surprises:
- No design or stamped drawings. C3 is not an architecture or engineering firm. When a project needs design or engineering, C3 works alongside your licensed design professional.
- No legal advice. In litigation matters, C3 provides building code analysis and opinions. Legal advice comes from your attorney.
- No guaranteed approvals. Building departments and courts make their own decisions. C3 gives you the clearest, best-supported path it can.
How engagements work
- A free 15-minute call to start. Tell C3 about the project or matter, and you'll find out whether C3 can help.
- A quoted fee, agreed in writing. After the call, C3 quotes a fee for the work. The scope and fee are agreed in writing before work starts.
- Conflicts of interest are checked first. C3 checks every request for conflicts before taking it on. To avoid any conflict of interest, C3 does not consult on projects in the jurisdiction where its principal is employed, and it never uses information from his public role.
- Statewide service. C3 is based in the Sacramento area and works with clients throughout California.
- Services available in English and Russian.
Not sure which service you need?
Describe the problem in a few sentences. C3 will tell you how it can help, or point you in a better direction if it can't.