During a framing inspection, the building official notes that the contractor used 2x4 studs at 24 inches on center for an exterior wall. According to Michigan Building Code, what is the maximum wall height allowed for this configuration?
Correct Answer
B) 10 feet
The Michigan Building Code allows 2x4 studs at 24" o.c. for exterior walls up to 10 feet in height, provided proper bracing is installed.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
According to Michigan Building Code, 2x4 studs spaced at 24 inches on center can support exterior walls up to 10 feet in height. This configuration is commonly used in residential construction and provides adequate structural support when proper bracing and sheathing are installed. The 10-foot limit ensures the wall maintains structural integrity under typical loading conditions including wind and seismic forces.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 9 feet
9 feet is unnecessarily conservative for 2x4 studs at 24" o.c. The Michigan Building Code allows for greater height (10 feet) with this framing configuration, making this option too restrictive and incorrect.
Option C: 12 feet
12 feet exceeds the maximum allowable height for 2x4 studs at 24" o.c. under Michigan Building Code. This height would require either closer stud spacing (16" o.c.) or larger dimensional lumber (2x6 studs) to meet structural requirements.
Option D: 8 feet
8 feet is overly conservative and well below the actual 10-foot limit allowed by Michigan Building Code for this stud configuration. This represents an unnecessarily restrictive interpretation of the code requirements.
Memory Technique
Remember '2-4-24-10': 2x4 studs at 24 inches on center can go up to 10 feet high.
More mi-builder Questions
A residential foundation wall in Michigan is 8 feet high with 2 feet above grade. The backfill exerts lateral pressure of 30 psf per foot of depth. What is the maximum lateral pressure at the bottom of the foundation wall?
A builder discovers that the electrical service entrance was installed without proper permits. According to Michigan law, what is the most appropriate next step?
What is the maximum allowable span for a 2x8 floor joist (Grade 2 Douglas Fir) at 16" O.C. with 40 psf live load and 10 psf dead load according to Michigan Building Code span tables?
According to Michigan Building Code, what is the maximum height of a wood-framed bearing wall using 2x4 studs with standard construction?
A homeowner requests to convert a bedroom into a bathroom on the second floor. What is the primary Michigan code concern the builder must address?
According to Michigan plumbing regulations, what is the minimum pipe size required for a water service line serving a single-family residence?
A contractor is building a basement foundation wall that is 8 feet high and will retain 6 feet of soil. What is the minimum wall thickness required by the Michigan Building Code for poured concrete?
A homeowner wants to install a gas fireplace in their living room. The contractor notices the existing gas line is 1/2 inch black iron pipe. For a 40,000 BTU fireplace with a 25-foot run, is this pipe size adequate according to Michigan gas code?
A contractor is installing a beam to support floor joists. The beam must carry a total load of 8,000 pounds over a 12-foot span. If the allowable fiber stress for the lumber grade is 1,200 psi, what is the minimum required section modulus?
Under Michigan residential construction standards, what is the minimum ceiling height required for habitable rooms?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass