Modular Manufacturer Approval Procedures

All modular manufacturer applicants must pay a $1,000 application fee and submit a modular manufacturer information form to this office.  For further instructions about the modular manufacturer application process, please contact the North Carolina Manufactured Building Staff at MBD@ncdoi.gov or 919-647-0000.

This guide has been prepared to aid third-party certification agencies and modular manufacturers in providing adequate information for the manual review, plan review, and initial plant certification requirements of the North Carolina Modular Construction Program.  The submittal format may vary as long as all applicable information is included.

Each sheet of the submittal must be stamped and dated indicating approval by the third-party agency.  The name of the third-party reviewer must also be included on each sheet.  All engineering designs and calculations for components or systems not covered by recognized prescriptive tables must be sealed by a North Carolina registered design professional.  In accordance with Section 204.3.5, North Carolina Administrative Code and Polices, 2018 Edition, the seal of a registered design professional is not required on plans and specifications for commercial units that have either a total value not exceeding $90,000 or a gross floor area not exceeding 2,500 square feet.  All plans and specifications for commercial units not falling in either of the above categories must be sealed by a North Carolina registered architect or professional engineer.  The NC Board of Architecture or the NC Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors should be consulted if there are questions regarding the requirements for professional seals.

All submissions shall be made initially by the manufacturer to a North Carolina approved third-party certification agency for their review and approval.  The third-party agency will then forward the manual and plans, stamped as indicated above, together with the required initial fee of $1,000 to the Manufactured Building Division for review.  The third-party agency will be notified in writing if there are deficiencies noted in the manual or plans or if additional information is required.  As specified in Rule 11(E) of Volume VIII, Modular Construction Regulations, NC State Building Code, manual packages requiring other than minor revisions will be subject to a $500 fee for each subsequent review.  When an initial certification package is forwarded to the Manufactured Building Division by a third-party agency, completion of the enclosed checklists for manuals and plans is mandatory.  Submissions for which these checklists are not included will not be reviewed.

Upon approval by the Manufactured Building Division, an in-plant certification inspection will be scheduled for production of the initial North Carolina unit.  A certified inspector from the third-party agency will be required to provide 100 % inspection of the initial unit.  Manufactured Building Division personnel will typically be present for one or two days during production, usually at about the midpoint of the production process.  Representatives from the manufacturer and the third-party agency must be present during the Manufactured Building Division inspection.

If the in-plant inspection is satisfactory, formal certification in the North Carolina Modular Construction Program will be granted to the manufacturer.  Specific administrative requirements with respect to the North Carolina program will be covered with the manufacturer and third-party agency at the termination of the in-plant inspection.  Formal certification will grant authorization to the third-party agency to issue State of North Carolina Modular Construction Validating Stamps for units manufactured at the certified plant facility.

In accordance with Article III, Rule 11(F) in Volume VIII, Modular Construction Regulations, NC State Building Code, the manufacturer will by invoiced for expenses incurred by Manufactured Building Division personnel in conducting the in-plant inspection.

After formal certification is granted, subsequent model plans and manual additions or updates may be added to the approved modular package following review and approval by the third-party agency.  Production of additional models may begin upon receipt of approved plans from the third-party agency, with the exception of certain building categories described below.  All plans submissions are required to have a completed plans checklist attached.  After the initial certification process, the primary responsibility for Code compliance and new model approvals rests with the manufacturer and the third-party agency.  All manual revisions or updates will be reviewed by the Manufactured Building Division, and plans for approved new models will be reviewed on a random basis.  If deficiencies are found in such plans, the third-party agency will be notified and no NC Modular Stamps will be issued for the model in question until corrections are received, reviewed, and approved by the Manufactured Building Division.

Buildings that fall into categories listed in Table 104.1, North Carolina Administrative Code and Polices, 2018 Edition, require written approval from the North Carolina Department of Insurance before they can be accepted by local building officials.  Third-party agencies must, after their review and approval of plans for these buildings, notify the Manufactured Building Division so that required North Carolina Department of Insurance reviews can be carried out and documentation provided to appropriate local officials.  Manufacturers shall not begin production of these buildings until a job specific approval letter is received from the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

After initial certification, modular manufacturers are subject to random, unannounced monitoring inspections by the North Carolina Department of Insurance in order to verify compliance with the North Carolina State Building Code and the Modular Construction Regulations.  Manufacturers will not be invoiced for expenses incurred during unannounced monitoring inspections.

Specific submittal requirements for modular manuals and model plans are provided in the enclosed descriptive texts and checklists.  As stated previously, use of the checklists for both manuals and plans is mandatory.  Completed checklists must accompany all initial manual and plans submissions and all subsequent plans submissions after certification is granted.

In accordance with the North Carolina State Building Code, Volume VIII, Modular Construction Regulations, Article V, the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Manufactured Building Division staff randomly checks plans submissions to assure compliance with NC Codes and to assure that local inspection departments are provided with the information they need to verify proper set-up procedures.

In order to clarify what constitutes an acceptable, complete set of plans for the NC Modular Program, the following typical plan review (with explanatory comments), as performed by the Manufactured Building Division, is offered.  This document should be consulted if clarification of the NC Modular Plans Review Checklist is needed.  Applicable items addressed below are to be considered as North Carolina requirements and all modular plans certified as “approved” by the Third-party Certification Agency must be in compliance. 

All Code references not specifically cited are to the 2018 Editions unless noted otherwise.

• Is the manufacturer’s QC Manual on file and is all information included therein current?

Every QC Manual must include only current information.  Any manual determined to be incomplete or not current will result in the automatic disapproval of the plans under review and /or any new model plans and revisions to previously approved plans

• Are the plans properly sealed by a North Carolina design professional?
  Except as provided for by the North Carolina State Building Code:  Administrative Code and Policies, Section 204.3.5, all plans must be sealed by a North Carolina design professional. To determine compliance with Section 204.3.5, exception 3, “total cost” shall mean the estimated cost to replace the building in kind.  The Manufactured Building Division will accept either of the following methodologies for determining building total value:

• Manufacturer supplied estimate of reasonable costs to include manufacturer building costs, foundation costs, on-site erection, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other associated costs to make the building fit for occupancy.
• Building value as determined by applying current Building Valuation Data as available from the ICC web-site (http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/techservices/).
   
  Note that a design professional seal is not required if the building is either valued at $90,000 or less or has a gross floor area of 2,500 square feet or less.

• Is Appendix B required and, if required, is it included as a part of the plans set?

A completed Building Code Summary Sheet (Appendix B) must be submitted with every set of plans for buildings other than 1 & 2 Family Dwellings and Townhouses.  The Appendix B from the North Carolina State Building Code:  Administrative Code and Policies, is attached.  This is the form that must be used.

• Are all plan sheets properly stamped by the third-party agency and numbered or indexed such that one can verify that they have a complete set of plans?

Each page of the plans must bear the dated approval stamp of the third-party approval agency and the approver’s name must be legibly indicated on or adjacent to the stamp (written or stamped name is acceptable).  Also, each page of the plans must be numbered (Sheet 1 of 6, Sheet 2 of 6, etc.) or be referenced by sheet title to an index on the cover sheet.  A list of sheets that could be but are not necessarily applicable (systems drawings) is not adequate.

Attachments to the plans (truss drawings, thermal analyses, engineering calculations, etc.) that are not in the QC Manual must be numbered and/or indexed as a part of and supplied with each set of plans produced.  If the information is included in the QC Manual, reference to the appropriate Section and Page may be included on the plans in lieu of a physical attachment.

• Does the cover sheet include the following specific pieces of information?

• Applicable building code references

References must be exactly in accordance with the most current memorandum, Required NC Codes for Modular Construction.

• The statement “This unit must be connected to a public water supply and sewer system if these are available.”
• The statement “ Required bathroom facilities will be provided on site in an adjacent building, subject to local inspection.” (applicable when the building is not to include bathroom facilities as permitted by the memorandum, “Modulars without Restrooms”, dated August 19, 2019.)
• Construction type

Construction type must be one of the five types (with “A” or “B” designation, as applicable) as set forth in the NC Building Code, Section 602 (i.e. Type VB), except when the building is a 1 & 2 family dwelling or townhouse.

• Occupancy classification

Occupancy classification must be one of the ten types set forth in the NC Building Code, Section 302.1 and must include sub-classifications, if applicable, as set forth in Sections 303 – 312 (i.e. Assembly A-1, Residential R-2, Storage S-1, etc.), except when the building is a 1 & 2 family dwelling or townhouse.

• Fire resistance ratings (if required)
• Design floor live load

Design floor live loads must be in compliance with the NC Building Code, Section 1607,  or the NC Residential Code, Section R301.5.

• Design roof live load

Design roof live loads must be in compliance with the NC Building Code, Section 1607.12 or Section 1608, whichever is greater, or the NC Residential Code, Table R301.2(1).

• Design wind velocity

Design for wind loads must be in compliance with the NC Building Code, Section 1609 or the NC Residential Code, Section R301.2.1.

• Seismic Zone (not applicable for 1 & 2 family dwellings.  Townhouses ARE required to be designed for seismic requirements)

Seismic design must be in compliance with the NC Building Code, Section 1613.

• Thermal zones to which the plans are in compliance and thermal calculations --
  (2015 IECC REScheck / ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2013) Calculations, 2015 IECC REScheck analysis, or ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2013 analysis must be provided with each set of plans to document the Thermal Zones (NC Energy Conservation Code, Chapter 3, or NC Residential Code, Chapter 11) where the building may be erected.  If the calculations are based on the most restrictive thermal zone requirements, the plans may include the statement “This building design complies with or exceeds minimum requirements for all North Carolina thermal zones” (see Table 301.1, NC Energy Conservation Code).  If the calculations are not based on the most restrictive thermal zone requirements, the allowable thermal zones must be physically noted on the plans.  The third-party review agency is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the thermal calculations.
• Note to the local inspections department regarding items that are to be site inspected

In those instances where a modular building is to include items that are to be field installed and are not third-party inspected and not certified by the North Carolina Modular Label, the plans for the modular building must include a statement to read generally as follows:

ATTENTION LOCAL INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT – The following items have not being completed by (manufacturer’s name), have not been inspected by (third-party inspection agency name), and are not certified by the North Carolina Modular Label.  Code compliance must be determined at the local level:  (List items)

 

Sample items include:

• Electrical fixture (lights, ceiling fans, etc.) installation.
• Water heater installation.
• Extension of vents and chimneys to the outside.
• Mechanical systems installation.
• Items for completion of unfinished upstairs areas.
• Roof system.  (Note:  If the roof system is furnished and installed in the field, it must be clearly demonstrated that the factory furnished portion of the building has been designed to accommodate the actual roof system to be installed.)

• Do the floor plans include the following specific pieces of information?

• Complete layout of all interior and exterior walls
• Door and window schedule

Door and window sizes must be provided (noted at the opening or in a schedule) with enough detail that compliance with all egress and light/ventilation requirements can be determined.

• Location and size of the required attic access
• Location of all non-prescriptive headers

All headers that are not sized directly from the Code header tables must be noted on the floor plan and must include the size, species, and grade of material and must be supported
by calculations (sealed by a NC design professional).  The calculations may be supplied with the plans or may be included in the QC Manual.  If the calculations are included in the QC Manual, the plans must reference the appropriate manual section and page.

• Areas noted where safety glazing is required
• Fire rating of all walls required to be rated
• Do the plans include exterior elevations with the following information?

          Every set of plans must include front, rear, and side elevations
 

• Exterior materials

The elevations sheet should list materials and specifications for exterior wall finish, soffit finish, and roof covering.  In lieu of including this information on the elevations sheet, it may be included on the building cross section.  Specifications for the finish materials may be included in the QC Manual and referenced on the plans by section and page number.

• Attic ventilation requirements and methodology for meeting those requirements
  The calculated ventilation requirements must be noted and the methodology for compliance must be included (i.e. X sq. ft by vented soffit, X sq. ft. by ridge vent, etc.).

• Do the plans include a plumbing plan locating all plumbing fixtures and including the
  following information?
  The plumbing plan may be a separate sheet or the location of all fixtures may be included on the floor plan.

• All plumbing fixtures shown on plans

All plumbing fixtures furnished by the manufacturer must be shown on the plans.  The name of the fixture manufacturer(s) and model numbers need not be indicated so long as there is a section in the Manual that insures that all fixtures furnished will fully comply with the required standards, listings, capacities, etc. in the NC Plumbing Code.  The plans must reference the appropriate manual section and page number for the above requirements.

• Supply and waste risers

The plans must include isometric riser diagrams for the water supply and distribution system and the drain, waste, and vent (DWV) system.  Materials to be used must be noted.  A generic layout of the plumbing system beneath the building (building drain – materials, fittings, etc.) must be included.  It is acceptable to indicate these by dashed lines, if desired, and to note that these will be furnished and installed on site by others to accommodate actual site conditions.

• Water heater type and capacity

The water heater type (gas, electric, or oil) must be indicated.  The name of the water heater manufacturer and model number need not be indicated so long as there is a section in the Manual that insures that all water heaters furnished will fully comply with the required standards, listings, capacities, etc. in the NC Plumbing Code.  The plans must reference the appropriate manual section and page number for the above requirements.

• Is a mechanical plan included and does it include the following information?

• System design calculations

Calculations (sealed by a NC design professional if applicable per item No. 2 above)documenting system component capacities and sizes must be included with the plans.  The calculations must be based on the following applicable standards: ACCA Manual J, ACCA Manual D, SMACNA Installation Standards for Residential Heating and Cooling System, ACCA Manual N, ACCA Manual Q, or other approved methods.

• Installed unit capacity
• Location and sizes of supply and return registers
• Duct sizes
• Specifications for system components
  Specifications for all system components (heating system, cooling system, duct system, fireplaces, chimneys, etc.) must be submitted with the plans or must be included as a part of the QC Manual. If included in the QC Manual, the plans must reference the appropriate manual section and page number.
• All appliances shown on plans

All appliances furnished by the manufacturer must be shown on the plans.  The name of the appliance manufacturer(s) and model numbers need not be indicated so long as there is a section in the Manual that insures that all appliances furnished will fully comply with the required standards, listings, etc. in the NC Mechanical Code.  The plans must reference the appropriate manual section and page number for the above requirements.

• Is an electrical plan included and does it include the following information?

• Location of all receptacles, switches, and light/fan boxes.
• Electrical panel location
• Note regarding necessity for main disconnect if panel is located such that it must be a sub-panel
• Exterior lighting fixtures at each exterior entrance
• Ground level access receptacles at the front and rear (1 & 2 family dwellings only)
• Smoke detector locations
• Electrical load calculations
• Electrical panel layout w/ breaker and wire sizes and w/ GFCI and AFCI circuits noted
• Electrical panel service entrance sizes
• All electrical fixtures shown on plans

All electrical fixtures furnished by the manufacturer must be shown on the plans.  The name of the fixture manufacturer(s) and model numbers need not be indicated so long as there is a section in the Manual that insures that all fixtures furnished will fully comply with the required standards, listings, etc. in the NC Electrical Code.  The plans must reference the appropriate manual section and page number for the above requirements.

• Do the plans (for all occupancies other than 1 & 2 family dwellings) include all accessibility requirements as specified in Chapter 11, NC Building Code, 2012 Edition and ICC/ANSI A117.1-03?

• Entrances and means of egress
• Doors, doorways, and doorhardware
• Stairs and handrails
• Toilet rooms, plumbing fixtures, grab bars, etc.
•   Bathrooms and shower rooms
•  Occupancy specific requirements (see NC Accessibility Code)
•  Multi-family dwellings:  Type A and B units.
  Note that the number of Type A and Type B units will depend upon whether the project is publicly or privately owned, whether the units are for sale or for rent or least, and the total number of units.

• Do the plans include a building cross section with the following information?

• Frame Construction

• Floor system cross section to include

• Joists and beam sizes and spacing with material species and grade

       If the floor framing system is to be built with conventional lumber, the  joists/beam sizes, grade, and species must be provided on the cross section.  If   the framing system is to be pre-manufactured joists or trusses, the spacing must be provided along with calculations (sealed by a NC design professional).  The calculations may be included with the plans or may be included as a part of the QC Manual.  If the calculations are provided as a part of the QC Manual, the cross section must reference the appropriate manual section and page.

• Sub-floor and/or finish floor materials and specifications
• Non prescriptive fastening instructions

Any fastening instructions that differ from or are not covered by the prescriptive requirements of the Code must be included and supported by calculations (sealed by a NC design professional).  The calculations may be included with the plans or may be included as a part of the QC Manual.  If the calculations are provided as a part of the QC Manual, the cross section must reference the appropriate manual section and page.

• Insulation type and R value with type of vapor retarder to be used
• Details that may be needed for clarification

•  Wall systems cross-section to include

• Stud and column sizes and spacing with material species and grade

If 2”x 3” bearing wall studs are used, the studs must be approved as “Alternate Materials and Systems” in accordance Section 105, NC State Building Code:  Administrative Code and Policies.

• Exterior wall sheathing and bracing materials and specifications
• Interior wall finish materials and specifications
• Special header and lintel information not included on the floor plan
• Non prescriptive fastening instructions

Any fastening instructions that differ from or are not covered by the prescriptive requirement of the Code must be included and supported by calculations (sealed by a NC design professional).  The calculations may be included with the plans or may be included as a part of the QC Manual.  If the calculations are provided as a part of the QC Manual, the cross section must reference the appropriate manual section and page.

• Insulation type and R value with type of vapor retarder to be used
• Details that may be needed for clarification

• Ceiling/roof system cross section to include

• Joists and rafter sizes and spacing with material species and grade

If the ceiling/roof framing system is to be built with conventional lumber, the joists and rafter sizes, grade, and species must be provided on the cross section. 
If the framing system is to be pre-manufactured joists or trusses, the spacing must be provided along with calculations (sealed by a NC design professional).  The calculations may be included with the plans or may be included as a part of the QC Manual.  If the calculations are provided as a part of the QC Manual, the cross section must reference the appropriate manual section and page.

• Collar beam size and spacing if applicable
• Roof sheathing and roof covering materials and specifications
• Interior ceiling finish materials and specifications
• Materials to be added at set-up (i.e. knee-walls, ceiling/roof support beams, etc)

Any materials to be added by the set-up personnel must be noted on the cross section and be supported by calculations (sealed by a NC design professional).  The calculations may be included with the plans or may be included as a part of the QC Manual.  If the calculations are provided as a part of the QC Manual, the cross section must reference the appropriate manual section and page.

• Non prescriptive fastening instructions

Any fastening instructions that differ from or are not covered by the prescriptive requirement of the Code must be included and supported by calculations (sealed by a NC design professional).  The calculations may be included with the plans or may be included as a part of the QC Manual.  If the calculations are provided as a part of the QC Manual, the cross section must reference the appropriate manual section and page.

• Insulation type and R value with type of vapor retarder to be used
• Details that may be needed for clarification

• Do the plans include a foundation plan with the following information?

• Location and specifications for all footings, piers, and curtain walls
• Cross section and dimensions for all footings, piers, and curtain walls
• Anchorage requirements (off frame units) for sill plates to the foundation walls and for the building to the sill plate.

Anchorage requirements must be supported by calculations (sealed by a NC design professional).  The calculations may be included with the plans or may be included as a part of the QC Manual.  If the calculations are provided as a part of the QC Manual, the cross section must reference the appropriate manual section and page.

• Anchorage requirements (on frame units) to resist all lateral, longitudinal, and uplift loads

Lateral and longitudinal tie down materials, spacing, and specifications must be provided on the plans.  If longitudinal tie downs are not required, the plans must so note.
Anchorage requirements must be supported by calculations (sealed by a NC design professional).  The calculations may be included with the plans or may be included as a part of the QC Manual.  If the calculations are provided as a part of the QC Manual, the cross section must reference the appropriate manual section and page.

• Minimum allowable soil bearing capacity

Every set of plans must include a foundation plan based on a minimum allowable soil bearing capacity of 2000 psf.  This minimum must be noted on the plans.

• Minimum concrete compressive strength

Every set of plans must include the minimum concrete compressive strength on which the footing design is based.

• Allowable mortar types and/or surface bonding
• Minimum crawl space ventilation requirements with and without a vapor barrier
• Crawl space access requirements

• Do the plans include verification of compliance with energy requirements as follows?

• Prescriptive requirements or the 2015 IECC REScheck for 1 and 2 family dwellings

Plans must show that ALL components of either Table N1102.1, NC Residential Code or Table 402.1.1, NC Energy Conservation Code are met exactly as listed.  If this is not the case, a 2015 IECC REScheck analysis as permitted by the above listed Codes must be provided. If this option is chosen, then all requirements of the 2015 IECC must be followed.  Note that the 2015 IECC requirements are more stringent than the 2018 NC Energy Code. The third-party certification agency is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the calculations.

• Prescriptive requirements or ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 for all buildings other than 1 & 2 family dwellings

The plans must show that the thermal requirements of the Code are demonstrated to be in compliance with either Chapter 5 of the NC Energy Conservation Code or shall meet the requirements of ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2013.  The third-party certification agency is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the calculations.

• Do the plans include set-up requirements that are to be inspected at the local level to include the following?

The Manufactured Building Division requires that those aspects of set-up that are required to bring the building in compliance with the Code be included on the plans in such a manner that the local inspections departments will easily recognize them for inspection purposes.  The set-up information may be included on the building cross section sheet, on a separate and properly indexed plan sheet or as an attachment to the plans.  If the set-up information is included as an attachment to the plans, the plans cover sheet must include a statement as follows:

ATTENTION LOCAL INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT – Set-up instructions for this modular unit are included by attachment to these plans.  Any plans set which does not include an attachment entitled “_________________” are incomplete.  (Designate what is being attached).

If the instructions are included by (attachment of a complete installation manual), the note to the inspections department must reference the appropriate attachment section and/or page to find the specific instructions noted below.  A statement that simply references the installation manual for set-up requirements is not sufficient.

• Lateral  and vertical connection specifications for building modules at the floor, wall,
  and ceiling levels:
  The location, size, and spacing of all components to laterally connect building modules must be provided with the plans.  Specifications for any materials to be site furnished and installed must be provided along with instructions for installation.  Any instructions or requirements that are not clear to our plan review staff will probably not be clear to set-up personnel and local inspections staff and must be revised for clarity.
• Roof set-up and connection specifications:
  Any connection and/or set-up requirements that are to be in place after set-up is complete (connection bolts, roof beams, knee walls, permanent bracing, etc.) must be provided on the plans along with the specifications and installation requirements.
• Vertical and horizontal plumbing connections between modules:
  Specifications and instructions for any plumbing connection requirements between modules or through the roof plumbing extensions must be provided.
• Vertical and horizontal mechanical connections:
  Specifications and instructions for any mechanical connection requirements between modules or through the roof mechanical extensions must be provided.
• Electrical connections between modules
• Fire-stopping and elimination of air infiltration:
  Specifications and instructions for any required on site fire-stopping and elimination of air infiltration between modules must be provided.
   
  If any of the above set-up items are not applicable, the plans or the note to the inspections department must so state.
   

Unless the construction plans note otherwise, it is assumed that all construction materials, member sizes and grades, and fastening schedules will be per the prescriptive requirements of the Code.  All non-prescriptive construction must be specifically shown and detailed on the plans or referenced on the plans to the specific approval documents.

 

The above requirements are applicable to all manufacturers and any third-party agency knowingly approving documents not in accordance with these requirements may be subject to disciplinary action by the North Carolina Building Code Council.

In order to clarify the requirements of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Manufactured Building Division for an acceptable Quality Control (QC) Manual, the following typical manual review (with explanatory comments), as performed by the Manufactured Building Division, is offered.  This document should be consulted if clarification of the NC Modular QC Manual Checklist is needed.  The information included herein is considered to be the minimum requirements.

• Does the manual include the required completed QC Manual checklist?

Each manual submission must be accompanied by a completed North Carolina Modular QC Manual Checklist.

• Are all sections of the manual tabbed and indexed, and are the pages numbered?

Each section of the manual must be tabbed for easy reference and must include an index (referenced to section page number) of the section contents.  Each page of the manual must be numbered.

• Is the manual properly stamped by the third-party agency?

Each page of the manual must bear the dated approval stamp of the third-party approval agency, and the approver’s name must be legibly indicated on or adjacent to the stamp (written or stamped name is acceptable).

• Does the initial section of the manual include the following specific pieces of information?
   

• Manufacturer’s name, plant street and mailing address, phone number, as well as the name and e-mail address of the contact person.
• Directions to plant:

Directions to the plant from Raleigh, North Carolina or an easily recognized landmark (airport, interstate highway exit #, major highway intersection, etc.) must be provided.      

• Third-party’s name, mailing address, phone number, and email address
• Third-party Code certification letter:
  Each manual submittal must be accompanied by a letter from the third-party inspection agency certifying compliance with applicable volumes of the North Carolina State Building Code.  References must be exactly in accordance with the
  most current memorandum, Required NC Codes for Modular Construction.
  In accordance with the North Carolina State Building Code, Volume VIII, Article IV, Section C, the letter must be written, dated, NC registration seal affixed and signed by engineers in responsible charge of certification (full-time professional employees licensed to practice in North Carolina).

• Does the manual include a manufacturer organizational chart and explanation of responsibilities?

Each manual must include an organizational chart and a general description of the responsibilities of the general manager, production manager, engineering manager, and quality control manager (or similar titles) as those duties relate to quality control.  The complete process for development, implementation, and revision of the QC program must be addressed as well as those positions that can override decisions of the QC manager.  It must be noted as to who is the main contact by Manufactured Building Division personnel.

• Does the manual include a general layout of workstations and description of work performed at each station?

A plant layout depicting work stations and a description of work performed at each station must be included in the manual.

• Does the manual include a QC section with the following specific pieces of information?

• Detailed job description of the Quality Control Manager
• Explanation of QC inspection process:

The manual must detail at what point in the construction process each of the QC inspections are performed, who performs QC inspections, traveler process, final inspection, and the process for handling items that fail a QC inspection.

• QC checklists:

Copies of the “traveler” (QC checklists) must be included in the QC Manual

• Example Data Plate:

A sample Data Plate, filled out to North Carolina requirements, must be included for a typical residential and/or commercial building

• Explanation of the “Label Control System”:

The Label Control System must be explained in detail.  At a minimum, label acquisition, storage, assignment to buildings, and access to must be addressed.

• Explanation of “Record Keeping System”:
  A detailed explanation of records to be kept must be provided.  At a minimum, a list of all records to be kept, location of records, length of time records are kept, and access to records must be addressed.

 

• Does the manual include an explanation of in-plant testing?

The manual must include a description and specifications for all testing to be done in the plant.  At a minimum, electrical testing, water line testing, DWV testing, gas line testing (if applicable), and concrete testing (if applicable) must be provided.

• Does the manual include a section with alternate materials and methods identified and indexed?
  
  Each manual must include a separate section that addresses alternate materials and methods.  Alternate materials and methods must be documented as required by the applicable following Code sections:
   
         Section 105, North Carolina State Building Code:  Administrative Code and
         Policies, 2018 Edition.
   
  Examples of materials / procedures requiring approval as alternate materials, design, and methods are:
  
  --   On-Frame modular construction.
  --   Use of 2x3 bearing walls.
  --   Thermo-ply structural sheathing.
  --   Spray-on vapor barriers.
  --   Use of FoamSeal for attachment of gypsum.
  --   Use of blown or loose fill ceiling insulation where the slope of the roof is not 2-1/2 feet in 12 feet and/or there is not at least 30 inches of clear headroom at the roof ridge.
   
• Does the manual include an explanation of materials handling and storage?

Each manual must include adequate information to assure that all materials will comply with the requirements of the Code and will be properly received, stored, and handled.

• Does the manual include transportation information?
  Each manual must include adequate information to assure that buildings will not be adversely affected by transportation from plant to site.
   
  The following information is not required to be included in the QC Manual but is recommended.  If the information is included in the manual, it can be referenced on the plans.  If not included in the manual, the information must be physically included with each set of plans.

• Calculations (sealed by a North Carolina design professional) for all items not covered by or as an alternate to the prescriptive requirements of the Code:

Calculations must be provided for all truss systems, laminated beams and columns, connections, uplift, sliding, overturning, etc.

• Materials specifications:

Materials specifications must be provided for all materials not covered by or as an alternate to the prescriptive requirements of the code.

• Building installation instructions:
  Detailed building installation instructions must be included in the QC Manual or be submitted with each set of plans.  In addition to the complete installation
  instructions, the following installation instructions must appear on the plans either on the cover sheet or be referenced on the cover sheet to subsequent pages. 

--   Lateral and vertical connection specifications for building modules at the floor, 
      wall, and ceiling levels

--   Roof set-up and connection specifications

--   Vertical and horizontal plumbing connections between modules

--   Vertical and horizontal mechanical connections

--   Electrical connections between modules

--   Fire-stopping and elimination of air infiltration