Florida Association of Residential Construction Standards
Quality & Performance Guidelines for Homeowners and Builders
At Inspect-O-Graff, our inspections are guided by the highest technical benchmarks in the industry. Steve serves as the President & Founder of the Florida Association of Residential Construction Standards (FL-ARCS), an organization dedicated to establishing and promoting residential quality across the state.
The Florida Association of Residential Construction Standards (FL-ARCS) Mission
Founded to establish and promote residential construction quality standards across Florida, providing the technical benchmarks that ensure Florida homes are built to last.
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
— Proverbs 24:3-4
Upcoming Publication: The Gold Standard for QC
The Florida Association of Residential Construction Standards is currently developing its inaugural Quality Control Standards Publication. This document will serve as a comprehensive technical reference for residential construction inspection and quality benchmarking throughout Florida.
- Projected Release: Expected publication: 2026.
- Stay Informed: Visit the FL-ARCS website for updates and availability.
"Clickable" Construction Details & Standards Database
Tap into our decades of research here.
The below standards database and details are based on past investigations, research and determinations made based on construction methods and engineering details, as well as industry standards.
Each heading below is a clickable drop-down to provide additional information regarding observation and applicable standards, conclusions and recommendations
Construction Details & Standards Database
There are multiple different types of balcony covering types and perimeter flashing details. Proper flashing of balcony perimeters prevent water from getting behind exterior wall cladding such as stucco or siding below perimeter edge.
Multiple different balcony edge details are available and sample Perimeter Details are below:
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EZ Bead® is a product that is used mostly on stucco lath around windows openings and penetrations. The flexible foam (attached to the plastic portion of this bead) is designed to serve as a backer rod for sealant application. The blue foam cannot be left as a standalone finish or just painted over. Product and sealant is required.
Manufactures sample details are below:
Florida Impact Window manufacturers, such as PGT® have specific requirements for window installation and shimming that are visible and able to be confirmed at frame stage of construction. (this includes shim requirements for wood frame fin window installations).
Below are sample engineering specs and details on these window installation requirements:
 
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There are requirements as to maximum permissible out of plumb and bowing that is deemed out of tolerance. These tolerances are put out by the Wood Truss Council of America, and the Trust Plate institute in the publications HIB 91 and BCSI 1–03
Below is a sample diagram, taken out of such publications:
