Code Violation Corrections

Building codes are a controversial topic. Some wonder whether they are more harming than they are helping. Of course, building codes are essential for safety and durability. General contractors, such as home improvement contractors and building remodeling contractors need to grasp knowledge for the updated codes for continuing success of their business.

Any remodeling project or general construction project must meet specific code. Many times, when a general remodeling contractor begins a job, he may find codes may need updates in order to acquire permits for a particular job.

Codes dictate how strong our structures must be what materials must be used, and how we should prepare for disasters like fires and earthquakes. They create incentives on how to build certain types of structures; they establish economic biases towards certain materials, and they impact urban layouts.

Building codes have continuously evolved toward the use of higher levels of technology, and almost exclusively, industrially processed materials. Environmentalists have concerns over the long-term issues building codes. To meet updated codes, many times, the cost effectiveness of rehabbing a project may become a priority, urging some to destruct and erect new buildings.

Many local governments rely on a building code that focuses on new construction. It is often difficult to determine how rehab projects fit into building code categories. The high standards set forth in these codes can make rehabilitation costly for homeowners, discouraging improvement projects that benefit the entire neighborhood.

What building code does the city currently use, and how does it address rehab projects? Does the code have a specific section that addresses residential rehabilitation?
Does the current building code present any problems for the remodeling business contractor?
The city’s chief building official, fire official and representatives of the remodeling community should sit down and review the current building code and identify specific sections that present problems for rehabilitation.

How can these problems be overcome?

Questions that should be addressed:
When does a rehabilitation project trigger standards in the code?
When does a project require building changes beyond the remodeled portion of the home — such as whole-house rewiring?
Does the code allow leaving existing stairwells in a remodeled home even though the stairs are steeper than permitted in the building code?
Is the city willing to consider adopting a new code or modifying the current code in order to encourage remodeling?
How are building officials trained in inspecting rehab projects? Is there consistency in what they are looking for, helping to reduce confusion about what is expected? Are they familiar with the rehabilitation provisions of the city’s building code and how to apply them?
Does the city have a program to educate the remodeling community and homeowners on the rehabilitation portion of the building code, its impact and how to use it?
To the delight of many builders, environmentalists, and preservationists, some jurisdictions have taken on an alternate designing code that departs the conventional building code and specifically targets older buildings. These ‘rehabilitation codes’ may ease the pressures of eliminating entire buildings, allowing remodeling and rehabbing construction to proceed.
Of course, many rehab and remodeling projects do not have to take on such widespread routes, but always tackle the ever-evolving chores of code corrections to make longevity of buildings a priority.