If you are thinking about starting a construction project, you should first become familiar with building codes! Building codes are the minimum structural design and construction requirements to ensure the public health, safety and welfare of the communities that occupy these spaces.
Below are five reasons why building codes are important:
- Protect Public Health: Building codes ensure that buildings are constructed in a way to help to protect public health and minimize the risk of exposure to hazardous materials, such as mold, lead, mercury, heavy metals, and asbestos which can lead to illness and death.
- Ensure Public Safety: Building codes outline the minimum standards for fire prevention, electrical systems, plumbing, and the structural integrity of a building. Natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes are a risk to people’s safety, so it is crucial that houses and structures are built to code to minimize the risk of accidents and hazards. Hurricane Andrew, a category five hurricane in 1992 swept across Florida, Louisiana and the southern states which took many lives and created severe damage – this resulted in the development of more rigorous construction standards. Building to the required code helps ensure public safety and reduce injuries and death.
- Environmental Protection: Building codes often include requirements for energy efficiency, water conservation, and other sustainable building practices. Some of these requirements include energy codes that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants from buildings which have a significant effect on our health and the planet. Through the enforcement of these codes, communities can reduce their environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future.
- Legal Compliance: Building codes are legal requirements that must be followed by contractors, developers, property owners and others involved in the construction process of a building. Non compliance can result in increased liability for property owners and if the property is found in violation of the code, insurance coverage may be denied and the owners could be held liable for any damages. Failure to comply with building codes can result in fines, penalties, and even legal action, so it is important you abide by the required code to avoid penalties or liabilities.
- Enhance Property Value: Houses that are constructed in accordance with code requirements are generally considered to be safer, more durable, and built to last. These properties tend to be more valuable and desirable to potential buyers because they are safe and usually don’t require as much fixing down the road. These properties usually have better energy efficiency and lower insurance premiums and adhering to the required building codes can enhance the value of a property.
Overall, building codes cover various aspects of construction such as the structural design, fire safety, electrical systems, plumbing, ventilation, and more. Building codes are always being updated and improved through the advances in technology to better ensure the public’s health and safety, as well as protecting the environment and maintaining property values.
If you would like to learn more about the importance of building codes from a professional architect, consider booking a consultation with Amy here!
