Know the Code: Follow Local Building Codes for a Successful Remodel

If a remodeling project is in your future, you already know you have quite a few things to take care of.

Should you DIY or call a pro? What materials do you need? Do you have all the right tools?

But there’s one more thing you must add to your to-do list:

Check your local building codes.

City and county governments establish building codes to ensure that all homes and businesses are safe to live and work in. Most are based on the International Building Code, which is published by the International Code Council. Many jurisdictions also address risks unique to the area, such as earthquakes, tornadoes or hurricanes.

Don’t worry if you aren’t exactly familiar with building codes. You can find out which rules pertain to you by contacting your local building department, or by reaching out to experienced construction professionals. In the meantime, let’s go over some basic information to point you in the right direction.

Know the Purpose of Building Codes

As noted above, the main purpose of building codes is to ensure that a home or business is safe for human occupancy. Building codes govern both new construction and remodeling, and apply to residential and commercial projects alike.

Most provisions address minimum safety, health and environmental standards. Examples range from ensuring structural soundness to the number and location of fire alarms. Other regulations may address ventilation standards, electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures.

Some homeowners are tempted to ignore building codes, thinking it won’t make a difference and that nobody will notice. The reality is that nothing could be further from the truth. The consequences for violating building codes include:

Health and safety risks to you and your family
Fines from your local jurisdiction
Loss of sale if your home fails an inspection
Lawsuits if future owners discover unaddressed violations
Having to tear down and restart a project
Having to vacate a home if it is deemed unsafe for occupancy

Get a Building Permit (If Required)

The most important question to ask your local building department is whether you need a permit for your project. Cosmetic changes, such as painting your house a different color, typically don’t need one. Jobs that involve structural changes, such as tearing down walls, almost always do. However, it’s always best to check before you get started!

Even if you’ve worked on other projects in the past, be aware that building codes often change over time. And because regulations vary by jurisdiction, a requirement that applies in one city may not apply in another.

The best reason to get a building permit is that it’s the law. But there are other benefits:

Reduce safety and health risks
Improve energy- and water-efficiency
Save money long-term from lower repair costs
Enhance or preserve the value of your home

Avoid Common Violations

Every remodeling project is unique. That’s another reason to check with your building department. Provisions that apply to one project may not affect another. Here are a few examples of projects that are typically covered by local building regulations.

Plumbing

Most plumbing regulations are based on the Uniform Plumbing Code, which is published by the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials, or IAPMO.

Plumbing codes are especially important for kitchen and bathroom remodeling, as well as projects involving laundry rooms, garages or outdoor irrigation. Items addressed include the materials allowed, placement of water fixtures and water pressure requirements.

Electrical Work

Rules pertaining to electrical work are largely based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is published by the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA. The NEC regulates many aspects of electrical work, such as wiring, circuit breakers and tamper-resistant receptacles.

Poor electrical work reduces energy efficiency and increases the risk of fire and electrocution. Common electrical violations include:

Incorrect circuits: Different types of circuits are required for lighting fixtures and receptacles.
Splicing wires incorrectly: All wire connections must be protected by an approved junction box. The box must be visible and accessible, and not hidden inside a wall cavity.
Missing GFCIs: A ground fault circuit interrupter is required in areas where water may be present. Examples include bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and garages.

Building a Deck

Decks are among the most popular home improvements in many regions. Regulations that apply to deck projects include basic standards for railings, stairs, ledger boards and other structural elements.

One of the most common causes of deck failures is improperly fastened ledgers. According to the North American Deck and Railing Association, two mistakes are the primary culprit:

Improper flashing allows water to seep behind the ledger, causing the wood to rot.
Using improper methods to fasten the ledger to the house, such as plain nails, reduces structural soundness.

Hazardous Materials

Depending on the age of your home, it is highly recommended that you have an inspector check for hazardous materials. Two primary sources of concern include asbestos and lead.

Asbestos: This harmful substance is most often found in homes built before 1970. Materials most likely to include asbestos include popcorn ceilings, old vinyl tiles, cement shingle siding and some types of drywall and insulation. Contact your local building authority for assistance in safely removing and disposing of asbestos.
Lead: Unlawful since 1978, lead may still be found in many older homes. Cutting, scraping or sanding lead-coated materials may put your own health at risk. The safest bet is to contact your building department for guidance on safe testing and removal.

Have Your Work Inspected

In addition to a permit, many building and remodeling projects require inspection at various stages to ensure full compliance. The inspector must sign off on each step before you can proceed to the next.

What if the inspector finds a violation? You will typically have a reasonable period of time to correct the problem without incurring fines or other penalties. The amount of time permitted depends on the level of danger present. Violations that pose an imminent risk of injury may require immediate action. In rare cases, a dangerous violation may require you to vacate the home until it is brought up to code.

In most cases, code violations require a professional to fix and cannot be corrected on a DIY basis.

Choose Quality Building Materials

One essential aspect of meeting local building codes is to choose the right materials. From high quality lumber and siding to sturdy hardware, Mid-City Lumber has a wide assortment of quality brands for any project. In addition, our friendly building and remodeling experts are here to offer helpful advice and answer your questions.

We encourage you to visit one of our locations or contact us online for more information!