Tag: codes

The geography of every state provides a uinique set of circumstances and challenges for the building industry operating within its borders.  For this reason, most states have adopted building codes that are specific to the needs of their terrain.

For example, the Florida building code requires most new buildings to be built in such a way that they can withstand the forces of the frequent hurricanes the state is subjected to.  Builders in Wyoming rarely have need to even think about hurricanes.

To provide safety in times of hurricane, Florida building code requirements identify specific materials that allow for flexibility in strong winds where other materials might break or shatter.

There are hurricane-specific building techniques required of the Florida building code guidelines, too.  In order to get a building permit, contractors must be fully trained, certified, and, where appropriate, licensed to perform these very exacting techniques.

Hurricanes are not the only issues addressed by Florida building code books, though.

The Sunshine State is home of miles and miles of picture-perfect sandy beaches that are great for building sand castles but a little more care and forethought must be taken when building permanent structures, such as homes, on these ever-shifting sands.

For cities and towns along the coastlines of the state, Florida building code books address the sandy issue and require buildings to be constructed in a safe way.  These homes and other buildings must also be constructed in a manner that doesn’t damage the fragile ecology of the area, either.

Another area unique to the state that calls for specific construction consideration is the area in and surrounding the Everglades National Park.  This massive expanse of marshland is home to many endangered species of plants and animals that must be protected against pollution and habitat infringement.

All contractors licensed to operate in the state must be licensed to do so, as sanctioned by the Florida building code regulations.  Some of these contractors may operate all the way from the panhandle to the keys while others may specialize in the unique needs of one particular environment.

Either way, it is wise to check with the agency responsible for implementing Florida building codes and standards before hiring, just to make sure you are investing in a legitimate, responsible, builder.

The Virginia building code, like all state building codes, demands that builders follow specific guidelines for new construction and for major renovations.  These include regulations about electricity, plumbing, gas, energy conservation, and other elements. Regulations vary between buildings intended for residential and commercial use. Be sure that your custom home plans keep the Virgina building code in mind. If you are moving to high-growth areas like Fairfax or Loudoun counties, be sure that your architect or developer has built other homes in the area that are compliant with Virginia building code regulations.  These regulations are numerous and complicated, but any experienced builder should know and follow them.  You can obtain your own copy of the Virginia building code if you are curious about specific details.

The codes cover a wide range of elements, including bathroom installation, hot tubs, access for individuals with disabilities, fire safety, and other areas (depending on if the building is residential or commercial.)  Apartment buildings or condos may have different rules as well.

Familiarity with the Virginia building code may demand special training. There are different Virginia building code certifications available. Be sure that any contractor who works on your house’s plumbing or electricity is also familiar with Virginia building code requirements. If your house is not up to code, you may have trouble selling it, so it’s a good idea to have a home inspector check for compliance as well, particularly if you have owned your home for many years, as building code regulations evolve over the years.  Beware of taking any shortcuts with the building code, as it could affect not only your experience in the house or building, but its future resale value.  Remember that it applies to major renovations as well (like putting in a new kitchen or bathroom, or putting on an addition). Virginia building code compliance is both a practical issue and a safety issue.

The South Florida building code covers the southernmost parts of the state of Florida including Broward and Miami-Dade County.  Although the South Florida building code has been amended frequently to uphold the environmental and energy-efficient standards of today’s building economy, many of the initial properties of the South Florida building code are still relevant.

The South Florida building code was last completely renovated in 2004 with subsequent supplemental amendments the last being effective October 1st, 2007.  The 2004 South Florida building code and the 2007 supplemental amendments outline provisions and requirements for safe building and prevention of unlicensed building.  Some of these provisions include:  new requirements for retrofitting single-family roofs being replaced as part of the hurricane mitigation requirements, contractors holding county certifications must also be registered with the state of Florida Department of Business and Professional Registration, and a requirement that carbon monoxide detectors are to be installed in all sleeping areas of residential occupancies. 

The state of Florida acknowledges the leading cause of death for young children and medically frail elderly residents is drowning.  The recent code modifications also require that all residences with new swimming pools must be equipped with at least one preventative pool safety feature.  Those recommended by the legislature are most commonly are barriers, locked fencing, or enclosures.  Any doors or windows that allow direct access from a residence to the pool must also be equipped with self-closing, self-latching devices with release mechanisms.  Anyone found to be in violation of the code modifications for new swimming pools will be charged with a misdemeanor or incur higher penalties if a submersion incident occurs due to lack of safety precautions. 

The code modifications also detail procedures for identifying and reporting illegally licensed contractors.  Residents who have hired a contractor identified by the state of Florida or that suspect their contractor is illegally licensed are urged to call the answer center to report their suspicions.

When a person is dealing with any kind of real estate in the city of New York, whether it is residential or commercial, it is a good idea to be familiar with the New York City building code, or to hire someone who is. There are many different rules and regulations that must be followed when building a new structure, renovating an older structure, renting a housing unit, or simply residing in a home. Failure to comply with these statues can be prove inconvenient at the best, or very expensive at the worst.

During new construction projects, the entire process will be governed by the New York City building code. From breaking ground to the finishing details, there will be a city inspector involved with the project to ensure that the progress satisfies all of the applicable city codes. If a builder is not familiar with the code, and makes a mistake, the results can be expensive. The inspector has the power to order mistakes fixed, he has the power to stop a job if the contractor will not comply, and, finally, fines could even be levied against the contractor.

Compliance with the New York City building code will be monitored by an inspector anytime a building is remodeled, as well, and there additional rules for these projects. For instance, when there are hazardous materials in an older structure, they will have to be removed during the renovation process. Any plumbing, heating, and electrical systems that are not up to code, even if they were according to an older code, will have to brought into compliance with modern standards.

Before renting out an apartment, the New York City building code dictates that the unit must first be inspected for safety and compliance with codes. Any problems must be fixed before a rental certificate is granted. Finally, a person who owns a home will also have to examine the rules before any large repairs are made. The New York City building code is designed to ensure that all buildings meet certain safety requirements, so it is advisable that it be followed as closely as possible.

The provisions of the Georgia building codeapply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure.  Amendments to the 2007 Georgia building code included a definition for an elevator door protecting device which is device that either independently or in conjunction with the elevator door assembly allows the device to meet the prescribed Georgia building coderequirements.  The amendments also clarify the regulations for the storage and handling of propane, butane, propylene, and butylenes by liquefied petroleum gas-distribution facilities and revised the mixed use and occupancy guidelines for separation.  Elevator shaft enclosures, dumbwaiters, and other hoistaways are required to be built under current fire code regulations and that elevator lobbies opening onto floors are required to be provided with fire-rated exit access corridors and elevator lobbies in high-rise buildings shall be provided with an elevator lobby at each floor with some noted exceptions.

The Georgia building code had also revised the automatic fire sprinkler system codes setting exceptions for Group R occupancies.  The chapter on accessibility was deleted without substitution and a new chapter on exterior walls and installation of wall coverings was added.  The roof assembly chapter was revised to read that metal roof fasteners must be secured to supports as prescribed by the approved manufacturer’s fasteners or by the approved substitutions in lieu of a manufacturer recommendation. 

The Georgia building code also made revisions to the special inspections chapter putting responsibility on the owner or constructor of the building to employ special inspectors as needed to comply with building codes and a new table for minimum qualifications of special inspectors has been added.  inspections are not required for buildings unless the design involves the practice of professional engineering or architecture as defined by applicable state statutes and regulations within the Georgia building code.

If you are in the industry of construction, contracting, or home inspection you are sure to know the building code of the state you are working in. It’s common sense for workers in these field to know the Indiana building code in and out if they work in that state, but some folks who are looking to get into the field might not be so savvy. Learning the building code of a particular area can be the toughest part of a job working on homes. You may know a trade like roofing or have home inspection training, but if you don’t know the particulars of the law it’s easy to make a mistake. Some of the more tricky parts of the Indiana building code for example are keeping track of amendments and figuring out the particular of the laws.

It’s best to have a copy of the building codes to study over yourself if you plan on becoming a professional dealing with homes in Indiana. Even established workers usually keep a copy of the code on their bookshelf and use it as a reference when particularly tricky questions come up. Having the code around isn’t always enough to work with it effectively. It is best to study the Indiana building code extensively before taking on a job in the field so that you’re not back peddling when an issue comes up.

Always be sure to have the most recent building code handy. Oftentimes the building code changes over the years as amendments are added and wording is changed to reflect changes in the field and in safety regulations. What was once considered safe is not always safe by modern standards. Making sure a building fits the modern Indiana building code is an important part of the home inspection industry and if you don’t have a firm grasp of the most up to date code, you could be left behind.

The Kentucky building code2006 International  Building Codethe International Code Council, Inc., changed in some places to suit the needs of the specific Kentucky code.  The Kentucky building code provides minimum standards to ensure public safety, health, and welfare as they are affected by building construction and to secure safety to life and property from all hazards incident to the occupancy of buildings, structures or premises.  The Kentucky building code is a statewide uniform building code and is mandatory for use by all local governments. 

One of the more interesting clauses in the Kentucky building code is the special religious group use where the religious group can appeal to the commonwealth of Kentucky if a clause or amendment of the Kentucky building code is in direct conflict with the groups religious beliefs.  If the group can attest that they are in deed requesting the waiver for religious means and not for economical, aesthetic, or convenience reasons and it does not impede upon the safety of occupants and surrounding residents, then a committee will consider the waiver. 

As with most state building codes, the Kentucky building code outlines mechanical, plumbing, fire, energy, and electrical codes to be strictly adhered to the state building code with regard to single and two-family dwellings as well as temporary buildings, commercial and church buildings.  The Kentucky building code also outlines the approval of work permits, stop work orders and appeals, unlawful or unsafe structural conditions and penalties for illegal contractors and unapproved structures and additions.  Use and occupancy requirements are detailed for establishments such as bed and breakfasts, local and state jails, day care centers, with special provisions for day cares with licensed after school programs.   Day care facilities are also to have locks on all doors with comprehensive emergency exit strategies, appliance safety, corridor length, interior finish and fire protective signaling systems.

Who is Responsibly for the Building Code?

All construction and renovation projects in the state of Massachusetts are governed by the Massachusetts State building code.  The Board of Building Regulations and Standards administers the Massachusetts State building code. This is an eleven-member board that derives authority from the State of Massachusetts.  The eleven members of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards also comprise the Building Code Appeals Board for the purpose of deciding appeals and interpreting the Massachusetts State building code. The Board of Building Regulations and Standards also deals with the education and certification of local building officials.

What does the Building Code Regulate?

All contractors must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor and/or licensed as a Construction Supervisor, depending upon the type of work to be done, prior to the start of any work.  A complaint can be reported to the Board of Building Regulations and Standards regarding any Home Improvement Contractor, Construction Supervisor or local building official for noncompliance to the Massachusetts State building code or other regulation. 

Operating without a certificate of registration issued by the department, abandoning or not completing a contract without justification, changing building plans or materials without owner approval or failing to pay for services and/or materials supplied by a subcontractor are just a few examples of violations of the Massachusetts State building code and can be the basis for a complaint. Some other violations of the Massachusetts State building code include offering to obtain or negotiate a mortgage on behalf of a mortgage lender, advertising without declaring a valid contractor registration number or knowingly making any misrepresentations or false promises in order to procure a contract.  

What Does the Building Code Require for a Building Permit?

The minimum construction documents, according to the Massachusetts State building code, required to obtain a building permit include a site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, framing plans, exterior elevations, constructions schedules, fire protection locations and energy conservation plans.  Of course, other documents might be required depending upon the size, type and location of the construction project.

When a construction project is started in Massachusetts, the general contractor must pay close attention to the Massachusetts. building code. From the beginning of a project to the very end, this set of general rules governs the entire process. There is a set of codes for the digging of the foundation, the style of the framing, the electrical system, the plumbing, the heating, and the roof.

Failure to comply with the Massachusetts building code will result in a major headache for the builder. First, work can be stopped completely by an inspector who is unhappy with the job. This causes money to be wasted until work can start again. Second, the cost of fixing any breeches of the code can be expensive, and no one likes to do a job twice. Finally, if a problem is not fixed, there is a possibility that the inspecting authority could levy fines, until the mistake is fixed. For a smooth job, and the most profit possible, it is advisable to become familiar with both the state and local codes.

There are many resources available that can help a person learn about the Mass building code. Contacting the state office that governs the codes is a good place to start. For more in-depth study, there are many books available that explain the codes, though they may very technical. In addition, there is the option of taking classes at a local school to learn the details and nuances of the Mass building code, as well as various other resources, depending on location.

Many builders who have worked in Massachusetts for a while may know most of the Mass building code, but as new laws are passed, some of the details of individual rules may change. The same resources can be used to learn about changes to the code, as well. A good familiarity with the Mass building code will help to ensure that a project will finish on time and on budget.

Any building contractor in the state of Michigan is required to obtain a building permit when undertaking a major structural alteration of a building, or starting a new construction. The building permit states the contractor or builder will follow the Michigan building code. In most instances normal maintenance does not require a building permit. Work that is not considered normal maintenance includes the removal of a wall, or any portion, the cutting or removal of a support beam, or the removal or change of any required means of exit.

The purpose of the Michigan building code is to insure the safety of the public concerning the construction of, or alteration of any building. Separately building permits for plumbing, mechanical and electrical work are also required when appropriate. These usually include the addition or replacement of plumbing, electrical or mechanical fixtures such as a new sewer pipe, electrical service, or heating/air conditioning unit. It is a violation of Michigan building code to undertake any major structural modification without a building permit.

The applicant of a building permit must submit in writing, detailed plans outlaying the specifications of the work to be done. This includes location of property lines, exact proportions of the project, and the kinds of materials to be used.  In most instances the local government issues the permits, and is also responsible for the inspection of the work upon completion.  The building inspector makes sure that the contractor followed the Michigan building code regarding the building materials, quality of work, deviation from plans, or any other circumstance that may result in a hazardous condition.

In essence the purpose of a building permit insures that a building inspector inspects any major work to a building. The building inspector insures that the work is up to the Michigan building code insuring the safety of the public.