Table of Contents

• What Are Building Codes?
• How Building Codes Are Created And Updated
• Model Codes Vs Laws
• Why Compliance Matters
• How To Comply With Building Codes
• Compliant Builds With EK Bailey

Before a construction project can fully begin, a contractor, builder, and property owner will all need to understand local building codes. Following these rules and regulations will ensure a building is safe and help prevent you from facing legal consequences in the future. Building codes may seem complicated, but they are put in place to keep business owners, customers, delivery personnel, and construction workers safe when using or working on the building. Let’s dive deeper into what building codes actually are and how you can ensure your build is compliant. 

What Are Building Codes?

Building codes provide rules and standards for the design of your building. Whether you are building from the ground up or altering an existing building, you will need to follow building codes enforced in your local area or your state. All contractors or those renovating a home should be familiar with building codes and other local amendments.

How Building Codes Are Created And Updated

Most building codes have been developed by the International Building Code (IBC), while states and local municipalities have local amendments and regional considerations that contractors and homeowners must follow. IBC will most likely continue to set the standard for buildings, while local areas will add on specialty considerations for the climate, city limits, or current landscape. 

Local lawmakers and governments will use something called a ‘model code’ to help them form the requirements for their area. These model codes are produced by the International Code Council (ICC), incorporating existing standards that are developed by those with expertise. If gaps in the codes and regulations appear, model codes and local building codes can be updated to higher standards. For smaller or interior elements, ASTM International, the National Fire Protection Association, and the American Society of Civil Engineers are some other organizations that create model codes. 

Model Codes Vs Laws

Even though a model code may be written, there are some different steps it has to go through multiple steps before it becomes a law. Committees can motion to change a code or implement a new law, but they need to be approved by local lawmakers. Those who are looking to upgrade a building code will need to provide sufficient evidence for their case and allow the public and government to have an opinion on the changes. Local lawmakers will then take the comments from the public hearing and resolve all of them before sending the vote to a larger pool of ICC members. When state and local lawmakers agree, these model codes will then be adopted as building codes and must be followed going forward. 

Why Compliance Matters

Buildings need to comply with building codes and other regulations because it protects contractors, customers, and others from injury and death. Through reliable systems, buildings will not only have reduced complications, repairs, and accidents for customers. Complying with regulations also increases the property value, because everyone will have peace of mind about the longevity and safety of the space. Buildings that meet codes are more attractive to investors and leasees as they will last longer and withstand natural disasters. 

How To Comply With Building Codes

Doing your due diligence to comply with codes and regulations is something that future owners and users will thank you for. Here are some of the best ways to ensure your build, renovation, or addition complies with local codes. 

• Plan the build with codes in mind. Make sure your team is all on the same page, including during the design phase before you ever break ground. Your project should consider the codes and regulations from the very beginning. 
• Conducting inspections before construction begins can help give you a better picture of the surrounding area. Evaluate the soil, drainage, and other environmental conditions that could impact your build. You may want to choose different materials or more modern systems to prevent failure later.
• Document everything you do, especially building inspections, to help keep your building compliant after construction is complete. 

Compliant Builds With EK Bailey

Our commercial builders have been working in the construction industry for many years, giving us the knowledge and experience to create compliant buildings. EK Bailey has constructed auto dealerships, retail spaces, health care buildings, and more that have continued to serve the community through safe and quality buildings. We have some of the highest quality standards and materials to ensure that Utah weather and natural disasters won’t compromise the integrity. If you are looking for a skilled contractor and building team, reach out to us to get started today!