Codes and Regulations—What You Need to Know
When you decide to construct a new building, the codes and regulations that are required can be intimidating. Building codes regulate the safety of buildings and include regulations on fire safety, proper ventilation, maximum capacity, and health safety.
Don’t let building codes prevent you from having the home or business of your dreams, or from renovating your existing building to exactly what you need—sit down with a certified commercial or residential architect, discuss your desires, and get their professional insight and guidance.
An architect is trained to know the ins and outs of every city, state, and county building code, and they can help you make the safest decisions.
Complications in New and Existing Building Codes
Building codes are divided into two groups—regulations for new buildings, and regulations for existing structures being renovated. Codes regulate anything from room size to earthquake resistance and the qualifications of the builders. New buildings can be a complicated and lengthy task, from planning to building and the final walkthrough. Take some of the stress out of new construction by hiring an architect
to walk you through the codes and regulations every step of the way.
Codes are not standard everywhere, and can change from county to county within the same state. Having a professional architect who thoroughly understands your wants and needs and can juxtapose them with the legal regulations in your city, county, and state will streamline your building process.
Most building renovations, even something simple like moving an outlet, require a permit to ensure that it meets the current coding requirements. Without the proper paperwork on file, owners could be hit with a hefty fine when it comes time to sell. It’s always the building owner’s responsibility to ensure the required permits have been secured, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone!
An architect can review your current building, establish where significant and minor renovations need to take place, in conjunction with the additions you want to make and start the entire process with safety in mind.
In extreme cases, an architect can even completely restart your building design, so you’ll know that your construction will be approved and safe.
Common Building Codes and Regulations
Building codes are established to ensure the safety of everyone and include different regulations for particular buildings. The fire safety code enforced for a public theater is very different than that for a private home.
Public buildings must be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all buildings must have plumbing, electrical, and mechanical builds up to code, comply with their city, county, and state building
regulations, and work within the perimeters of the energy codes enforced in their area.
A commercial building architect can walk you through every step of your construction process and allow you to build or renovate with confidence. Trying to go it alone can lead to a building that’s unsafe or out of code, with severe penalties, including fines of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
