From the many
homeowners that I have spoken too, the least understood topic of home
building, renovation, or restoration is code compliance. Whether the
code is electric, plumbing, fire, egress, or gas, they can all be
confusing. I am constantly being asked by homeowners why they have to
comply with codes. They reason, it's their property, their home, and
their money so why should they feel compelled by county agencies to
accept and implement any code. Although I agree that government was not
vested by the U.S. constitution the power to enforce codes of any kind,
I do agree that the code agencies promote safety. So whether or not you
agree with the counties that have bestowed of themselves the power to
enforce codes, you should implement the codes on all your projects just
simply because of the safety issues that are addressed by the different
codes.
The following codes
should be adhered to when doing any work on a structure.
Building Code - The
National Building Code (Building Construction & Safety Code) which is
being administered by the
National Fire Protection Association is the first and only
nationwide building code. Though some have expressed concern that the
NFPA has become all powerful with codes, there is absolutely no evidence
to support that the NFPA has become all powerful. The NFPA has done a
thorough job in writing a code that can be adopted by all agencies.
Electric - The
National Electric Code is used by most local building departments as the
basis by which to determine if your structure is in compliance. The
National Electric Code is administered by the
National Fire Protection
Association.
Egress - Egress is
nothing more than the way out of a building. Whether that is
accomplished via a door, a window, or other means, egress is also a
safety issue. Egress is covered under the National Life/Safety Code and
NFPA 5000.
Fire - The National
Fire Code is also used by most local building departments as the basis
by which to determine if your structure is in compliance. The National
Fire Code is administered by the
National Fire Protection
Association.
Heating, Ventilation
& Air Conditioning - The Uniform Mechanical Code
provides complete
requirements for the installation and maintenance of heating,
ventilating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Available from the
National Fire Protection
Association.
Plumbing - Uniform
Plumbing Code was
developed by the
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
the Code is compatible with all model building codes. The code may be
obtained from the
National Fire Protection
Association.
Gas - National Fuel Gas
Code - NFPA 54
has been
adopted as law by many jurisdictions around the globe, and is the most
widely accepted code in the industry. Administered by the
National Fire Protection
Association.
