House Codes 101: Why These Rules Exist and How to Find Them
Remodeling your home? Make sure your project meets local building codes. We’ll explain what this means and how to find them.
You’ve got the DIY bug, and you’ve got it bad. Maybe you want to do something small like install recessed lighting in your kitchen, or maybe you want to build a brand-new detached garage. Either way, it’s critical to know that your project is legal.
Many home construction projects require permits from local authorities to ensure you’re building “to code.” For a building to be up to code, all of its construction needs to adhere to guidelines set up by government authorities.
Step one: Talk to an expert!
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If you shirk building codes, your local government could slap you with a hefty fine and force you to undo unpermitted work. More importantly, code violations can result in property damage and serious injuries for those in the house.
If you’re a DIY newbie, the idea of sorting through national, state, and local house codes might have you feeling stressed out. Thankfully, this process isn’t as difficult as it may appear. We’ll teach you how building codes work and how to find them with advice from a seasoned flipper.
House codes keep us safe, and they are everywhere
“House codes exist primarily to ensure the safety and well-being of area residents,” explains Eric Nerhood, owner of Premier Property Buyers in Seal Beach, CA.
“Just about every state in the U.S. has house codes for their cities and towns.”
Essentially, house codes exist to prevent builders from cutting corners or making dangerous oversights that could lead to fires, cave-ins, flooding, or other serious issues that put people at risk.
House codes are revised and enforced by various government agencies at the state, national, and international levels. Ultimately, the U.S. General Services Administration reviews and approves house codes for all jurisdictions in the state. However, your local government has plenty of its own codes and will serve as your reference point for figuring out what you need to get your project started.
To understand the entities involved in creating and upholding house codes, let’s go over the main organizations for house codes.
