Construction Law
The Value of Building Codes
Maintaining strict regulatory standards for building projects is important for maintaining the health, safety, and general welfare of the public. Building codes are designed to accomplish this by creating, and later amending, regulations to advance the overall soundness of buildings over time.
The most important task of building codes is the preservation of life. Reducing the potential for injuries and fatalities is paramount to the integration of statewide building codes, but building codes also aim to minimize economic losses associated with potential hazards in new and existing buildings. In this article, the Ft. Myers contractor lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will explain the value of building codes and why they should be considered at all times before, during, and after construction.
Reducing Property Damage
Building codes are intended to uphold the minimum acceptable standards of design, construction, and maintenance of buildings where people live and work. Building code adoption and enforcement reduce the severity of damage incurred by buildings during a natural or manmade disaster. It also alleviates the need for disaster aid and helps preserve natural resources.
The importance of building codes is best illustrated by a study that was conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in 2004 after Hurricane Charley. They discovered that improvements to the building codes adopted and enforced in 1996 resulted in a 60 percent decrease in residential property damage frequency (number of claims) and a 42 percent decrease in damage severity (cost of claims).
Additional Benefits
Building codes provide an array of benefits for residents. This includes giving residents a sense of security about the safety or durability of the building they live in. They also offer protection to first responders during and after disasters such as fires, tornados, and hurricanes. Building codes help maintain a baseline for designers, builders, and suppliers to operate around. Furthermore, they allow for economies of scale in production and building, embrace recent design and technology innovation, and incorporate cutting-edge practices to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Building codes also benefit the environment by minimizing the amount of solid waste produced by damaged homes.
Building codes are a valuable tool for ensuring that reliable, sustainable construction processes are utilized in lieu of outdated, resource-hungry alternatives. Building codes foster the development of buildings that can withstand the test of time and ensure the safety of residents and occupants. Following building codes is an essential component of lawful construction.
If you would like to speak with Ft. Myers contractor attorneys, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.