A shocking tale of Building Codes in America.                                           Chelan Home Inspections

There are many iterations of codes out there in our country. Some areas adopt statewide codes, such as Washington State. Some states allow local jurisdiction to amend the code, and I have heard that some jurisdictions do not require any residential codes at all, which to me is a little scary. Then we have local interpretation of the adopted codes and areas where the code official has little to no power.

I have thought ‘What is the cost of having so many variations of the codes?”. Think about this if you are a builder  or manufacturer and you build in one area you have one requirement, then just across the way you have another jurisdiction and another requirement. That has a cost and certain frustration level. What about quality control? I would argue that is probably best to have a uniform adoption of codes at least at a state level.

I hear many squawking about manufacturing industry controlling the code process and I do not for one second think that they do not have a interest and influence. Most codes really are about safety and technology change, and lastly and unfortunately somewhat lacking, comes durability.

I think all of us who deal with codes, building standards and public understanding of such should at least think about why and how we do what we do. How does it help our fellow citizens, neighbors, family and friends. What is the risk versus the reward?

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