| First of all we have to look at what a building code is | | | | Building and Safety. They have the final say as to |
| and the difference between a property inspection | | | | whether something is acceptable per the code. |
| and a building code inspection. | | | | I am sure you now get the point of why we dont |
| First lets determine what a building code is. Definition: | | | | do a code inspection. |
| A published body of rules and regulations for building | | | | We do however use the various building codes as |
| practices, materials, installation and performance | | | | basic guidelines. We study the codes extensively to |
| designed to protect the health, welfare and safety | | | | give us some basic rules for safety. If a question |
| of the public. | | | | comes up as to whether something is up to code or |
| These range anywhere between the minimum size of | | | | not for that location or time of construction it will be |
| a room to how many, how far apart and what size | | | | necessary to consult with the local Department of |
| nails are used when the structure is put together. | | | | Building and Safety. This is not part of a general visual |
| Also they can address the type of glass used in a | | | | inspection that we do. |
| window to the size wires used in the electrical | | | | There are times where we try to communicate |
| system for different applications. The list of building | | | | changes that have occurred through the years in the |
| codes is very long and very technical. | | | | codes that we feel are better or safer. One classic |
| Why do we say we dont do code inspections? The | | | | example of this is GFCI plugs. These are safety plugs |
| simple answer is because codes change through time | | | | with little buttons in them that can shut off the |
| and location and there are literally thousands of | | | | power to that outlet in less than 1/40th of a second |
| codes. A bit of history is in order. | | | | if something non optimum occurs such as a coffee |
| The building codes in the United States started in late | | | | maker while plugged in falling into the office sink. |
| 1927. Before that time there were no written and | | | | These types of plugs are mandatory in many areas |
| agreed upon uniform standards of construction. | | | | such as restrooms, kitchen areas, or any area near |
| The public was mainly relying on the builder and the | | | | running water and the exterior by most current |
| tradesman to be ethical and honest and good | | | | jurisdictions. |
| craftsman. To a large degree they were. How this | | | | To the best of my knowledge it is not mandatory at |
| effects property inspections today is that we dont | | | | this time to have these safety outlets installed in |
| know what every code was when a property was | | | | older buildings when they are sold or leased. They |
| built nor do we know all the codes. City inspectors | | | | usually cost about $25 - $35 per plug to have installed |
| dont know all the current codes much less past | | | | and would have stopped approx. Of all the |
| codes. | | | | electrocutions last year if they were installed in all the |
| Throughout every year the codes change. These | | | | recommended areas. If you do not have them we |
| changes are put out in writing approximately every | | | | will usually suggest you get them for safety however |
| three years in book form. The codes can be | | | | it is usually not mandatory at this time to make the |
| different depending on the city in which the building is | | | | change. I am just mentioning this as an example and |
| located. We do inspections in over 25 different | | | | depending on the site there may be a few |
| municipalities. There is no way we can know all the | | | | suggestions such as this. |
| codes for each different area for all the different | | | | During an inspection we are looking at anywhere |
| possible times of construction. | | | | from 300-500 different items. Many deal with safety |
| Another aspect that can come into play is the on-site | | | | and many deal with function. We do not care about |
| local Building and Safety inspector has final say as to | | | | cosmetic issues such as the color of the paint, worn |
| whether something is acceptable per the code. He | | | | carpet or the style of architecture. |
| may waive a minor infraction if he feels it is in the | | | | Our main concern is safety and function. |
| spirit of the code. | | | | Our reports are extremely detailed and will provide |
| There may be a Modification to the Building Code | | | | you with a significant amount of information that you |
| that was filed and accepted for the site for a | | | | can use to make an informed decision. |
| particular circumstance or a Variance. Without getting | | | | Our purpose is to make sure you are aware of any |
| into the technicalities of what these are the simple | | | | significant defects in the building and site and to help |
| explanation is they are all circumstances that are not | | | | you understand what you are agreeing to, not to |
| exactly per the code of the time but are changes | | | | determine if something is up to code. |
| that have been approved by the local Department of | | | | |