What is the purpose behind the building code?
While it is true that quality construction often meets code, the inverse is not. But how can this be? During a recent code inspection certification course, I was thinking about this question as we reviewed the first few pages of the code book where the purpose of the building code is defined. Page 1 of the International One- and Two- Family Dwelling Code states: Section 102: PURPOSE, Article 102.1: Minimum Standards. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards for the protection of life, limb, health, property, environment, and for the safety and welfare of the consumer, general public, and the owners and occupants of residential buildings regulated by this code. Please note the word minimum has been underlined for emphasis in the citation above. The purpose of the building code is to provide minimum safety standards, not quality standards. Many homebuyers find this hard to believe. That is why the title of the article found in Code Section 102, is named Minimum Standards.
