Watch Out: Top 10 Building Code Violations
Here’s an alarming stat: About 45
percent of residential field inspections reveal a code violation,
according to the Common Code Violations survey released in 2013 by the
International Code Council and the National Association of Home
Builders.
That said, inspectors are reporting fewer failed inspections in recent years, but they are flagging more specific items, like code violations surrounding guardrails, stairs, and anchor bolts for foundations.
1. Missing documentation: not having all the required documents (e.g. structural plans and energy code docs) on-site. Required documentation varies by jurisdiction.
2. Improperly placed anchor bolts: missing or improperly placed foundation anchor bolts.
3. Braced wall errors: missing blocking for braced wall panels.
4. Weakened joists and beams: beams that aren’t sized for the load or that lack proper bearing (typically more of an issue with remodelers who are trying to open up a space but are unaware about the importance of load-baring walls)
5. Deck ledgers and braces: inadequate deck connections that can be dangerous and cause the entire structure to fall
6. Stair rise and run errors: inadequate horizontal space planned for stairways that results in stairs that are too steep (can be more commonly found on porch stairs from sidewalks).
7. Stair handrails and guardrails: wrong heights as measured from the tread (code requires at least 34 inches and no more than 38 inches high). Also, the connection to the stair may not be secure enough.
8. Missing or inadequate fire blocking: fire blocking can help slow the spread of flames and smoke during a fire; code mandates specific codes for fire blocking.
9. Air-barrier gaps: missing air barriers, particularly behind HVAC chases and attic knee walls.
10. Exposed kraft-faced insulation: the paper cannot be exposed and must be covered with drywall or other type of sheathing, even in attics and crawlspaces. The paper is highly flammable.
Read more about each code violation and view photos at The Journal of Light Construction.
Source: “Top 10 Code Violations,” The Journal of Light Construction (Feb. 5, 2016)
That said, inspectors are reporting fewer failed inspections in recent years, but they are flagging more specific items, like code violations surrounding guardrails, stairs, and anchor bolts for foundations.
Read more: Avoid These DIY Building Code BlundersThe Journal of Light Construction recently published a list of the top code violations from municipalities across the country, which reveals what is giving builders the most trouble.
1. Missing documentation: not having all the required documents (e.g. structural plans and energy code docs) on-site. Required documentation varies by jurisdiction.
2. Improperly placed anchor bolts: missing or improperly placed foundation anchor bolts.
3. Braced wall errors: missing blocking for braced wall panels.
4. Weakened joists and beams: beams that aren’t sized for the load or that lack proper bearing (typically more of an issue with remodelers who are trying to open up a space but are unaware about the importance of load-baring walls)
5. Deck ledgers and braces: inadequate deck connections that can be dangerous and cause the entire structure to fall
6. Stair rise and run errors: inadequate horizontal space planned for stairways that results in stairs that are too steep (can be more commonly found on porch stairs from sidewalks).
7. Stair handrails and guardrails: wrong heights as measured from the tread (code requires at least 34 inches and no more than 38 inches high). Also, the connection to the stair may not be secure enough.
8. Missing or inadequate fire blocking: fire blocking can help slow the spread of flames and smoke during a fire; code mandates specific codes for fire blocking.
9. Air-barrier gaps: missing air barriers, particularly behind HVAC chases and attic knee walls.
10. Exposed kraft-faced insulation: the paper cannot be exposed and must be covered with drywall or other type of sheathing, even in attics and crawlspaces. The paper is highly flammable.
Read more about each code violation and view photos at The Journal of Light Construction.
Source: “Top 10 Code Violations,” The Journal of Light Construction (Feb. 5, 2016)
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