Building inspectors can make mistakes and disreputable builders can cut corners.Knowing if your home has building code violations can save you from having trouble down the road.
Step 1: Determine when your home was built.
By knowing when your home was built you will be able to see what changes have occurred in your jurisdiction's building codes after they have been updated by the International Code Council.Changes in wiring standards, such as the elimination of aluminum wiring in residential construction, with the exception of service entry wiring, and the requirement for ground fault circuit interrupters near wet locations, are some changes you might look for.Changes have been made to the electrical trade.Many jurisdictions have implemented changes to site plan requirements to decrease flooding problems and reduce storm water pollution.Wind load and snow load requirements have been developed to strengthen structural elements for homes in the event of severe weather.Although they may not be specifically written into building codes, energy efficiency improvements have been addressed.Minimum standards for wall and ceiling insulation may apply in your area, and the use of insulated or double-insulated ductwork is required in many areas.In areas with high winds, roofing installation and shingle wind resistance standards apply.In areas subject to wildfires, flame spread limits or nonflammable roofing may be required.
Step 2: You can research the local building codes.
You can find this information at your local building inspection office.In your area, you can ask experienced builders.They will have a lot of knowledge in building codes since they are required to know the current codes, and will likely remember changes they have seen over the years.
Step 3: Who built your home?
If the builder is still in business, he or she may have records of the date of construction, as well as contract drawings and copies of permits.The information you get about the construction of your home will be very specific.You can check the records at your local building department.The builder may no longer be alive in some cases.Ask the inheritors of the business if they can help.It is possible to obtain drawings, plans and other useful materials from your local planning authority.
Step 4: Consider hiring a private building inspector.
Many real estate transactions and home sales require these inspections, and a licensed, trained inspector should know what code requirements apply to your home.When hiring an inspector, be sure to choose someone who has a good reputation in the industry.If the building inspectors are required to be registered or members of a professional body, be sure to ask for the indicators of assured quality.If your home was inspected as part of the purchase, it is a good idea to have a new inspection performed if you haven't lived there in a long time.
Step 5: If you're capable, make your own assessment.
While it is not practical to remove brick from a wall to observe the installation of masonry anchorages or brick ties, you may be able to check the depth of the roof framing members in your attic.
Step 6: If you want to make sure circuits are labeled correctly, look in the electrical panel box.
If you hire an electrician to remove the dead front of the panel, they will be able to determine the type of wire, the size of wires, and the existence of grounding legs for circuits.It's important to have a qualified electrician check the wiring in older houses.In some cases decades of illegal do-it-yourself fixes to wiring or a lack of replacing aging wires in such homes can present a fire hazard and potential electrocution problems.An electrician will be able to tell you if major fixes are needed.
Step 7: Look at the windows.
Is the double or triple glazed frames made to resist impact and have wind load labels?Are there bolts that are visible to make sure they are securely installed?Low E coating may be more difficult to confirm.Safety glass must have a manufacturers designation, designating the type of glass and the safety glazing standard with which it complies.This designation must be visible at the final installation so that it can't be removed without being destroyed.
Step 8: If the proper pipe materials were used, check the water lines.
It is difficult for a person to determine if lead solder was used to connect copper pipes, but if you see a dull, grey plastic pipe with aluminum crimped couplings, there is a good chance your house, or parts of it, were fitted with polybutylene pipe.It is almost impossible to know the condition of the polybutylene piping since it is being compromised from the inside.
Step 9: Make sure your water heating unit is ventilating in a metal pipe if it is a gas-fired unit.
It is advisable to check the area it is located in to make sure it has enough air circulation.The pilot flame should be at least 18 inches above the floor if the gas water heater is located in a garage.The pressure relief valve should be plumbed to the exterior of the building if the water heater is fitted with it.If you are located in a design category called C,D,E or F, you should make sure that the water heater is strapped at the upper 1/3 and lower 1/3 of it's vertical dimensions to resist horizontal displacement during a seismic event.
Step 10: You should look at your laundry equipment.
Does the clothes dryer have a metal exhaust duct with a smooth inner surface?Is the length of the duct 35 feet or less, minus up to 5 feet for each elbow?If the plumbing for the washing machine is strapped, the drain line can be routed into the sanitary sewer system.Most building codes don't permit direct discharge of gray water onto the ground outside of your home.
Step 11: After you have researched your local building codes, you can inspect your home yourself.
Ask the staff if they will give you a courtesy re-inspection to make sure your home complies with local codes.Depending on how the office is operated, they may offer a free inspection service or a nominal fee.