Our Hobbit Hole.Com

Dallas · Joined: 30 Jun 2007 Posts: 19 Location: Oregon

Mainly so your house doesn't fall down on your head or burn up too fast. It is a Fire and Life Safety Issue. In the old, old days (Babylon circa....oh I dunno...5,000 years ago) there was the Code of Hammurabi. Which said if the house falls down and the owner's son is killed the builder's son shall be put to death. Likewise if the falling building cut off the owner's leg, then the builder's leg is forfeit. Get the idea? Tough building code.

Nowdays, there are experts (structural engineers, architects, building inspectors) who insure (at your expense) you don't do something stupid...like let your hobbit hole fill up with sewer gas and explode...cave in from an earthquake...drown in because you have no egress out the back bedroom...things like that. But doesn't that add to the cost, you say? You bet! But what cost your neighbor's son who came and spent the night for your son's sleepover?

So building codes are a necessary...umm blessing. And even if you don't have any in your location....go get an engineer, architect or someone to put their license and reputation behind your design.

Aarrrggghhh....I really didn't mean to preach.... Rolling Eyes

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Posts: 42

I was surprised to find that Wikipedia actually has quite an extensive article on the history of building codes, their purpose, etc, that you can find here.

silmarillion · Joined: 18 Aug 2011 Posts: 5

Sometimes building codes can get in the way. For instance when dealing with energy efficient windows while needing to replace windows on an older home. Even you roofing needs to be at code. It can get a bit wonky and unnecessary at times but still should be followed. Most existence for your safety and the safety of others, but some can sound crazy. Either way they exists and need to be followed when doing construction.
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Indianapolis roofing contractors

dwightsmoot · Joined: 21 Sep 2011 Posts: 3

Yes, building codes are necessary and yes, they do get in the way sometimes. But, with as many DIYer's out there now doing larger projects themselves because of the bad economy I would think you'd want professionals inspecting the work at the end for the safety of the inhabitants and guests of the home.
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earth homes

Dallas · Joined: 30 Jun 2007 Posts: 19 Location: Oregon

And why should I care if Alaska or Cameroon has no codes (outside the cities)? Besides the facts stated above (wouldn't wish harm to anyone), it seems to me, we are global citizens, and the dispersment of knowledge to all is important, too. "Is that crooked, knarly post strong enough to support my roof?" My brother's failure diminishes me, too. Conversely, my brother's success adds to the global village...to humanity. Up by the bootstaps.