Beyond Building Code Requirements

New construction and renovation projects are subject to a variety of building code requirements. Homeowners, contractors, and builders have to meet these standards in order to have their residential and commercial building projects approved and completed.

The underlying basis of these codes is to create safe structures for occupants and for the community. However, building above the bare minimum can ensure that your home or commercial building is efficient, safe, and designed with quality and longevity in mind.

It’s important to understand what the minimum building code requirements are in your state and local municipality. At the same time, it’s also important to understand areas in which you can improve safety and efficiency by using building materials and installation methods that exceed the minimum code requirements. This is where the experts at TruTeam excel.

Contact TruTeam today for more information on how our services can help you build above minimum codes in your area. 

What Are Building Codes?

Building codes establish the minimum legal requirements for construction or renovation projects. Building rules started in the United States in the late 1800s and have evolved to cover many areas including fire safety, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, building materials and methods, and more.

International Building Codes

The International Code Council (ICC) was established in 1994 and created one set of regulations for building codes. Most state and local governments follow regulations from the ICC. Building codes are updated once every three years. Under the ICC, specific building codes have been developed for different types of projects.

• The International Building Code (IBC) sets standards for new and existing commercial properties.
• The International Residential Code (IRC) applies to one- and two-family homes and townhouses.
• The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) is designed for repairs, alterations, and additions to existing buildings including historic buildings.

Energy Efficiency

Building above minimum building codes can increase the energy efficiency of a home or commercial building. This can significantly reduce energy expenses, resulting in long term savings that can offset initial construction expenses.

While building codes specify the bare minimum needed in construction or renovation, the latest technologies available for building materials like insulation often exceed these levels. Using high quality insulation products and best-in-class installation services results in the best return on your investment. You will achieve maximum energy efficiency with savings that last for years in the future. TruTeam’s installers value innovation, accountability, and performance – all qualities that will maximize the benefits of building above minimum code.

Indoor Air Quality

Well-designed HVAC systems along with proper insulation, sealants and air barriers can improve indoor air quality. While efficient HVAC systems reduce energy consumption and costs, they also increase indoor air quality and comfort. Keeping air pollutants out while keeping heated, cooled, and filtered air inside a home or commercial building makes breathing safer and more comfortable for occupants.

Going beyond the minimum building code requirements has become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Premium air filtration systems are attractive to home buyers and commercial building tenants, and they are essential in places like hospitals and schools.

Increased Sound Control

In addition to better regulated indoor climates and safer indoor air quality, building above code with high quality insulation materials makes homes and businesses more comfortable with improved soundproofing. With soundproof insulation, noise is reduced from traveling from room to room, floor to floor, and outside to inside.

Installing insulation that is above code helps absorb, reduce, and block sound transmission. Homes and businesses with superior soundproof insulation are more attractive to residents and tenants.

Fire Safety

Improving fire safety in homes and businesses was one of the major drivers of the establishment of the ICC. Today, both residential and commercial construction and renovation projects are subject to state and local fire codes. Installing fireproofing and firestopping improvements above the minimum fire code makes all sizes and types of buildings safer.

Occupants have more time to escape in case of fire, and properties suffer less damage when state-of-the-art firestopping products are installed. Many homeowners and commercial business owners receive reductions in their insurance premiums for additional fire safety measures which can help offset the initial costs of building above minimum fire code requirements.

Benefits for Home Builders

Home builders who build above minimum code requirements can earn a reputation in their communities for constructing safe, technologically advanced homes. These homes are also less likely to suffer damage in case of disaster and provide lower energy costs for owners.

Homes built above code are more attractive to and more desirable for potential homeowners. Using building materials and installation methods that exceed minimum codes creates communities that are safe, efficient, and have a good quality of life.

Benefits for Commercial Builders

In commercial construction, a project is not successful unless it meets minimum code requirements. Not meeting building code requirements can result in project delays and permitting stalls. Building above code makes it less likely that a commercial project will not be approved by code enforcement, and therefore, there are fewer roadblocks to completing a project on schedule. Construction costs are also reduced when commercial builders have less need to rebuild or are called back to a project to make a structure up to code.

Materials to Use to Exceed Building Codes

TruTeam has all the materials as well as local installation contractors you need to meet and exceed minimum building code requirements. Our local branches serve homeowners, home builders, commercial builders, and remodelers. As a nationwide network of installers, we provide superior installation of insulation, caulking and sealing, air barriers, weatherproofing, firestop, and more.

Contact your local branch for more information on how we can help you meet and exceed building codes in your area for your next project.

Risks of Not Meeting Building Codes

Building code enforcement is completed by local officials. This can be done through design plan reviews and/or inspections during construction. Violating building codes can result in fines, penalties, delays in project completion, and potential rebuilds. In other words, not meeting code requirements can cost time and money. When you plan to exceed building codes, you can avoid penalties or delays while building safer, more efficient, and more comfortable structures.

Staying Up to Date on Building Codes

Because building codes from the ICC are updated every three years, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations in your local area. This is also why it is important to partner with professionals like the experts at TruTeam who know and understand local requirements.

Our nationwide network of proven installers keep your projects on schedule and on budget while helping you meet and exceed local building codes with high quality building materials and installation services.

Residential & Commercial Insulation Near Me

TruTeam’s network of local experts can help throughout the building or remodeling process. We assist homeowners, builders, and remodelers when navigating state and local building codes. We can make product recommendations and provide installation services for projects of all sizes.

When you want to not only meet but exceed minimum building standards, contact your local TruTeam branch for professional installation of insulation, fireproofing, and more.