From the Field: What Code Inspectors Wish Homeowners Knew

(StatePoint) When homeowners doing work on their property consider a cheaper route, for example, hiring a contractor who doesn’t want to pull permits, they may not realize the risk they are taking. But they should know that there is no “undo” button on a disaster.

That’s one reason behind the International Code Council (ICC) Building Safety Month, a campaign that reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly-updated building codes, and helps communities understand what it takes to create safe, sustainable structures. As part of the campaign, two seasoned building safety professionals are sharing some important basics they wish homeowners knew.

Egress

Albert Joseph Rocco Jr., the deputy building official in the Building Division for the City of Kissimmee, Florida, says one of the most important safety concepts is the “The Path of Egress.” Codes require bedroom windows to be a specific size so occupants can escape a fire, and so firefighters can get in while wearing their equipment. “Any modification, like adding bars to windows or changing a floor plan, must preserve that clear path to the outside.”

Rocco also recommends keeping the area around bedroom windows clutter-free. “In an emergency, time spent removing items from the exit path are valuable seconds that might make the difference.”

Decks and Balconies

Rocco notes that one often-ignored at-home maintenance task is inspecting exterior deck and balcony framing integrity. Deck ledger boards often fail because the connection to the house rots or was never flashed correctly. This is something people don’t think about until it collapses.

“If you see the wood deteriorate, if it feels soft or is cracking, have a professional check it out. Basically, if it doesn’t look safe, it’s probably not,” he says. “And pay attention to deck railing to ensure it’s not loose. The last thing you want is for a guest to lean on it during a BBQ and fall through to the ground, however far that is.”

Rocco also warns that decks must be used safely. For example, a hot tub filled with water may be heavier than a deck can handle. Homeowners intending to place a hot tub on their deck should check with a licensed professional to verify if additional support will be needed. Also, it’s not recommended to cook on decks with roofs. “BBQ fires can happen easily if left unattended. If those flames get hot and high enough, your steak won’t be the only thing burnt,” says Rocco.

Water Intrusion

Slow plumbing leaks are the biggest “snowball” culprits, according to Rocco. A tiny drip can lead to structural rot and toxic mold before a spot on the drywall appears. Another is foundation drainage. If soil settles and slopes toward the house, water will eventually undermine the foundation, leading to costly structural failure.

“Beyond structural damage and harmful mold, water intrusion can damage electrical systems, increasing the risk of fire or shock, and it often goes undetected until significant harm has already occurred,” says Ryan Smith, the building official for the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota.

Water Heaters

Homeowners often overlook sediment flushing for water heaters, warns Rocco. Mineral buildup at the bottom reduces efficiency and can cause the tank to overheat and fail prematurely.

Vents

Smith reminds homeowners that snow buildup on the side of the house can plug up vents and turn off the furnace. “You have to clear snow around the furnace vents – and if they turn off, that is the first place to check.”

Scope

Homeowners should never go beyond the scope of an approved building project. “We don’t know if requirements are met, what materials are used, or if there’s proper ventilation. Going beyond the scope of what’s approved is dangerous,” says Smith.

Products

“We’re seeing products being purchased from Amazon sellers that don’t meet minimum code requirements,” says Smith. From luxury sinks to bogus smoke detectors, homeowners should ensure any product they purchase is UL listed and approved for use in their jurisdiction.

International Codes

ICC’s codes and standards play an important role in creating safe, affordable and sustainable structures. Homeowners can read up on I-Codes and consult with a local professional before starting a project to avoid violations.

“When it comes down to it, most people assume that because their home is standing, it is safe. The truth is, electrical systems age, wood rots, and safety devices expire. The most dangerous home is the one where the owner assumes ‘it’s fine because it’s always been that way’,” says Rocco.

For more home safety tips, visit ICC’s Building Safety Month at https://www.iccsafe.org.

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