Strong relationships with construction professionals set homeowners up for success

The theme for week 4 of Building Safety Month is “Construction Professionals and Homeowners: Partners in Safety,” which shines a light on how close cooperation with construction professionals, including code officials, architects, engineers and plumbers, can help homeowners protect their most important investment. Building Safety Month is an international campaign developed by the International Code Council and celebrated in May that raises awareness about building safety.

Before embarking on a remodeling job or a new construction project, property owners should work with their local officials to understand the process, which may include getting a building permit, plan review and inspection. “Homeowners should foster a collaborative relationship with their contractors and local code officials to make sure their project is on the right track from day one,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “This collaboration can help ensure that their home will be compliant with local codes, which saves time and money in the long run—and make their home safer and more resilient.”

By utilizing the most up-to-date codes, homeowners can avoid potential problems, such as not being able to get insurance coverage if they did not build with a permit or having to leave a building unoccupied because it is not built to code.

Construction professionals and code officials want to make sure all home-building projects are as successful and safe as possible. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), which is a sponsor of week 4, recommends that anyone considering a new building project learn more about the necessary building codes by communicating with their local code officials.

“Understanding building codes is essential when it comes to creating a safe built environment and moving an architecture project from conception to construction,” says NCARB Chief Executive Officer Mike Armstrong. “We want to encourage all architects and candidates to get familiar with their local building codes, so they’re better equipped to protect the public. By working together, licensure candidates, architects, code officials and others can find innovative solutions that meet the needs of both the client and the public.”

This week’s other sponsor, the American Gas Association (AGA), also emphasizes how being informed and building to the most current codes is crucial to maintaining safety for our communities.

“The American Gas Association considers safety the top priority of the Association, and the Code Council’s International Codes (I-Codes) provide a solid foundation to achieve safety in the built environment,” says Jim Ranfone, Managing Director of AGA.

Visit the Building Safety Month website to learn about how construction officials can set your project up for success. Join the conversation on social media using #BuildingSafety365.