One of the best ways to infuse new excitement about your abode is a home improvement project. Done right, these projects can create a whole new level of accomplishment and home ownership. The key phrase is ‘done right’.

Codes and Enforcement

When it comes to any kind of construction, local building inspectors enforce standards that establish sufficient levels of quality for that construction project.

They are much like what neighborhood associations call covenants. Like HOA covenants, codes are implemented to maintain property values.

The big difference is that the building inspector’s office carries with it full governmental authority to levy severe fines. It also has the authority to stop projects found to be in repeated violations of government codes.

First Thing to Cover

The first code you are apt to encounter will target your structure’s foundation. This is only logical to anticipate since the entire project must stand or fall (no pun intended) on that foundation.

One thing all foundations must have is sturdy footing in the form of firm soil, or preferably rock upon which to build.

Soil studies have been conducted over the years to determine which are the best soils upon which to build. If the soil under your proposed project is not an acceptable soil type, code requires some type of soil stabilization, either with compaction or with rebar or both.

The use of rebar also has codes which govern not only the required strength or gauge rebar for the soil type and project, but also how it is assembled and laid into the newly dug footing.

Acceptable Quality Materials

Codes also dictate material quality used with these home improvement projects. Materials choice is not an area that you want to try to cut costs.

Poor quality of materials selection can close down a project because using low quality materials with your improvement adversely affects construction quality and property value.

Use the code-required building materials, and even better than what code requires, when possible to maintain code compliance and assure construction quality.

Construction Process

Increasingly, codes also address the order of completion by which the different phases of construction must be done to be code compliant.

Not only order of completion, but codes must be followed with how most materials get applied as well. For instance, if your project includes a basement, check codes for waterproofing it, the concrete density and curing times required.

No home improvement that involves a major structural change to the existing construction can move forward or be approved without adhering to local codes.