Remodeling Rules

Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations governing residential construction—including home additions—are established by various government agencies. Your project will go more smoothly if you understand why those rules are there and learn how to work with the people who check for compliance with those rules throughout the job.

Local governments impose building rules and regulations based on a uniform national code to ensure that structures meet minimum requirements for safety, health, and utility. Building departments and inspectors may seem intimidating, but they will ensure that the money, time, and emotional commitment that you pour into your addition will result in a strong, safe, durable structure. Building codes in areas prone to various natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes, usually include stricter requirements for foundations, framing, and other aspects of construction to provide added safety in residential structures.