Local building code compliance goes beyond adhering to installation and safe building best practices. It also applies to the quality of materials used based on their specific application. In this blog, we will offer guidance when sourcing construction materials to help avoid delays or legal issues related to non-compliance.
The Elements of Building Code Compliance
Building code compliance applies to several aspects of construction, including the following:
- Structural integrity, including framing, load-bearing elements, and foundations.
- Fire safety involves using fire-resistant materials that slow the spread of fires.
- Electrical measures for ensuring the correct installation of electrical wires and systems for efficiency and safety.
- Plumbing systems to ensure a safe water supply and plumbing functions.
- Improving insulation and energy efficiency by using sustainable building materials and enhancing occupant comfort.
- Zoning restrictions, such as height limits and property use.
- Environmental considerations focused on the protection and preservation of local resources.
Building codes can vary between municipalities and apply to the materials that impact each of these categories.
Understanding Minimum Standards for Building Code Compliance
Minimum code requirements are based on established standards of quality, ensuring a building is safe for occupation. These standards are used during building code inspections and are required to satisfy compliance under all areas of the building code, including structural integrity, plumbing, fire safety, and electrical issues.
Although meeting the minimum code requirements is acceptable, you are more likely to encounter inspection challenges based on considerations such as energy efficiency. Your building material decisions can also reduce the durability and comfort of the building, which can negatively impact your reputation.
Choose High-Quality Materials to Ensure Building Code Compliance
Choosing the highest quality building materials ensures you not only meet, but also exceed building standards. As a result, you are less likely to encounter challenges related to local building codes.
For example, premium insulation improves energy efficiency when installed by professional installers, while high-quality window and door sealants help improve indoor air quality and reduce risks related to moisture. By taking extra steps to protect future occupants, you meet the primary goal of building codes.
Avoid Common Delays Related to Building Code Compliance
Some common causes of construction project delays include:
- Lack of building code awareness
- Improper installation
- Inadequate building materials based on the specific use
- Failure to align building plans with code provisions
- Not hiring certified code professionals and tradespeople
- Failure to remain updated on changing building code regulations
- Poor communication between trades
- Failure to obtain required permits
- Poor record-keeping
- Failure to book inspections at key stages of the construction process
- Zoning issues (such as height restrictions)
Building Code Compliance for Renovations
Building codes also apply to renovations and change-of-use projects. Understanding the detailed technical and administrative requirements for the type of project you are undertaking is essential to ensure building code compliance. This is because the type of project directly impacts the building permits standards you must meet.
For example, a home being repurposed as a commercial space will likely lack appropriate fire protection in existing materials such as drywall. When renovations include a change-of-use, you also face possible issues that fall under zoning laws.
Building Material Performance-Based Standards
Performance-based standards require builders to choose building materials based on specific functional requirements. These standards are based on the desired outcome, such as improved energy efficiency, as opposed to the processes used to achieve those outcomes.
Choosing the right materials is essential to meet performance-based standards, as the wrong materials can change the required results. This makes passing inspections more risky, since the measurements are often open to interpretation. Thus, once again, choosing the highest quality materials focused on enhancing performance is the best way to avoid delays.
The Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC)
Choosing CCMC-certified products is the quickest path to ensure that building materials are code compliant. The CCMC assesses over 1,000 construction products to ensure they are code compliant.
Before a product is certified, one must apply using the CCMC’s trusted assessment process to determine if the products meet code-referenced standards based on a set of technical criteria.
Ensure Safe Delivery of Building Materials
Meeting construction safety regulations applies to all activity at your work site, including deliveries. Choosing a building material company that guarantees safe delivery of large-scale materials is an important part of that compliance.
For example, Yvon Building Supply’s workers must complete their Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System certification (WHMIS) and are regularly trained with updated knowledge. Our workers also hold the “working at heights” and the “working in confined spaces” certificates, allowing us to safely deliver to high-rise apartments, ongoing construction sites, or other unconventional locations.
We have proper equipment, including top-of-the-line trucks equipped with hydraulic lifts. We also review potential job-specific hazards with our delivery team to prepare them for any eventualities that pose specific safety risks.
Choose Reliable Suppliers for Building Code Compliance
Confidence in the materials you purchase requires a trusted and established building material supplier. A proven track record ensures that materials are compliant with building code updates and standards, with the proper accredited certifications and undergo thorough inspections performed by regulating bodies such as UL Solutions and the CCMC.
Equally important, reliable suppliers ensure products delivered to your work site are in pristine condition, conducting close inspections of materials to ensure they are defect-free. In cases where materials are damaged in transport, reliable suppliers will also quickly replace materials to help avoid delays.
At Yvon Building Supply, our quality assurance focuses on delivering materials without damage or delays to keep your projects on schedule. Our customers rely on our customer service team, expert vendors, and brands to provide certified building and construction material. We can help you source appropriate materials that meet local building codes and safety standards, streamlining compliance with your construction projects.
As one of the largest building material suppliers in Ontario, we make it easy to access the products and materials you need for your construction and renovation projects.
You can click here to browse our top-quality building material supplies for fast delivery. You can also call us at 905-635-8700 or contact us online to discuss your needs.
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