The International Building Code

The International Building Code is not exactly an international building code standard. Its main purpose is to serve as a model building code for various countries or states to base upon. This building code was developed by the International Code Council or ICC and one of the many countries that adopted this is the United States. Having a building built is not just about having the money, manpower, and the materials. There are still a lot of requirements when it comes to having a building built, aside from the various requirements and permits that cities require. Inspections are made every now and then, even when the building has already been completed, that the building follows a building code. The majority of the building codes there are today are based on the International Building Code that states that a building must not only provide shelter to the people living in there, but also from disasters both natural and man-made.

The majority of the International Building Code focuses mostly on fire prevention. It elaborates on proper design of the building, including proper fire escape design and location, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.

There are also some parts that deal with the general structure of the building and its features, like structural stability (for earthquakes) and access for disabled people. Some parts of the building code refer to other codes for specific cases, such as plumbing and electrical wiring.

Aside from those, the International Building Code also tackles building classifications (height, foundation, and roofing), occupancy, as well as the proper building materials to use for the different types of buildings or structures. In any case that the building code is not followed, even when there has been no mishap, the owner of the building may face serious liabilities.