How Building Codes and Certifications Help Property Developers?

In new construction projects and large scale renovation works, building codes have often been perceived and regarded as a compulsory checklist to achieve if the project should proceed legally. Similar situation applies for products which have been labeled by testing laboratories as suitable for use. This comes in handy when compliance is usually associated with unavoidable costs.

Even if building codes and certified products were optional, following them would be the best decision for everyone involved in their construction and development.

What role do building codes and product certifications have in construction?

Building codes and product certifications can help protect the investments of construction companies and real estate firms. They even help protect occupants and residents too. If they were not present, then buildings would be unsafe, unreliable and uninhabitable. 

This post will help explore the world of building codes and product certifications, and the way they can help property developers and project managers in construction.

Keeping utility expenses in control (electricity, gas and water bills)

One of the best things about building codes is that they help establish a performance baseline for all buildings in the respective jurisdiction of all local areas across all countries. Whilst code compliance requires a lot of design work, it however does guarantee a minimum  level of performance.

For instance, there are minimum flow rates set for plumbing fixtures and their standards. Electrical and combustion appliances are certified and governed by energy codes. Any building with a performance level below the codes’ needs would have more utility bills (meaning higher amounts) in comparison to buildings compliant with building codes.

After a cost-benefit analysis is applied to a building’s complete life cycle, appliances which may be affordable are hence inefficient and are often lagging behind top-notch equipment. The added costs are necessary. 

For instance, a building with LED lighting and variable flow systems of refrigerants is more expensive than a building having fluorescent lighting and HVAC units which are packaged. However, the former building has a lower cost of ownership in the long run. It even prevents construction claims from skyrocketing.

Building codes can be met and fulfilled, without having to use the latest technologies present. Why? Because they can usually establish the needed performance level which can balance both expenses and efficiency. Yet, exceeding the requirements of building codes pays off delightfully.

Health and comfort of occupants is safeguarded and guaranteed

Building codes help provide the needed guidelines for sizes of MEP installations. If they are ignored then it would lead to equipment which is either oversized or undersized. This then hurts the building performance. Here are some examples to consider:

When MEP installations are being designed, an optimized capacity achieves the best results. Excessive capacity is never a better option as it adds more costs without improving performance. Improvement in energy efficiency is best.

There are numerous product labeling programs that are aimed at energy efficiency. They tend to have performance levels that can exceed building code requirements. Yet they are usually needed if builders wish to apply for a local rebate program, to avoid unnecessary disputes.

Building safety is important

Building codes can help guarantee safe living conditions. Building systems which are not designed properly can break down and be riddled with failures. These are dangerous for occupants, especially failures in plumbing and electrical systems due to flooding, shock and fire.

Building protection is covered by building codes. The expense of fire protection measures is only a part of the damage costs in case of a major fire. Also, insurance companies can offer better conditions in case of a building being well protected and safeguarded.

A quantum expert based in the UAE explains that labeled products have a key role in building safety. For instance, a label from either UL or ETL may indicate that the product is subject to high standard fire safety tests under the best laboratory conditions.

Conclusion

Non-compliant buildings have a low construction cost but are inefficient, uncomfortable, dangerous and unsanitary. This is the very reason code compliance should be enforced legally to ensure building performance and safety are met, especially at minimum levels. They are beneficial for both owners, occupants, and the city council.

The best way to meet codes is by working with a qualified and experienced engineering firm. They can help in dispute avoidance by complying with the needed building codes which change constantly. Keeping up with the changes in building codes is possible with well set MEP engineers.