Let’s say you are building a new home. While people mostly end up buying pre-made homes, some still want to make their own homes from scratch. In today’s day and age, building a new home is slightly more complicated than it was a decade ago. And a large part of that is due to knowledge. People rarely know and understand what goes behind building a home, and it can be easy to miss something, regardless of the number of guides you find on the internet. And one of those things that’s easy to miss is the legal requirements. There are many legal compliances you must abide by when deciding to build a home, and these differ depending on the building type you want.
Legal compliance differences between residential and commercial properties:
In the USA, there are many different laws that need to be adhered to when building a new home. And these laws vary from state to state. However, some federal laws need to be followed no matter which state you live in. When it comes to commercial property, the regulations are a lot stricter. This is because businesses have a greater impact on society, so their buildings need to meet higher safety standards. There are also different compliance requirements for different types of businesses. For example, a restaurant must follow various rules and regulations than an office building.
So what are some of the compliance requirements you need to be aware of when building a new home?
1. Zoning regulations:
Local governments put zoning regulations in place, and they dictate how the land can be used. This includes the type of buildings built on a piece of land and how those buildings can be used. Zoning regulations also dictate things like the height of buildings, how close they can be to the property line, and how much parking is required. When you are building a new home, you need to make sure that your plans comply with the zoning regulations in your area. If they don’t, you may not be able to get a building permit, or you may have to make changes to your plans.
2. Building codes:
Building codes are another set of regulations you must be aware of when building a new house. These codes dictate the materials used in construction, the minimum standards for things like fire safety and energy efficiency, and the required setback from the property line. Building codes are put in place to protect the people who will be living in the house and the surrounding community. When you are building a new home, you must ensure that your plans comply with the building codes in your area.
Foundation building codes:
There are also specific foundation building codes that need to be followed when constructing a new home. These codes dictate the minimum thickness of the foundation walls, the materials used, and the required reinforcement. Foundation building codes are put in place to protect the home from things like earthquakes and sinkholes. You must ensure that your plans comply with the foundation building codes in your area.
3. Environmental regulations:
Environmental regulations are another set of regulations you must be aware of when building a new home. These regulations dictate things like the minimum standards for energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials, and the treatment of wastewater. Environmental regulations are put in place to protect the environment from the impact of new development. When you are building a new home, you need to make sure that your plans comply with the environmental regulations in your area.
4. Accessibility regulations:
Accessibility regulations are another set of regulations you must be aware of when building a new home. These regulations dictate things like the minimum standards for accessibility features, such as ramps and grab bars. Accessibility regulations are put in place to protect people with disabilities from being excluded from new development. When building a new home, you must ensure that your plans comply with the accessibility regulations in your area.
5. Historic preservation regulations:
Historic preservation regulations are another set of regulations you must be aware of it. These regulations dictate things like the minimum standards for preserving historic features, such as original windows and fireplaces. Historic preservation regulations are put in place to protect the character of historic neighborhoods from the impact of new development. When building a new home, you must ensure that your plans comply with the historic preservation regulations in your area.
Building a new home is a big undertaking, but it can be a rewarding experience. The most important thing to remember is that there are a lot of compliance requirements that you need to be aware of. Make sure you research and work with a reputable contractor who can help you navigate the process. With careful planning and execution, you can build the home of your dreams.
