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There's also a US approach to 'grandfathering' in existing structures as building codes are updated. The only time I will ever 'have' to bring something in my
by count 6y ago
There's also a US approach to 'grandfathering' in existing structures as building codes are updated. The only time I will ever 'have' to bring something in my house up to date is if I voluntarily do something like open a wall or install a new HVAC unit. And then the only thing impacted is that item, nothing else even gets inspected for safety/compliance.
I understand it to some extent: TONS of people can't afford to just...replace all of their windows, for example.
- ghaff 6y agoI live in an early 1800s farmhouse which has had a lot of work done on it over the years--to code--and has had new top-of-the-line windows put in as well. But if the whole house suddenly had to be fully compliant with modern code? You'd probably just need to tear it down and start from scratch. I'm sure that's true on tons of houses, especially in older areas of the country.
- henrikschroder 6y agoAs far as I understand it, retrofits were only forced on commercial landlords, co-ops, and condominium buildings. Private home owners weren't forced, but there's incentives and tax relief for improving the energy efficiency of your house instead. New construction, apartment buildings and single-family homes alike, all have to abide by the same updated rules.