No matter the state or city where you plan to build a home, there are various construction laws and regulations that must be observed for success. While those laws may vary from one state or city to another, they are all aimed at making sure that the construction process and house are safe for both the workers, occupants, and the public. Nevertheless, the following are the key construction laws that you should know before building a house.
Lot Approval
The fact that you own the land does not mean you can use it in any way you desire. Before construction, check the assessor’s parcel number (APN) of the land and make sure that the lot is approved for building houses. You should only proceed with constructing a house on the lot if it is an approved building site.
Zoning Laws
Zoning laws mainly relate to how the land can be used and, the types of buildings allowed on the lot. Check with the local zoning office about any regulations or restrictions that would hinder you from putting up a house on the desired land. You should also get the zoning permissions before commencing construction.
Building Codes
Building codes cover the physical structures erected on the land and their features. Similar to other countries, the building codes for the U.S rely on the standard International Building Code. Some of the codes relate to fire prevention while others also cover aspects like plumbing and electrical installations.
Building Permits
A building permit is a necessity for house construction and, you must submit all the house plans to the local authorities for approval before any work can begin on the site. Your contractor should be the right person to get the building permits based on the expected construction activities.
Overall, there are various laws for home construction that you should be familiar with before building a house. However, lot approval, building codes, building permits, zoning laws, and local ordinances are the main construction laws that can significantly affect your project.