Essential Commercial Building Codes

Building codes exist to keep us safe, even more so with commercial buildings. Codes are created with the expressed purpose of promoting functionality, ease of access, and, yes, safety. With that concept in mind, codes have been standardized across the construction industry. Understanding commercial building codes can be confusing, even for architects, contractors, and developers. So, if it is confusing for them, how much more is it for the layman? So, to help you understand their importance, here are several essential building codes.

Commercial Building Fire and Safety Codes

Above all, safety is first when it comes to commercial building codes. Commercial building fire safety codes were conceived to prevent fires and to promote swift and orderly evacuations of the building’s occupants if a fire does occur. You can probably guess the types of things entailed in these codes, such as sprinkler system function, fire alarms, understandable evacuation plans, working emergency exits, fire retardant construction materials and barriers, and clearly marked exits. When these codes are followed, you are not only protecting lives but also reducing liability and, in some cases, insurance rates.

Commercial Building Structural Codes

In keeping with the safety theme, commercial building codes are in place to ensure a building’s structural integrity and long-term durability; for instance, in Central Florida, commercial building codes are tied to hurricane codes. The Florida Building Code (FBC) has strict requirements for high-speed wind resistance and the impact of severe weather. Overall, structural codes for commercial buildings involve a framework, what construction materials can be used, and in what way they should be assembled.

Commercial Building Accessibility Codes

Developers of commercial buildings want to ensure that everyone has access to the building, and in that way, they follow accessibility codes. Codes such as the Americans with Disabilities Act set a path for installing things such as ramps, handicap stalls in restrooms, how wide a door should be, elevator access, and parking spaces. Following these codes will help to avoid legal entanglements, but more importantly will make those with disabilities feel welcome.

Commercial Building Electrical Codes

Again, we are back to commercial building codes that exist for safety, and electrical codes are exactly that. Electrical codes promote safe installation of electrics and future safe use of electricity in a commercial building. They involve things like grounding, safe wiring, circuit protection, proper installation of outlets and switches, and how to inspect whether electrical installation codes will prevent shock and fire.

To Sum Up

Perhaps you are getting an idea of why commercial building codes exist. You can start to understand plumbing codes that involve the proper disposal of wastewater and provide clean water for drinking and washing. Some commercial building construction projects follow an energy-efficient or green code that ensures that the materials have been environmentally sourced and will minimize energy use. Each code is designed with a specific purpose, usually involving safety.

New Horizons Construction Services Knows Commercial Building Codes

If you live in the greater Orlando area and want to build a commercial building, we are Central Florida’s premier construction service. We can help you understand the ins and outs of commercial building codes and build your ideal office, retail location, or theme park structure. Contact us today and embark on the journey to a high-quality commercial building.