Remember - Measure Twice, Cut Once

Professional Renovations - 30 Years Experience

It’s to Code



The three most dangerous words in construction are “It’s to Code”.

These are not the words you want hear from a contractor when it comes time to pay and you are not happy with the quality of the work done and/or materials used!

Most homeowners do not realize that our building codes do not require contractors to meet a certain level of quality as might be expected. Building codes are implemented to make sure that contractors meet minimum safety and construction standards – that is all. This means that a door slightly out of level, poor joinery (e.g. – tight mitre joints vs mitre joints that require filler and sanding prior to painting), or imperfect drywall finishing are all acceptable – that means “Approved and Passed” – Pay Up!

A good example of this is with electrical work. Lets say one electrician has all his wiring running neatly and parallel along joists and studs, all wires coming into the electrical panel are perfectly run down beside the panel and neatly bent into the panel – everything looks and works great! Electrician #2 has all his wiring in place but is not fussy and his wiring is not neatly run in parallel and some wires are bent neatly into the panel but others are not…however, he has used and placed the required staples as required by code, his panel or electrical boxes are not perfectly level and the finished work is not visually appealing – this will pass code! Although it may not look great, it is to code and safe! Both electrical contractors can charge the same price for this work.

This example can be extended to most areas of construction, especially in plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), drywall and all finishing details of your home – this part of construction, the finishing detail, is where building codes are not as stringent and homeowners need to be very clear with contractors as to what is expected. There are literally 1000′s of details that go into a large project, and you as a homeowner, or business owner, must cover your ass and do your homework (excuse the pun).

This is where a very detailed and tight contract is critical. Do not worry about being “Anal” with a contractor, there are way to many horror stories out there for you to take a chance that the work you are paying for does not meet your expectations. The quality of work and the materials to be used should be outlined in a contract specifications sheet(s) prior to getting quotes and starting work – by doing so, both you and the contractor will know what is expected. A detailed specification sheet also allows contractors to price a job according to your expectations – yes, the price may be a little higher, but the work is likely to meet your expectations and both you and the contractor will be happy in the end.

In addition, with a detailed specifications sheet, if a contractor does not complete work and use materials as outlined in the agreed to specifications sheet, you have a legal agreement to fall back on and use in court should the contractor refuse to finish or improve the work done as agreed.

Bottom line, do not rely on your local building department to make sure your project is built to your specifications and expectations, this is your job or that of the General Contractor you hire (more on this in other post on this site later). You must do your homework and spend the time making a specification sheet – this needs to be very detailed and included even the smallest details like door handles, cabinet hardware, paint brands and quality, types of drywall to be used and so on. Don’t worry if you don’t know what should be used as I will write more on this in the very near future.

And remember, in most cases, you get what you pay for! In construction this is especially true. Unless you are doing an emergency repair, do not go cheap, if you want projects done on your home to last – you have to pay the price for quality work.

As the old adage goes: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is long forgotten“. This is so true in construction than with any other product or service.

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