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Embark Your Metal Building Project By Understanding Local Building Codes & Permits
11
Dec 2019

Embark Your Metal Building Project By Understanding Local Building Codes & Permits

Stephan Michaels
Construction, Metal Buildings

If you’re considering adding an outdoor steel structure to your home, business, or other site, it’s important to take building codes into account when you’re applying for steel building permits. Obtaining your metal building permits before you start construction and making sure that your plans meet or exceed the metal building codes in your area is vital to the success of your metal building project. If you ignore the metal building requirements for your area, you may end up paying fines, be unable to use the building as intended, or face other legal consequences. But what are building codes, what do they cover and why are they important?

Building Codes: What Do They Cover?

Building codes are requirements for a structure that are put in place to protect public health, provide a safe environment, and ensure the welfare of those who are using it. They cover a wide range of aspects of your structure’s construction, including:

  • Fire protection: Do you have a sprinkler system, indoor hydrants, or similar protective measures in place to ensure a fire can be suppressed?
  • Building materials: Are you using materials that will stand up well and prevent damage from insects, corrosion, or the environment?
  • Structural design: Is the design of the building strong enough for hurricanes, earthquakes, high snow loads, or other natural occurrences?
  • HVAC: Is the HVAC system in mind going to be installed properly, or will it cause problems with the electrical system?
  • Electrical and lighting requirements: Electrical shock can cause serious harm or death, and poor lighting can lead to trip and fall accidents.
  • Sanitation: Are your pipes sloped to the appropriate angle to allow the waste to flow out of your site by gravity?
  • Energy conservation: Did you know that the majority of fires every winter are caused by overloaded circuits with heaters on them?

What Parts of Your Building Must Meet the Code for Successful Inspection?

There are a number of different areas in your building that are required to meet metal structure codes:

  • Foundation: This must be sufficiently strong and durable to hold up your structure without sinking into the ground.
  • Framing: Framework needs to have sufficient strength and resilience to deal with wind, snow, and other hazards.
  • Skin: The wall system must have enough durability to prevent collapse and deter corrosion.
  • Roofing: Must keep the weather and elements out to prevent damage to the inside of the structure or electrical hazards.
  • Plumbing: Your plumbing needs to provide sufficient resources to remove waste from your building.
  • Electrical: The electrical system must be installed to prevent shocks.
  • HVAC options: If you decide to install HVAC, it must meet your local codes for safety reasons.

Know About the International Code Models

In the USA, there are a number of different code models that act as a guide to local building codes. Though the local, county and state or providence governments may make changes to these codes for their specific conditions, they’re followed for the most part across the area to ensure that the buildings that are constructed are safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient.

  • International Building Code (IBC): This code applies to most new buildings and covers a wide range of specialties.
  • International Residential Code (IRC): This code is used on one- and two-family homes and townhomes that are three or fewer stories high.
  • International Existing Building Code (IEBC): This code is used in alterations, repairs, renovations, and occupancy changes of existing buildings.

Applying for Metal Building Permit

So what’s involved in applying for steel building permits?

In most areas, building permits are a requirement. They show that you have permission to build the structure and that the plans have been approved by the local codes board.

What is a building permit? A building permit is a paper that shows approval to undertake construction, and that the construction meets basic minimum codes.

If you’re wondering how to apply for a building permit, you’re not alone. Your local codes and building permit office will be able to provide specific instructions.

What are the steps in applying for a permit? Generally, you’ll fill out an application, prepare a site plan, and schedule an appointment for plan approval before you begin construction, then schedule inspections as appropriate.

Want to Learn More About Building Codes and Permits? Give Us a Call Today!

By understanding your local code and permitting system, you can ensure that your structure can be built safely and quickly, with no problems in getting it into use. If the codes seem confusing, Garage Buildings’ experts have over 20 years of experience and can help you learn more about codes and permits. With fast nationwide delivery and amazing customer service, Garage Buildings delivers strong results. Please feel free to contact us today on +1 (888) 234-0475 to get started.

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