Building codes usually come up in the context of safety – a properly constructed building can help prevent injury or death from fires, earthquakes, and extreme weather. But they’re also essential for ...

Having spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance and home repair, Deane now contributes DIY, informational and financial content as a freelance writer and ...

Building codes are a set of regulations that govern the design, construction, and alteration of structures. A general understanding of building codes helps all parties involved in design and ...

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, two feet of rain fell on western North Carolina, damaging or sweeping away thousands of houses in landslides and floods. At least 101 people died. In many cases, ...

King Hammurabi of Babylonia enacted the first known building codes. The first known written building code was enacted by King Hammurabi in Babylon in 1758 B.C. Literally written in stone, the harsh ...

After Category 5 Hurricane Michael slammed into Mexico Beach, Fla., in 2018, there was a dramatic contrast in destruction: homes built at or beyond state building codes still stood, whereas many of ...

The wake of Hurricane Andrew in Dade County, Fla., in August 1992. Fifty-four people died in the storm, which caused over $27 billion in damages and led to Florida’s adoption of a statewide building ...

For the past 25 years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has helped develop building codes, the construction standards that help houses survive hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes. Now, ...

A new federal analysis gives all but a handful of states the lowest possible rating on the quality of their building codes, showing a widespread failure to protect people against windstorms and ...