Pre-Listing Inspections

Why Do Home Inspectors Reference the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?Why don’t home inspectors simply say something “is not to code” when we encounter issues during an inspection? The answer lies in the complexity of building codes and the role of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Let’s break it down.Code modelsThe International Building Code (IBC) serves as the foundational model for building regulations, providing minimum standards for all structures. This model is designed to be adaptable to specific regional laws and practices. For instance, while a Florida building must withstand storm surges, a California building must endure seismic activity. Both rely on the IBC but are tailored to meet local needs. Similarly, the International Residential Code (IRC) is derived from the IBC specifically for residential buildings, forming the basis for home construction standards across all states.Beyond the IBC and IRC, there are specialized code models for other building systems. The National … Continued