Building codes

Description

The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.

Alternative labels

construction laws
construction codes
building rules
construction rules
building regulations
building laws
building standards
construction standards
construction regulations

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

cross-sector

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Building codes is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Bricklaying supervisor: Bricklaying supervisors monitor bricklaying activities. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Quantity surveyor: Quantity surveyors have under their helm complete management of the cost involved in building and construction projects from the inception of the project until the delivery. They strive for an efficient use of the resources whilst keeping an eye on quality, quality standards, and client’s requirements.
Civil engineering technician: Civil engineering technicians help design and execute construction plans and take on organisational tasks, for example in the planning and monitoring, and in bidding and invoicing of construction work. They also calculate material requirements, and help with the purchasing and organising, and ensure the quality of the construction materials. Civil engineering technicians may perform technical tasks in civil engineering and develop and advise on policy implementing strategies for road works, traffic lights, sewerage and water management systems.
Construction engineer: Construction engineers interpret building designs and add technical specifications to construction projects. They integrate engineering principles into the designs to ensure that structures are safe and resistant. They work together with architects and engineers to transform design ideas into executable plans.
Architectural drafter: Architectural drafters make drawings of the specifications and ideas provided by architects. They draw architectural drawings using computer-aided equipment and software, or using conventional methods like paper and pen.
Architecture lecturer: Architecture lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, architecture, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants for the preparation of lectures and of exams, for grading papers and exams and for leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their respective field of architecture, publish their findings and liaise with other university colleagues.
House builder: House builders construct, maintain and repair houses or similar small buildings using a range of techniques and materials of several construction building workers.
Roofing supervisor: Roofing supervisors monitor the work on roofing a building. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems.
Carpenter supervisor: Carpenter supervisors monitor carpentry operations in construction. They assign tasks and take quick decisions to resolve problems. They pass their skills on to apprentice carpenters.
Architect: Architects investigate, design, and oversee the construction and development of buildings, urban spaces, infrastructure projects, and social spaces. They design in accordance with the surroundings and regulations applicable in specific geographic areas, taking into account factors that include function, aesthetics, costs, and public health and safety. They are aware of social contexts and environmental factors, which include the relationships between people and buildings, and buildings and the environment. They engage in multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing the social fabric of a geographic area and advancing in social urbanism projects. 
Housing manager: Housing managers oversee housing services for tenants or residents. They work for housing associations or private organisations for which they collect rental fees, inspect properties, suggest and implement improvements concerning repairs or neighbour nuissance issues, maintain communication with tenants, handle housing applications and liaise with local authorities and property managers. They hire, train and supervise personnel.
Urban planner: Urban planners create development plans for towns, urban areas, cities, and regions. They research the needs of the community or the region (economic, social, transport) and evaluate other parameters such as sustainability in order to present solid programs aimed at the improvement of the site.
Building inspector: Building inspectors perform inspections of buildings to determine compliance with specifications for various focuses of assessment. They observe and determine the suitability of construction, quality and resistance, and general compliance with regulations.
Fire commissioner: Fire commissioners oversee the activity of the fire department making sure the services supplied are effective and the necessary equipment is provided. They develop and manage the business policies ensuring the legislation in the field is followed. Fire commissioners perform safety inspections and promotes fire prevention education.
Stonemason: Stonemasons manually carve and assemble stone for construction purposes. While CNC operated carving equipment is the industry standard, artisanal carving for ornamental stone is still done manually.

Optional knowledge

Building codes is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Bricklayer: Bricklayers assemble brick walls and structures by skilfully laying the bricks in an established pattern, using a binding agent like cement to bond the bricks together. They then fill the joints with mortar or other suitable materials.
Concrete finisher supervisor: Concrete finisher supervisors monitor the concrete finishing process. They assign tasks to finishers and take quick decisions to resolve problems. They may also pass on their skills to apprentices.
Civil drafter: Civil drafters draw and prepare sketches for civil engineers and architects of architectonic projects of different kinds, topographical maps, or for the reconstruction of existing structures. They lay down in the sketches all the specifications and requirements such as mathematical, aesthetic, engineering, and technical.
Financial manager: Financial managers handle all the matters in reference to the finance and investments of a company. They manage financial operations of companies such as the assets, liabilities, equity and cash flow aiming to maintain the financial health of the company and operative viability. Financial managers evaluate the strategic plans of the company in financial terms, maintain transparent financial operations for taxation and auditing bodies, and create the financial statements of the company at the end of the fiscal year.
Utilities inspector: Utilities inspectors examine products, systems and machiney such as sewer, water, gas or electric turbines ensuring they are built and functioning according to regulations. They write inspection reports and provide recommendations to improve the systems and repair the broken components.

Land planner: Land planners visit sites in order to create projects and plans for land usage and development. They collect and analyse data about the land. Land planners provide advice on the efficiency and safety of development plans.
Solar energy technician: Solar energy technicians install and maintain systems that collect solar energy. They prepare the necessary fixtures, often on roofs, install solar panels, and plug them into an electronic system including an inverter to connect the solar energy systems to the electricity lines.
Real estate investor: Real estate investors buy and sell own real estate such as appartements, dwellings, land and non-residential buildings to make a profit. They might actively invest in these properties to increase its value by repairing, renovating or improving the facilities available. Their other tasks may include researching the real estate market prices and undertaking property research.
Real estate agent: Real estate agents administer the sales or letting process of residential, commercial properties or land on behalf of their clients. They investigate the property’s condition and assess its value in order to offer the best price to their clients. They negotiate, compose a sales contract or a rental contract and liaise with third parties in order to realize the stated objectives during transactions. They undertake research to determine the legality of a property sale before it is sold and make sure the transaction is not subject to any disputes or restrictions.
Landscape designer: Landscape designers design and create outdoor public areas, landmarks, structures, parks, gardens and private gardens to achieve environmental, social-behavioral, or aesthetic outcomes.
Drafter: Drafters prepare and create technical drawings using a special software or manual techniques, to show how something is built or works.
Property appraiser: Property appraisers undertake detailed analysis and investigation of properties in order to determine their value for sales, mortgage and insurance purposes. They compare the value of properties taking into account the age, actual state of property, its quality, repairs needed and overall sustainability. Property appraisers make an inventory of fixtures, compose a schedule of condition of property and prepare appraisal reports for both commercial and residential properties.
Acoustical engineer: Acoustical engineers study and apply the science of sound to various applications. They work in a wide range of areas including the consultation of the acoustics and elements affecting the transmission of sound in spaces for performances or recording activities. They can also consult on the levels of noise contamination for those activities that require compliance with standards on that matter.
Roofer: Roofers cover structures with roofs. They install the weight-bearing elements of a roof, either flat or pitched, then cover it with a weatherproof layer.
Property developer: Property developers buy land, finance deals, order construction projects and orchestrate the process of development. They purchase a tract of land, decide on a marketing strategy, and develop the building program. Developers must also obtain legal approval and financing. When the project is finished, they may lease, manage, or sell the property.
Construction general contractor: Construction general contractors take on the responsibility to deliver a construction project. They participate on bid processes for construction projects and hire subcontractors to deliver the different stages of the construction process from beginning to completion. They make sure subcontractors hold up their part of the agreement and work in the construction site to make sure the project is delivered in time and according to agreed standards.
Real estate surveyor: Real estate surveyors undertake research in order to assess the value of property for tax purposes. They investigate multiple properties at once, using accurate appraisal techniques. They provide their services usually to local and governmental bodies for taxation reasons.
Real estate leasing manager: Real estate leasing managers set up the lease or rental efforts of an apartment community and properties not in co-ownership and also manage the leasing staff. They produce, track and manage file leasing deposits and documents. They also oversee the lease administration and prepare tenancy budgets on an annual and monthly basis. They also actively promote the vacancies available in order to get new residents, show properties to potential tenants and are present to conclude contracts between landlords and tenants when dealing with private property.
Letting agent: Letting agents schedule appointments with clients in order to show and lease real estate to prospective residents. They assist in marketing the property for rent through advertising and community out-reach. They are also involved in daily communication and administrative tasks.
Interior architect: Interior architects create plans of the interior of a home, building or other structure. They determine the specifications and distribution of the space. Interior architects combine an understanding of space with a sense for aesthetics in order to create a harmonious interior design. They draw architectural drawings using computer-aided equipment and software, or using conventional methods like paper and pen.

 


 

References

  1. Building codes – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022