BC Building Code 101

When you are looking for a home, it’s important to understand the BC Building Code to ensure those homes that interest you are built and/or renovated to the current standards and requirements.

The BC Building Code is a provincial regulation establishing minimum standards and requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of building or facility from water and sewage damage for all new construction and building alterations.

Examples of the B.C. Building Code:

Bedroom Window – generally requires every bedroom in a house and a small multi-family residential building to have an outside window that is equipped as an emergency exit.

Existing Buildings – they are not expected to be brought up to the current standards of the BC Building Code except under the following conditions: if the building is altered of renovated, if the building’s use or occupancy changes, and finally if a building’s components are replaces.

Temporary Buildings – if it is authorized by authority having jurisdiction, it may not need to conform to the BC Building Code. It is recommended to check with your local government building department.

For more information regarding the BC Building Code, click here.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please contact us at 604-588-4466 or email us at info@brokersmart.ca