New Report from NAHB and ICC Focuses on Code Compliance Issues

Codes and Standards
Published

The International Code Council and NAHB recently released a new report designed to help builders improve the safety and satisfaction of their customers.

The "2019 Common Code Noncompliance Report" highlights for builders and remodelers the items code officials are most likely to flag in inspections and plan reviews during the construction process.

This information, developed from a survey of U.S. code officials, should prove valuable in helping builders and remodelers focus more intently on these potential problem areas before and during construction.

The survey found:

  • Technology has made some inroads into the development, review and issuance of construction plans.
  • Code officials identify workers ignoring the manufacturer’s installation instructions as the greatest cause of code violations.
  • There is an indication of a rising trend in new home code violations on apartments, townhouses, condominiums and custom high-end homes.

This survey is a follow-up to similar surveys deployed in April 2006 and December 2012, and the results are tracked against previous results.

In general, the following issues reported mixed improvement results from survey to survey:

  • Windows continue to be an issue.
  • Electrical grounding and bonding violations have increased.
  • Most railing and guard rail issues have decreased.

Download the full report.

For additional information, contact Felicia Watson.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Environmental Issues | Advocacy
Sep 15, 2026
NAHB Provides Agency Official Inside Look to Inform Changes to Stormwater Permitting

NAHB members and staff provided a tour of several residential subdivisions in Northern Virginia to an official from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy. The tour offered an opportunity to show the official how NAHB members comply with construction stormwater requirements and to discuss the federal construction general permit (CGP) for stormwater discharges from active residential land development and construction sites.

Associate Members Committee | IBS
Sep 14, 2026
Associate Members Share Their Top Networking, IBS Advice

We spoke with three Associate members about their best tips on how to network with peers virtually throughout the year, and how to network in-person at key events such as the International Builders’ Show.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics
Sep 11, 2026
Inflation Persisted in August

Inflation in August remained sticky as renewed tensions with Iran continued pushing up oil prices, keeping pressure on the Fed to consider a rate hike at its upcoming meeting.

Economics
Sep 10, 2026
Existing Home Sales Fall despite Improved Inventory

Existing home sales fell for the third consecutive month as record-high home prices and elevated mortgage rates weighed on buyers. Mortgage rates resumed an upward trend after the July ceasefire ended.

Economics
Sep 10, 2026
Energy Prices Rise Again in August

Residential building material prices, excluding energy, rose 0.2% in August and were up 5.1% from a year ago. Energy prices rose sharply in August, as prices for energy inputs to residential construction rose 6.6% over the month.