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

Advocacy | Environmental Issues

Dec 17, 2025

NAHB Weighs In on New WOTUS Rule

In November, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced a proposed updated definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), followed by a 45-day comment period to gather input on the proposed rule. NAHB members and HBA staff provided comments at three public sessions hosted by the agencies to solicit feedback.

Advocacy | Economics | IBS

Dec 17, 2025

Podcast: 2025 - The Year of Housing

On the latest episode of NAHB's podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez recap top events and priorities for the year, and what to expect for 2026, including the 2026 International Builders' Show in Orlando.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Dec 16, 2025

Job Market Shows Signs of Cooling in November

In November, job growth slowed, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, its highest level in four years. At the same time, job gains for the previous two months (August and September) were revised downward. The November’s jobs report indicates a cooling labor market as the economy heads into the final month of the year.

Economics

Dec 15, 2025

Builder Sentiment Inches Higher but Ends the Year in Negative Territory

Builder confidence inched higher to end the year but still remains well into negative territory as builders continue to grapple with rising construction costs, tariff and economic uncertainty, and many potential buyers remaining on the sidelines due to affordability concerns.

Economics

Dec 11, 2025

Homeownership Rate Inches Up to 65.3%

The latest homeownership rate rose to 65.3% in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Census’s Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS).