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

IBS
Sep 22, 2026
IBS 2027 Show Home Pursues Ambitious Performance Goals

Performance is playing a central role in the construction of The New American Home 2027, the flagship exhibit of the upcoming International Builders’ Show. From the building envelope to the mechanical systems and solar installation, the project has been designed with lofty energy-efficiency targets in mind.

Associate Members Committee | Workforce Development
Sep 21, 2026
7 Strong Associate Careers to Pursue in Residential Construction

We’re highlighting a few of the construction trades’ strongest-paying Associate jobs and the skills needed to succeed at them during NAHB’s Associate Member Appreciation Month in September.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics
Sep 18, 2026
State-Level Employment Situation: August 2026

State labor markets showed mixed results in August, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing in a majority of states. At the same time, construction employment posted a net gain nationally, although employment trends varied across states. The unemployment rate also remained relatively low in several states, while D.C. continued to record the nation’s highest rate.

Economics
Sep 17, 2026
Single-Family Starts Rebound but Market Challenges Persist

Single-family housing starts rebounded in August, but production remains down 4.7% year to date as builders contend with rising construction costs, lot and labor shortages, and economic uncertainty.

Economics
Sep 16, 2026
With Inflation Uptick, Fed Hikes and Signals More to Come

The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points at the conclusion of its September policy meeting, bringing the target range to 3.75% to 4%.