How does the building code figure into your inspection procedures?

It can be useful to understand the “why” of the building codes but with older houses it can be relatively impossible to know what versions of the various codes were in effect and what the local jurisdiction having authority was enforcing at the time of construction. It is important to remember that the word “building” in “building code” refers to the actual construction process and not the proper or building. It is a verb and not a noun.

In most jurisdictions only approved public sector building officials have the authority to interpret the codes that they have agreed to adopt.