How many existing homes must comply with the updated building codes during renovations?

The requirement that the entire structure must comply with current codes during renovations reflects the intent of building codes to ensure safety, health, and accessibility in all aspects of a building. When renovations take place, even if they are focused on specific areas, the updated codes aim to bring the overall construction in line with modern standards. This means that if renovations are extensive enough—such as those that may affect structural elements, egress, or systems like plumbing and electrical—the entire home must adhere to the latest codes to ensure that it is safe and functional.

This comprehensive compliance approach helps prevent potential hazards that could arise from having older and newer construction elements coexisting without modern standards. For instance, this protects occupants from issues like outdated wiring or plumbing that may not meet safety criteria, which is a critical consideration for any home renovation project.

While some aspects of a renovation might only require compliance for the renovated portion, the overarching rule is that if the renovations impact key elements of the building, the entire structure must be evaluated and brought up to code where applicable.