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October 1, 2024
Every building project should have a code consultant who can ensure compliance with relevant codes and provide creative solutions to complex challenges. In this blog, we define a building code consultant and explore five considerations to help you choose the right one for your needs.
A building code consultant is engaged in a project to ensure new construction and renovation projects comply with relevant codes and regulations. They work alongside the project team to guide code compliance every step of the way, from the initial feasibility studies through the design and construction phases and even during the building's operation. Various stakeholders can engage these consultants, including
A building code consultant typically focuses on fire protection and life safety requirements. Separate consultants are often engaged for other specialized areas, like accessibility or pools, to ensure full compliance with those specific regulations.
Now that you know what a building consultant does, let’s explore five factors to consider when choosing one for your project.
Before you hire a building code consultant, keep these considerations in mind so you can make an educated decision:
One critical factor to consider is a building code consultant’s experience, which can vary in several ways. For example, a consultant may have specific expertise in providing certain services, such as smoke control, plan review or sprinkler design. They could also have experience across various industries, such as industrial, healthcare, high-rise or aviation.
Geographic expertise is also important, as code requirements can differ significantly between regions, such as Florida versus Washington State, or even at the city or county level.
Additionally, the consultant's experience with particular agencies can be vital. For example, projects under the General Services Administration (GSA) must follow their own set of standards, which may differ from local building codes. Similarly, working with military branches (Army, Navy, etc.) or organizations like Factory Mutual (FM) involves unique requirements and guidelines that consultants need to navigate.
Equally important is the breadth of experience within the consulting team as a whole. A diverse team of specialists can often provide a more comprehensive range of solutions than any one individual, ensuring that all aspects of code compliance are thoroughly addressed. This collective expertise allows for more informed decisions, especially on complex projects.
Consider a building code consultant’s credentials, including relevant licenses and memberships in professional organizations, to ensure they have the expertise and qualifications necessary to navigate complex code requirements.
A consultant with a Professional Engineering (PE) license can offer significant advantages by offering greater flexibility in finding solutions to code challenges, such as preparing alternative means and methods (AMMRs), engineering judgments (EJs), or performance-based designs (PBDs). These types of approaches require the expertise of a licensed fire protection engineer and ensure that a project can move forward with the most appropriate compliance pathway.
While credentials may not be required for every project, they enhance a consultant's effectiveness by validating their expertise and specialized knowledge. Credentials can provide added authority when negotiating with regulatory bodies, leading to smoother approvals. Additionally, credentialed consultants stay up-to-date with evolving codes and are held to higher professional and ethical standards, which offers greater accountability and builds trust with project stakeholders.
Memberships in organizations like the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) can also provide valuable insights into upcoming code developments. By staying informed about future code changes, technological advancements and industry trends, a consultant can help guide project decisions and anticipate regulatory shifts.
Education is another consideration. Many PEs have a college degree related to fire protection engineering, which often includes a focus on the origin of building code requirements. This shows their dedication to developing a deep understanding of engineering principles, safety standards and regulatory compliance, which are essentials for navigating complex building codes.
A building code consultant offers a holistic approach to compliance by integrating a comprehensive understanding of building regulations with the project’s unique goals. They don't just ensure that a project meets code requirements—they also recognize how various codes can influence the design, budget and overall project objectives.
Adding a consultant early on in the project enables them to collaborate closely with stakeholders, taking time to listen to their needs, identify challenges early and develop solutions that align with the project’s vision without compromising on safety or quality.
A strength of a good building code consultant is their ability to balance compliance with creativity. They offer open-minded and flexible solutions, particularly in cases where prescriptive codes may limit design options. By working within the framework of alternative compliance pathways—such as performance-based design or engineering judgments—they can often propose innovative strategies that fulfill both regulatory requirements and the project’s functional or aesthetic goals.
Constructability is another central focus. A building code consultant ensures that the design complies with applicable codes and also considers how the building will be constructed in a practical, efficient and cost-effective manner. This involves close coordination with the construction team to address the logistical aspects of the build, all while prioritizing life safety. By keeping the project's long-term goals and safety at the forefront, the consultant helps deliver a structure that meets code standards, stays within budget and is built to last.
In such a specialized field as building code consulting, no one individual can be an expert in everything, which is why having an experienced, well-rounded team is essential. A strong team brings together a breadth of knowledge and a broad perspective, allowing members to lean on each other’s expertise for specific needs.
For example, one team member might be highly skilled in understanding the unique challenges of mixed-use highrise buildings, while another is well-versed in battery manufacturing. This diversity ensures that whatever the project’s unique requirements—whether it’s a particular service type or compliance challenge—there is a specialist available who is up-to-date with the latest codes and can offer accurate guidance.
A diverse team allows for a more comprehensive approach, making navigating complex and varied code issues easier.
When selecting a building code consultant, consider how they talk to other parties. Effective communication involves not only keeping the client—whether an architect, developer or contractor—informed but also skillfully interacting with code officials.
Persuading and educating code officials about alternative approaches is an art form, especially when dealing with individuals who are expected to be the authority on code compliance. Educating clients and code officials alike is a challenging task that requires both responsiveness and tact. Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) can vary widely, from state or city officials to the GSA or specific branches of the fire department, so navigating these relationships effectively is critical to a successful project.
Timely communication is also crucial. When urgent code questions arise, you need a consultant who responds promptly. Fast communication ensures deliverables stay on schedule and helps prevent costly setbacks.
The ideal code consultant comprehensively understands all aspects of the building code related to fire and life safety and how its various sections interact and influence one another. They understand the code's history, including how and why certain requirements have been adopted or changed across different cycles and versions.
In addition, a good consultant will have practical experience working with local code officials, understanding their expectations and processes, and navigating approvals efficiently. This combination of technical expertise, historical insight and local familiarity is crucial in guiding projects through complex code compliance challenges.
The typical scope of a building code consultant includes several key responsibilities:
A building code consultant with a PE background can provide specialized engineering analyses, such as:
Working with a building code consultant is vital because they have specialized expertise navigating complex code requirements. A building code consultant has a deep understanding of specific regulations, especially in areas like fire protection, egress and life safety. Their focus on compliance allows them to interpret and apply codes accurately, minimizing the risk of errors or oversights that could lead to project delays, costly redesigns or non-compliance. Additionally, a consultant stays up to date with evolving codes and can offer alternative compliance solutions.
Partnering with a building code consultant offers substantial benefits for an architect. This collaboration enables the architect to concentrate on the creative and functional elements of the design while the consultant ensures the project adheres to all safety, regulatory and building code standards. Together, the two parties enhance the design's quality and the project's overall success.
A consultant can also work closely with all stakeholders to identify potential code challenges early in the design phase, well before changes become costly due to advanced design. Plus, they provide valuable context for why certain code requirements exist. This helps the project team make informed decisions that align with safety and regulatory standards, ultimately ensuring smoother project execution.
Get in touch with a building code consultant as early as possible in the project.
Early involvement allows for greater flexibility in identifying potential compliance pathways and solutions. When a consultant is brought in later, fewer options may be available, and the solutions could become more drastic and costly, depending on the specific code challenge.
Early engagement also helps ensure smoother project development and minimizes the risk of expensive redesigns or delays.
Selecting the right building code consultant is crucial for the success of your construction project. By considering their credentials, experience, approach, team, and communication skills, you can ensure that your project complies with relevant regulations while effectively addressing unique challenges.
A well-chosen consultant will guide you through complex code requirements and offer creative, cost-effective solutions that align with your project’s goals. By engaging with a consultant early in the process, you can streamline project execution, mitigate risks and avoid costly delays. This ultimately leads to a safer and more efficient build.
When you need an experienced building code consultant on your project, choose Performance Based Fire for optimal results. Our team of licensed consultants has the knowledge to keep your project compliant and safe. Contact us to begin the conversation.
