Silent heroes – codes that keep you safe

Published on April 25, 2024

When you’re lounging in a basement room, soaking in the warm air of your furnace or plugging in your phone to charge, you probably don’t realize all the ways building codes are protecting you in that moment. Building codes are designed to protect the occupants of a home and encourage quality building practices. 

For Building Safety Month (May 2024), our building services staff compiled some of the top code requirements that protect you and your family. Any new or recently remodeled home in Lenexa must follow the City’s building codes. If you live in an older home — even a house built 10–15 years ago — and are concerned about whether your house meets some of these safety standards, consider talking to a contractor. You could protect yourself and your family with upgrades that range from replacing an outlet to installing a larger window.  

Once your house is built or something new is installed, your job isn’t done. Regular upkeep is necessary to keep your home safe.

Windows and doors

• Windows and doors are required to be placed at certain distances and in specific rooms to ensure that everyone is able to get out in a timely fashion if there is an emergency. For example, code requires a direct exit from certain rooms in basements, like bedrooms, so that you can exit quickly. 

• Minimum window heights (24 inches) and widths (20 inches) are required so you and your family can get in/out of structures; this requirement also helps to ensure that first responders are able to get to you in an emergency.

• Maximum sill heights (maximum height of window from floor) — ensure you can reach a window to escape from a basement. They also protect children from falling out of a window on the second floor of your home.

• Your doors and windows should be easy to open — not stuck, painted closed or blocked by obstacles.

Electrical system

• Many homes have a 200-amp electrical service. In years prior to all the electronics and technology, this was an ample system to supply most households. With homes getting larger and more electronics in use, a 200- amp system may not be sufficient any longer. It might be time to talk with an electrician to determine if you need to upgrade your electrical service. If you’re thinking about adding a car charging system, most homes are not built to support electric vehicle chargers.

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) and Arc Fault are designed to help prevent overloading your electrical system. GFCI outlets are required in many areas of your home, including any area where water is typically present (around sinks, bathrooms, exterior walls, etc.). They protect you from becoming electrocuted if the wrong parts of something plugged into the outlet become energized. A GFCI outlet has two buttons between the plug-ins labeled “test” and “reset.” Arc Fault Interrupters prevent wiring issues from starting an electrical fire.

• You may not realize there is a reason your electrical outlets are at certain intervals inside your home. The rule is 2-6-12, which essentially means that in some rooms of your home there should be an outlet every 12 feet. This helps eliminate the need for extension cords, which can be dangerous.

• Outlets have to meet certain height requirements. Think about your electricity needs when planning updates or a new build — where you want to plug in a lamp, power tool, appliance or electronic device. Choosing good locations for outlets can prevent trip hazards, water exposure, and child injuries and improve accessibility.

Mechanical system

• This is the system that heats and cools your home and other structures. It is made up of the furnace and air conditioning.  If not properly installed or well-maintained by a professional, they can cause serious, even fatal, health hazards.

• Combustion air is the continuous flow of air needed to heat your home. Poor combustion air flow can reduce efficiency (resulting in higher heating costs) and cause dangerous gas and carbon monoxide leaks.

• Keep your furnace and HVAC mechanical components easy to access for maintenance and emergency repairs. Don’t build walls around a furnace and water heater that reduce the required space around the equipment. You can find the required clearances from your equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

• Make sure your vents, including exhaust fans for your kitchen, bathroom or dryer, are vented properly to the outside of your house and clear of any debris or damage. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained vents can cause a fire or even draw toxic fumes into your house.

• Hoods under wood structures prevent dangerous grease fires and buildup of smoke and carbon monoxide in outdoor kitchens.

Energy codes

• Proper insulation installation can save energy. In a basement, insulation keeps your walls warm and prevents heat loss. But especially in areas like the basement, some insulation materials can become exposed to moisture and bring mold and decay. That’s why it’s important to follow building codes if you’re finishing your basement.  If you’re concerned about whether parts of your home are properly insulated, contact a professional.

• Solar panel permits require inspections to ensure that your solar panel installation is safe and up to code. This can help prevent electrical fires, electrocution, and other hazards that can arise from improper installation or faulty equipment.

Building safety as a career

If you enjoy any of these tasks, a career in building safety might be for you. 

• Would you like to perform the skills of an architect or engineer but don’t want to go through the professional design path?
• Do you enjoy working with people? 
• Do you like to help people? 
• Do you like to learn about new technologies and materials? 
• Do you like to be active during the workday? 
• Do you enjoy not sitting at a desk for eight hours a day? 
• Do you want to build relationships with co-workers and your customers? 
• Are you interested in ways to make your community safer?