Building regulations can sometimes seem inconvenient. When it comes to building safely, however, these laws and limits are invaluable. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a contractor with years of industry experience, it pays to be aware of the local code. Here, Jaeger Lumber discusses what building codes are and provides a brief introduction to New Jersey regulations all builders need to know.

What Are Building Codes?

First, it may help to understand the purpose of building regulations. Building codes set minimum requirements for new and existing construction. They are decided upon and enforced by local and state governments and may cover features such as:

  • Fire safety and evacuation
  • Structural integrity
  • Energy consumption
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
  • Natural gas systems
  • Plumbing and drainage systems
  • Electrical wiring
  • Potentially harmful materials, including asbestos and lead
  • Swimming pools

These requirements are in place to safeguard users and occupants. For instance, structural standards must be met for a building to withstand the typical local weather without issue. Fire codes make sure that buildings can resist fire, and that people can get out safely if one occurs. Abiding by local regulations is essential, both to avoid legal repercussions and to ensure a finished project that can be safely enjoyed by everyone.

New Jersey Regulations for Construction

Here, Jaeger Lumber provides a basic overview of New Jersey regulations for residential construction. For more information, the 2018 International Residential Code, New Jersey Edition, can be reviewed online, as can various subcodes.

Dimensions

Habitable rooms must have a floor space of no less than 70 square feet, and they must not be less than seven feet wide in any horizontal direction. Kitchens are the exception to this rule. Ceilings must be at least seven feet high in all rooms except bathrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms, and non-habitable basements, where ceilings must be at least six feet, eight inches high.

Fire Resistance

Exterior dwelling walls, including the division between the main house and an attached structure like a garage, must be rated for fire resistance. Separating walls between townhouses or 2-family dwellings must be fire-rated. When pipes penetrate through fire-rated walls, the pipes should be protected as well. Detached structures, such as storage sheds and playhouses, do not need to be fire-rated.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms must be installed in each bedroom, in the immediate vicinity outside each bedroom, and on each additional story of the dwelling. They should not be installed where their sensors may be confused by steam – for example, in kitchens and bathrooms near a stovetop or shower. The alarms should be interconnected such that all alarms sound when one is activated.

Light and Ventilation

Habitable rooms must have windows, doors, or skylights accounting for at least 8% of their total floor area. At least 4% of these must be openable. They do not need to be openable if a whole-house ventilation system is installed. Bathrooms need either an openable window or an exhaust system.

Appliances

Cooking ranges must be installed with 30 inches of clearance above the cooking top. They must be listed for home use and installed to manufacturer specifications. Sauna heaters must be protected against accidental contact and set to maintain a room temperature no greater than 194° Fahrenheit.

Learn More about New Jersey Construction

Jaeger Lumber supplies construction products to DIY enthusiasts and contractors throughout the state of New Jersey. We focus on stocking the highest-quality materials available, ensuring that buildings using our products are up to code. Contact us to learn more about our products and how we can help you plan a project that meets New Jersey regulations.