What is the primary purpose of building codes?

The primary purpose of building codes is to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare in construction. Building codes establish minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings, ensuring they are safe for occupancy and use. These codes address various factors such as structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, sanitation, and energy efficiency. By holding construction to these standards, building codes help prevent accidents, protect the environment, and ensure that structures can withstand natural disasters and other hazards, ultimately serving the community's well-being.

While protecting contractor interests and ensuring profits might be beneficial consequences of adhering to building codes, they are not the main goal. Building codes are designed primarily to serve the public and ensure safety, rather than to simplify the construction process or drive profitability for construction companies. Simplifying the construction process may be a secondary benefit, but it does not encapsulate the overarching intent of ensuring safe and healthy living environments through regulation and enforcement of construction standards.