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The BC Building Code (BCBC) plays a foundational role in BC’s construction industry. Regardless of what your occupation is in the industry, your procedures are affected by the BC Building Code in some capacity.
Although every construction profession deals with the building code, many industry professionals never go beyond learning the bare minimum they require to do their jobs.
We are going to take a look at what the BCBC is, why knowledge of your province’s building code is beneficial for your career and how Ashton College can build your knowledge of the latest code: BC Building Code 2018.
The BC government defines the BCBC as “a provincial regulation that governs how new construction, building alterations, repairs and demolitions are completed. The code establishes minimum requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings and energy and water efficiency. It applies throughout the province except for some federal lands and the City of Vancouver.”
The BCBC is not the only code that construction professionals must be aware of. The BC Fire Code is a provincial regulation that governs fire safety measures in a building. The BCBC mainly applies during the construction and renovation of a building, whereas the BC Fire Code applies when the completed building is occupied. Additionally, construction professionals need to be aware of the BC Plumbing Code.
Having an in-depth knowledge of the BCBC, and where it does and does not apply, is such a valuable skill that you can build an entire career on it. Building, electrical, wiring, and irrigation inspectors are construction professionals who examine buildings to ensure that specifications, building codes, and safety regulations are observed. These inspectors are hired by governments, construction and real estate companies, architectural and civil engineering consulting firms, and they can also be self-employed.
The job prospects for construction inspectors are good. Job openings are increasing and the median salary for inspectors is $62,5658 CAD per year.
Not only does knowledge of code allow you to access new opportunities, but it can also help you advance in your current role. Whether you’re designing buildings, or part of a construction crew, being able to ensure that construction is up to code is an invaluable asset. Construction professionals with a firm understanding of building codes are more likely to be in senior roles.
The benefits of knowing BCBC expand beyond the construction industry. Knowing building code can be of immense benefit to property owners, property managers, and real estate investors as well.
Knowing building code can help you ensure your own property is up to code and ensure that you avoid investing in properties that do not meet the provincial requirements. If you’ve been considering a construction project in your backyard, like a laneway house, then you will be able to effectively plan out the project in accordance with the provincial building code.
The BCBC, BC Fire Code, and BC Plumbing Code were all recently updated in 2018 and Ashton College’s BC Building Code course teaches the most recent version of these three codes. Through this course, you will learn the objectives of the code, application of the code, non-application of the code, and what acceptable solutions are. The course’s instructor is an industry expert with years of experience in the building trades. You can learn the intricacies of the BCB from the comfort of your own home thanks to the course’s live online format.
Register now for the BC Building Code course and take your career further.
The information contained in this post is considered to be true and accurate as of the date of publication. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
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