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Originally Posted by tw
How do we eliminate such complexity? We make standards. ADA should not be so 'something special'. Much of it should be standard construction practice.
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Absolutely. Laws, especially Federal laws, should be incorporated into the building codes at their next publication.
That said, part of the reluctance for change is that in many areas, in order to do any alteration/remodeling/up grade on a part of the building, at least that part and sometimes the whole structure, must be brought up to code. That can be a very expensive proposition.
Imagine you want to replace the kitchen sink and add a dishwasher. But in order to hire a plumber and get a permit, you have to rewire the whole kitchen, widen the doorways, buy a new stove and install sprinklers.
I'm being ridiculously extreme in that example, but you get the idea, it's those code changes that bite you later.
Another problem is local building inspectors. They tend to work on trust with the contractors, and a new contractor will receive close scrutiny until the inspector is comfortable with their work. If they see anything that's not customary, it'll be sure to send up a red flag.
If you violate local code, or even what they are used to seeing, in order to comply with ADA, they could shut your job down until it's straightened out, and possibly fine you $1,000 a day, until it's fixed.
Straightening it out (convincing them) could be in a couple weeks...... at the next planning/appeals board meeting...... when you can document it for the inspector's boss...... if you can get documentation from the feds.
It'll cost you time, money and good will with the inspector.
