If you own an older home, or are thinking about buying one, you may hear phrases like “not up to code”. That can sound alarming, but in most cases, it’s simply a matter of history, not danger.
To understand why older homes don’t always meet today’s building standards, it helps to know where building codes came from and how they’ve changed over time.
What Are Building Codes, Really?
Building codes are sets of rules designed to promote safety, health, and structural integrity. But they haven’t always existed in the form we know today. In fact, standardized building codes are a relatively modern development. Homes built decades ago were constructed according to the rules, materials, and knowledge available at the time - not today’s expectations.
A Short History of Building Codes:
1800s: Fire Safety Comes First
After massive city fires in places like New York and Chicago, local governments began creating basic fire safety rules. These early codes focused on reducing risk by regulating materials—such as requiring brick instead of wood in dense areas.
Early 1900s: Toward Consistency
In 1905, one of the first national building codes was introduced to help cities adopt more consistent construction standards. Adoption varied widely, and many communities continued using their own rules.
Mid-1900s: Different Rules Everywhere
For much of the 20th century, the U.S. had several regional code systems. This meant homes built in different areas—or even different decades—could follow very different standards.
2000: A National Baseline
The creation of the International Code Council (ICC) helped unify building standards across the country. The ICC introduced the International Residential Code (IRC), which most states and cities now use as a reference point.
Why Older Homes Don’t Match Today’s Codes
Codes Change Over Time
Building codes are updated every few years as materials improve and safety research evolves. A home built in the 1970s may be several code cycles behind current standards—and that’s completely normal.
Codes Are Local
Even today, cities and counties choose which version of a building code to adopt and when. Two neighboring towns may follow different editions.
“Not Up to Code” Doesn’t Mean Unsafe
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Something can be considered outdated or non-conforming without being dangerous or defective. Many older systems function safely and reliably despite not meeting modern standards.
What This Means During a Home Inspection
A home inspection focuses on how the house is performing today—looking for safety concerns, functional issues, and material defects. Inspectors do not enforce building codes or require homes to be upgraded to current standards..
The Big Picture
Your home is a product of its time. Building codes evolve, but that doesn’t erase the quality or safety of well-maintained older homes.