What do you think makes a customer smile? If you guessed quality goods and services, then you’re right! But there’s one more thing. And that’s a secure and well-designed establishment where they can shop happily and in peace.
So if you want your business to succeed, don’t just focus on your products. It will be best if your store follows the general guidelines for a commercial building in your area. This is to ensure that your store’s design, integrity, and overall safety meet at least the minimum standard for business.
Now, if you’re eager to start your plans, here are the commercial building codes that you need to know.
Commercial Building Codes That You Should Know
First of all, do you know what building codes are? If not, this must be your lucky day. Building codes are set guidelines for establishments to ensure stability, sanitation, good lighting and ventilation, energy efficiency, means of egress, and safety during any emergency. Although structures can vary entirely from one building to another, there is always a constant standard imposed by the state or city. So if you want to open your commercial building, here are the things to remember according to the International Building Code (IBC) of 2021.
Energy Conservation
Are you looking to cut costs? Perhaps one of the best ways to do that is by conserving energy. If you notice any gaps in electrical, plumbing, and vents where air can pass through, seal that hole. It improves insulation, so it becomes much easier to maintain room temperature while using less energy. Also, watch out for energy-inefficient materials as they will only add unnecessary power usage. By doing this, you’re not only saving money but also helping nature by preserving and using as few resources as possible. Not only that, but customers also love an eco-friendly business.
Fire Safety
Nobody wants a fire to break out in the building. However, accidents do happen, and there’s no way to know when it will be. So better safe than sorry. As a precaution, establishments are required to put up enough sprinklers and fire extinguishers all over the place. But more importantly, fire exits should be easily accessible anywhere in the building. The hallways, doorways, and aisles should also have the right dimensions so people can pass more smoothly.
Fuel Gas
Gas and fuel are common causes of fire. As a result, the proper handling of these elements is a fundamental code of a commercial building. Ductworks and piping need practical design and installation with the approval of professionals before usage. For example, a kitchen hood ventilation has to have appropriate protection against corrosion and outside air to prevent damage and lessen the risk of a fire. Furthermore, labeling is also necessary to indicate specific ductworks. And if you have commercial cooking appliances, be sure never to position them near dwelling units.
Mechanical Systems
Imagine you own a laundry shop, and your clothes dryers aren’t ventilated appropriately. Silly, right? Your dryer will not work properly and may break down earlier than intended. Worse, heat and chemicals can pile up with nowhere to go, becoming a fire hazard. That’s why you can’t just install mechanical systems without planning. That goes for electrical systems, too. Be sure to have them securely placed in safe areas. But if you meet the minimum requirements set in the mechanical code, you can worry less about the general safety and welfare of yourself, your customers, and your products. This code also covers safety measures when a fire breaks out, like installing fire and smoke dampers readily available for use and maintenance.
Correct Plumbing
Without plumbing, your establishment is not going anywhere. That’s because the water supply is an absolute necessity for drinking and sanitation, whether for residence or commercial use. As such, you must place pipes of the right size and location in constructing your building. Be careful, though. Excessive number and size of ducts on top of careless placement can negatively affect structural integrity.
Maintenance
This shouldn’t be a question. Almost all things require at least some maintenance from time to time. That includes everything in your commercial building from plumbing, electricity, sanitation, equipment, and even the establishment itself. No matter if you like it or not, they will acquire some damage over time, especially if you use them daily for commercial purposes. This is the reason why you should have the means of maintenance regardless of whether it’s yours or hired services.
Private Sewage Disposal
Customers love a responsible business. But cleanliness and sanitation must be a no-brainer for commercial buildings, particularly if you generate a lot of waste and sewage. Why is that? Simple. All that junk and contaminants are harmful to the environment. This will not only potentially destroy your business, it can, more essentially, also endanger the health of the people and animals in your area. For a business owner, this is a nightmare. That’s why this code, just like the others, is a crucial part of your building-to-be.
Conclusion
Now that you have an idea about building codes, you’re one step closer to a successful business. So what are you waiting for? It’s about time you go out there and get grinding. Put up your commercial building and start that dream journey.