Construction is a profession built on trust. Owners trust that their buildings will be safe. Workers trust that their employers will protect them. Communities trust that construction will meet minimum standards for health, safety, and welfare. This trust is maintained through professional licensing, building codes, industry standards, and a commitment to ethical practice.
Licensing and Certification
Construction is one of the most regulated industries in the United States. Various participants must hold specific licenses or certifications:
Contractor Licensing
Most states require general contractors and specialty contractors to hold a state-issued license. Requirements vary by state but typically include:
- Experience: Demonstrated years of experience in the field.
- Examination: Passing a written exam on business practices, trade knowledge, and building codes.
- Financial qualifications: Proof of financial stability, insurance, and bonding capacity.
- Continuing education: Many states require ongoing education to maintain licensure.
Professional Licensing
- Architects: Must hold a license issued by the state board of architecture. Requires a professional degree, AXP experience, and passing the ARE exam.
- Engineers: Must hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the state board of engineers. Requires a degree, FE exam, supervised experience, and PE exam.
Trade Certifications
- OSHA 10 and OSHA 30: Safety training certifications. OSHA 10 (10 hours) is often required for all construction workers; OSHA 30 (30 hours) is required for supervisors.
- Crane operator certification: Nationally accredited certification required by OSHA for crane operators.
- Welding certification: AWS (American Welding Society) certifications for structural welders.
- Journeyman and Master trade licenses: Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians must typically hold state or local trade licenses.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations set standards, provide education, and advocate for the industry:
| Organization | Focus |
|---|---|
| AGC (Associated General Contractors) | General contractors and construction firms |
| ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) | Merit shop (non-union) contractors |
| NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) | Residential construction |
| AIA (American Institute of Architects) | Architects and architectural practice |
| ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) | Civil and structural engineers |
| ASHRAE | HVAC, refrigeration, and building science |
| ICC (International Code Council) | Building codes development and administration |
| USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) | Green building and LEED certification |
| NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) | Standardized craft training and certification |
Building Codes
Building codes are the minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings. They exist to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Key codes include:
- International Building Code (IBC): Governs commercial and multi-family construction.
- International Residential Code (IRC): Governs one- and two-family dwellings.
- International Fire Code (IFC): Fire prevention and safety.
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC): Minimum energy efficiency.
- International Plumbing Code (IPC): Plumbing systems.
- International Mechanical Code (IMC): HVAC systems.
- National Electrical Code (NEC / NFPA 70): Electrical systems.
Codes are developed by organizations (primarily the ICC) and then adopted by state and local jurisdictions. A code has no legal force until it is adopted as law. Jurisdictions may amend the model codes to address local conditions.
Ethics in Construction
Ethical practice in construction goes beyond following the law. It encompasses:
Honesty and Integrity
- Accurate bidding: Not submitting unrealistically low bids with the intention of making it up through change orders.
- Truthful reporting: Accurately reporting quantities, labor hours, and costs.
- Transparent communication: Disclosing problems, errors, and conflicts of interest promptly.
Safety
- Prioritizing worker safety over schedule and budget pressures. No deadline is worth a life.
- Reporting unsafe conditions even when it creates schedule delays.
- Maintaining safety equipment and enforcing safety rules without exceptions.
Quality
- Building to the plans and specifications, not cutting corners to save money.
- Identifying and correcting defects rather than concealing them.
- Using specified materials, not substituting inferior products without approval.
Fair Dealing
- Paying subcontractors and suppliers promptly and in full.
- Treating workers with respect regardless of position or trade.
- Competing fairly — not engaging in bid-rigging, collusion, or kickbacks.
Environmental Responsibility
- Managing construction waste responsibly — recycling where possible.
- Controlling erosion and runoff from construction sites.
- Handling hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint, contaminated soil) safely and legally.
Key Terms
- AXP
- (Architectural Experience Program): Formerly IDP; the supervised experience required for architect licensure.
- ARE
- (Architect Registration Examination): The multi-division exam required for architect licensure.
- PE
- (Professional Engineer): A licensed engineer authorized to sign and seal engineering documents.
- OSHA
- 10/30: OSHA-authorized safety training courses (10-hour and 30-hour).
- Model
- code: A code developed by a standards organization (like ICC) that can be adopted by jurisdictions.
Lesson Summary
- ✓Construction is heavily regulated through licensing, certification, and building codes.
- ✓Professional organizations set industry standards and provide education.
- ✓Building codes are minimum standards adopted by local jurisdictions to protect public safety.
- ✓Ethical practice encompasses honesty, safety, quality, fair dealing, and environmental responsibility.