Publication date: 03/08/2003

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Pros, others applaud suggestion to upgrade state's residential building codes

Two weeks ago, I wrote an open letter to Gov. Jennifer Granholm asking that she bring Michigan's residential building codes up to national standards and make sure there is enough staff to assure that standards are enforced on the state and local levels. My office got enough mail to tell me that this is a hot-button issue.

A few builders thought that I wasn't qualified to bring up the subject, but readers were very enthusiastic. I want to share a few of their comments.

Dear Glenn: The problem is just as you described. Our builder knew he would not be inspected and cut corners. My condominium now has $7,500 of roof problems that we have to fix ourselves or lose our insurance.

-- Bruce

Dear Glenn: I have worked on land-use issues in this city from the perspective of a citizen and community member for years. We need some means of requiring the city to live up to its own laws. Could you include a sentence in your wish list to the effect that the state should require that cities meet their own standards for existing housing and other buildings?

As you anticipate, there will be a great hue and cry from the builders that this is too costly, but nothing costs more than the loss of infrastructure. Rehab is nearly always less than replacement.

I know that almost no one cares about this city, but think how wonderful it would be if it were once again a city of homes.

-- Martha

Dear Glenn: What caught my attention was the sentence: "The state will come down hard if someone who is trying to do the right thing makes a mistake, but if a ne'er-do-well flagrantly ignores the licensing and building laws, and openly cons the public, state building enforcement turns a blind eye." We have a ne'er-do-well like that. This illegal builder has been in court for contract disputes; failing to pay laborers, subcontractors and suppliers; failing to complete work; and his Michigan Builder's license has been revoked four times. What good does that do? The revocation of a license in Michigan is meaningless.

His latest activity involves getting permits to build or work on houses using another builder's name and license number. (When problems started) the state went to punish the other guy, not the bad builder.

-- Mark

Dear Glenn: Thank you for the letter to Governor Granholm.

I am a librarian and ... have researched ... Michigan's building industry. I have some additional suggestions to add to your letter.

1. Reinstitute the requirement for either an architect or engineer's seal on plans. Some builders just prepare the minimum plans needed to get a permit.

2. Revoke the government immunity of building inspectors where there is negligence or omissions.

-- Karen

What the pros said

Dear Mr. Haege: Your Feb. 22 article on Michigan energy codes for residential buildings was right on target, as was the enforcement issue.

The American Institute of Architects of Michigan backs your position 100 percent! If we can be of further assistance, please contact me. Thank you for bringing these topics to the general public.

-- Rae Dumke, Executive Director, AIA-Michigan

Dear Glenn: It's a crime when the state will only pursue a builder having a license. As an active member of the building community, I (see) the looting, stealing, conning, cheating and ineptness of unlicensed contractors. Often, they half-complete work and leave with full payment -- and homeowners end up paying twice.

The Energy Code needs help! Most homes could easily be 30 percent more efficient at minimal cost. The least the state should do is to require new homebuyers to sign off that the 5 Star Energy Rating benefits were explained to them.

Inspections need to have uniformity and be done in a timely manner. Quality of buildings varies greatly because of inconsistent inspections. Maybe inspections should be handled privately by bonded companies.

-- Keith

Dear Glenn: As a private home inspector, I am appalled at the things I find "passing code." The 2003 IRC (International Residential Code) with enforcement is what consumers need.

-- George

Dear Glenn: I've been a licensed contractor for 20 years. You're right on when you talk about unlicensed "ne'er-do-wells." The state building department turns a blind eye and both the public and legitimate contractors wind up paying the price.

-- Ted

We need to bring the state's residential codes up to the national standard and demand the even-handed inspection and enforcement necessary to protect the public. Note: This article was accurate at the date of publication. However, information contained in it may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

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