Building Code Violated

This blog will be able to help expand the readers' knowledge and their understanding of the importance of the Building Code to Interior Design. Through the photos, this will help illustrate certain situations where the Building Codes are violated. This post aims to increase our awareness of the fines and penalties if such rules are not strictly followed.

Chapter 2

Administration and Enforcement

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In Chapter II Sec. 212 in National Building Code of the Philippines, it is stated that if the rules are violated the secretary is hereby empowered to impose fines. But in the Philippines, There are a lot of business man or contractors wherein they use money to bribe the officials for them to continue their wrong doings.

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Under Section 206. Qualifications of building official. No person shall be appointed as a building official unless he/she is not a Filipino Citizen, but in the picture, the acting building official is a foreigner which voids her qualification of being an official.

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In Section 213. It stated that All who will violate these rules will be punish and could lead them to conviction.

Chapter 3

Permits and Inspection

Section 301. Building Permits. No person, firm or corporation, including any agency or instrumentality of the government shall erect, construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building or structure or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a building permit.

The photo above shows an ongoing construction for a house extension. The place showed no authorized documents to be permitted for an interior construction. Plumbing and electrical installation needs to be inspected and approved by a Building Official and needs to have a Building Permit. Some house owners skip such authorization process because it may cost a lot of money and causes delay in their project. Most  of the time, they rely on the capabilities of the workers for their project, which is not a good safety assurance for a house.

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In Chapter 3 sec. 302. An application therefore will be sent to the OBO the examine if the building, the design passed the said safe test but Other contractors apply for a building permit but if their plans will not be approved, they tend to make the building in a hidden ways. They construct without permit or they just copy their old project's permit. If the secretary would know these unlawful doings, the project of the said contractor may be cancelled.

Chapter 4

Types of Construction

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Section 403 – (Stairs) Walking down a set of stairs entered by having to open a door that swings out over the steps is likely to result in a fall. In this situation, the Stairs does not conform to the building code as it shall have landings of not less than 30 inches (76 cm) in the direction of travel and extend at least 22 inches (56 cm) in width at every 12 feet (3.7 m) or less of vertical rise. It also violates the section provided that all stairways should be equipped with permanent and substantial handrails for the safety of the stairwell.

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In section 304 (Exit) The picture violates the law of the building code "Exit ways and doors shall not be visually or physically obstructed.” This justifies by showing a picture where deliveries are left unattended in passageways that provide a means of exit in the event of a fire.

In conclusion, we should be able to educate not only with ourselves, the students, but also including the homeowners or clients and particularly to people concerning and working in this type of career. This will be beneficial for everyone and importantly, to protect the safety of the any occupants and build a better quality home and community.

Building Code "In Action"

This blog will be able to help expand the readers' knowledge and their understanding of the importance of the Building Code to Interior Design. Through the photos, this will help illustrate the correct process and procedures when it comes to building authorization, construction and fire zones.

Chapter 2 Administration and Reinforcement

This photo shows the Secretary reviewing and checking the plans.

Section 203. General Powers and Functions of the Secretary under this Code.

This section enumerates the work of an appointed Secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communication. As such, the section entails the Secretary to the following functions; policy formulation, planning and making designated guidelines and qualifications of building infrastructures.

This section is important, because the functions of the Secretary mentioned above are vital in our field. The policies, plans and guidelines provided thereafter by the appointed Secretary affects our work as interior designers.

This photo shows handing out the payment of the total fees and charges.

Section 8. Fees.

This ensures that the money garnered from the fees and charges of operations are recorded. The section also gives an opportunity for the Building Official to provide funds for his office (the 20% mentioned in the section) which will be appropriated to some of the affiliations of the department. The 80% of the said total fees and charges are then given to the treasury of the municipality he/she is assigned in.

The section gives another work and privilege to the chosen building official. Sooner in our lives, some of us will be chosen as building officials. And it is just right that we know these lawful practices and protocols.

This photo shows a person paying the penalty fine to the  the  assigned Secretary official.

 Section 212. Administrative Fines. 

For the violation of any of the provisions of this Code or any of the rules or regulations issued there under the Secretary is hereby empowered to prescribe and impose fines not exceeding ten thousand pesos.

As future interior designers, we should be keen of our actions, as one possible wrong move could lead to a disqualification or fine as stated above.

Chapter 3 Permits and Inspection

This photo shows an on-going construction with approved permits and documents. Source

Section 301. Building Permits.

No person, firm or corporation, including any agency or instrumentality of the government shall erect, construct, alter, repair, move, convert or demolish any building or structure or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a building permit.

Public safety is the top priority of a Building Permit. This allows the professionals to take control and operate interior construction and assure good and safe design to their clients. Professionals are responsible that the interior construction process is in compliance with the Interior Design building code. This topi will let you know when a permit is required or not.

A permit is necessary for any additional or structural alteration or repair to an existing space. This is required for electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. However, in cases such as interior modification that only focuses to aesthetic changes such as furniture, accessories or slight repair does not require a permit.

This photo shows the Building Permit requirements. Source

Section 303. Processing of Building Permits.

The processing of building permits shall be under the overall administrative control and supervision of the Building Official and his technical staff of qualified professionals.

The process usually consists of a number of approval steps particularly to complex renovation. The building department administers and enforces local building constructions and plans. The Office of the Building Official (BOB)  is the place where designated professionals and officials review the documents, plans and making sure that every application is in compliance with the building code.

The purpose of the building code is to protect not only occupants, but also the general community. This is where green building and energy code requirements come in.

Your project will be required to adhere to these codes adopted by your community. Green building codes set minimum standards for a project in terms of water consumption, air quality, toxicity of materials, building efficiency, general waste reduction and storm water management. 

This photo shows the assigned official during inspection.

Section 308. Inspection and Supervision of Work.

There shall be kept at the jobsite at all times a logbook wherein the actual progress of construction including tests conducted, weather conditions and other pertinent data are to be recorded.

Interior Designers are given the rights and responsibility to periodically inspect the design construction to record and check if it is in compliance with the permit and other approved documents. 

Chapter 4 Types of Construction

It is stated in NBCP Chapter 4 Section 403 – Requirements on Types of Construction that subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the Secretary shall prescribe standards for each type of construction, and promulgate rules and regulations therefor, relating to structural framework, exterior walls and openings, interior walls and enclosures, floors, exists, and stairs construction, and roofs.

STAIRS

This photo shows an ongoing construction with correct stairs width measurement. 

This photo shows in accordance to the building code particularly to structures and stairways.

General:

Stairways that will not be a permanent part of the structure on which construction work is being performed shall have landings of not less than 30 inches (76 cm) in the direction of travel and extend at least 22 inches (56 cm) in width at every 12 feet (3.7 m) or less of vertical rise.

Stairs shall be installed between 30 deg. and 50 deg. from horizontal.

 Variations in riser height or tread depth shall not be over 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) in any stairway system.

Stairs Construction - The staircase, when carefully designed and built, adds dignity and charm to a home. The quality of craftsmanship displayed reflects the character of the entire interior of the building.

Safety precautions in stairway building:

1. Stairways should be free from winders.

2. The dimensions of landings should be equal to or greater than the width of stairways between handrails (or handrail and wall).

3. Landings should be level and free from intermediate steps between the main up flight and the main down flight.

4. All treads should be equal and all risers should be equal in any one flight.

5. The sum of one tread and one riser, exclusive of the nosing, should not be more than 18 inches nor less than 17 inches. (Stair ratio.)

6. The nosing should not exceed 13/4 inches.

7. All stairways should be equipped with permanent and substantial handrails 36 inches in height from the center of the tread.

8. All handrails should have rounded corners and a surface that is smooth and free from splinters.

9. The angle of the stairways with the horizontal should not be more than fifty degrees nor less than twenty degrees.

10. Stair treads should be slip proof, firmly secured and with no protruding bolts, screws, or nails.

EXITS

This photo shows the correct exit routes. Source

General:

Each exit route must be a permanent part of the workplace.

Construction materials used to separate an exit from other parts of the workplace must have a one-hour fire resistance-rating if the exit connects three or fewer stories and a two-hour fire resistance-rating if the exit connects four or more stories.

More than two exit routes must be available in a workplace if the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace is such that all employees would not be able to evacuate safely during an emergency.

An exit door must be unlocked.

Exit routes must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served.

An exit route must meet minimum height and width requirements.

-       The ceiling of an exit route must be at least seven feet six inches (2.3 m) high. Any projection from the ceiling must not reach a point less than six feet eight inches (2.0 m) from the floor.

-       An exit access must be at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points. Where there is only one exit access leading to an exit or exit discharge, the width of the exit and exit discharge must be at least equal to the width of the exit access.

Chapter 5 Requirements for Firezone

Section 507. Designation of Fire Zones.

The Secretary shall promulgate specific restriction for each type of Fire Zone. Cities and municipalities shall be divided into such Fire Zones in accordance with local, physical, and spatial framework plans submitted by city or municipal planning and/or development bodies.

According to the building code of the Philippines, before construction a building, you should know where is the danger area and the fire zone area to be able to know that the people using the building is far from incidents. fire zones are pre- planned and you cannot create a building without going through it and without studying the place.

Sources:
TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR THE PRACTICE OF INTERIOR DESIGN

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44893569/list/building-permits-when-a-permit-is-required-and-when-its-not

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45151141/list/building-permits-the-submittal-process

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46572568/list/building-permits-the-final-inspection

INTERIOR DESIGN REFERRAL BUILDING CODE

Image Source: www.ci.cambridge.mn.us

This blog is to inform Interior Design students and professionals about the Building Referral code.To be permitted and authorized for an interior construction  is important so that every technical, architectural and artistic plans are carefully and properly met. This is simply in compliance and required by the National Building Code.

CHAPTER 2

ADMINISTRATION and ENFORCEMENT

                 Section 201 of the Building code of the Philippines focuses on the powers vested by the code to the appointed “Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communication”. These powers include the prerogative of the appointed Secretary to charge penalties to violators, administer and enforce the codal provisions provided.

            Interior designers like us should know these powers provided to the secretary, so that we will know where and who to talk if ever there are some problems or inquiries arising from our line of work.

            Section 202 gives another power to the appointed secretary: to choose people (architects, engineers and technicians) who would serve as staff of the Department. This power is freely exercised by the Secretary as long as the chosen staffs are considerably intelligent and professional, and possess the proper skills in the field mentioned in this section.

            It is important that we, interior designers, should know who is the appropriate person to appoint us as staffs of the department that our line of study is linked with. This is also to raise awareness about the proper authority  to give such appointments.     

            Section 203 enumerates the work of an appointed Secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communication. As such, the section entails the Secretary to the following functions; policy formulation, planning and making designated guidelines and qualifications of building infrastructures given that these duties agree with the Codal provisions of the Building Code; to execute the formulated policies and other instrumentalities as mentioned in the first function; to approve, make or repeal other policies which shall be part of the Building Code and; the secretary's power to set a specific amount that is to be charged when there are building operations.

            This section is important, because the functions of the Secretary mentioned above are vital in our field. The policies, plans and guidelines provided thereafter by the appointed Secretary affects our work as interior designers. These crucial elements are things that we always should be aware. Our dignities and future as interior designers rely on how we can lawfully qualify the requirements of building.

            The provisions of the code and their applications are secured in the 204^th section of this code. The appointed secretary shall, with his technical staff, make several assistance for the compliance of the provisions of the code. The section also provides the payment of the resources used(people or staffs) when it is necessary. The section extends the acquisition of resources for the applications to other departments of the government given that there is compensation for the resource given by the other departments.

            Since this code covers the national level. The authority of the Secretary will be limited to other places, especially in remote areas. That is why, the section 205 of this code provides for the existence of Building Officials. The Building Official should carry duties such as implementation of the policies made by the secretary and other guidelines provided as mentioned in Section 203 paragraph 1. The people appointed as Building Officials are Engineers in different respects (example, city engineers, public works engineers and etc.) and such appointment is made with the designation of a place to act as Building Official. The vested appointing power is also coupled with the termination of the appointments, whether by a decree, a law or disqualification of an incumbent.

            A Building Official should also possess adequate skills and knowledge, as what is provided by the 206^th section. This section enlists the characteristics that a nominee should have in order to become a Building Official. Among the qualifications include Filipino citizenship, good records, competency, and others provided in such provision.

            This section is important because we are informed of what we should have or accomplish if ever, later in our expertise, we want to become a Building Official.

            When a person qualifies and has been chosen to become a Building Official, he/she shall then on carry out his/her duties and responsibilities explained in Section 207 of this code. The main function of building officials, same with the secretary, is to ensure that the provisions of this code will be duly observed by architects, engineers and other people who wish to build infrastructures. Specifically, building officials are the ones authorized to issue building permits. The determination whether a building or any infrastructure is safe and standard is solely in the hands of the building official. The section also provides that the issuance of the building permit is when the building official approves the manner with which the building is made (example, use of standard materials, lawful resources and etc.). On the other hand, if the building official sees any problem with the building (causing possible evils if left tolerated) then the operation is stopped. Note, that the building official has the authority to access any buildings or construction sites for investigation and observation that standards and guidelines provided in this Code is observed by the operation.

            Section 207 make us aware of the possible situations we can meet if we are already doing our expertise. This is also to inform that the building official is somebody who can continue or discontinue our operations, so proper professionalism should in his/her presence be at the greatest extent possible.

            Section 208 ensures that the money garnered from the fees and charges of operations are recorded. The section also gives an opportunity for the Building Official to provide funds for his office (the 20% mentioned in the section) which will be appropriated to some of the affiliations of the department. The 80% of the said total fees and charges are then given to the treasury of the municipality he/she is assigned in.

            The section gives another work and privilege to the chosen building official. Sooner in our lives, some of us will be chosen as building officials. And it is just right that we know these lawful practices and protocols.

            While construction of buildings are subject to charges issued by the building official, the 209^th section of this code gives some exemption to this rule. Since the department is a government agency, it is understood that public constructions are exempted to pay for the charges and fees, but are still subject to inspection, approval and observation by the building official. Another exemption is the construction of “additional indigenous family dwelling” - defined in the section to be an infrastructure owned by a private entity and made up of indigenous materials such as nipa and logs. The section also specifies that it can be considered an “indigenous family dwelling” if the construction cost of such building is less than 15,000 Philippine Peso.

            In this section, we are informed of the possible exemptions we can be meeting once we handle some projects in the future.

            Section 211 is the promulgation of rules and regulations made by the Secretary of the department. These rules and regulations contain the definition of a standard and 'fit' construction. The sets of rules and regulations will take effect after the official publication of the rules in a newspaper. Note that the publication should be once a week in three consecutive weeks.

            This section allows us to be fully observant of the passing of these rules and regulations – something that must be followed to continue our work.

            As mentioned in the preceding sections, those who are found guilty of disobedience to the provisions provided in this code shall be fined. The fines, according to Section 212, should not be more than 10,000 Philippine Peso.

            As future interior designers, we should be keen of our actions, as one possible wrong move could lead to a disqualification or fine as stated above.

            Section 213 accentuates the importance of the observance of due process when constructing infrastructures. The unruly construction, alteration or removal of such buildings – without observing the guidelines as provided by the provisions of this code – will be subject to such punishments mentioned in the section. People found doing unlawful exercises connected to construction shall be fined with not more than 20,000 Philippine Pesos or be imprisoned for less than 2 years or by both. In case of a corporation, the officials will be held responsible. If the penalty is imposed upon an alien or foreigner, he/she shall be escorted back to his/her country after paying the fine or serving his/her sentence.

            This provision serve as a warning to us, architects, engineers and designers alike. As products of an honorable academe, we should place high regards to the proper execution of law. And we are enticed to follow what is right and lawful in our activities.

            Section 214 provides the definition of a “dangerous and ruinous building or structures”. These are any structures that has a possibility to concur potential evils or accidents brought about by the use of either substandard materials or improper operations. If a building has the capacity to endanger human lives or torture them in different respects, then it can be considered as a dangerous building.

            This is to make us fully responsible for the operations we accept and do. As builders of the nation, the great power we have is equaled with the great challenge to provide infrastructures that are resilient and long-lasting. Our reputations rely on what buildings we accomplish and prove how strong they are when the situation demands.

            When declared a dangerous building, the building official has the power to either repair it, vacate it or demolish it. The 215^th section emphasizes that the decision by the official is based in which extent the building pose threat to human security and life. The section also connects with some provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines, Articles 482 – 707.

            The Section 216 of this Code enables future laws to add other provisions, make codal changes or amendments, as long as it's in observance to the provisions of this code.  

CHAPTER 3

PERMITS AND INSPECTION

Section 301. Building Permits.

        This code shall apply to professionals who have been permitted to architectural and design reconstruction, repair or renovation. The Ancillary Permits duly signed and sealed by the corresponding professionals and the plans and specifications shall be submitted together with the duly notarized application for Building Permit.  This is particularly to original provision needed to cope up with technical and artistic development and enhancement.

Section 302. Application for permits.

         General reconstruction and alteration application shall comply with the requirements. This  includes the floor plan, ceiling, electrical and utility plan. This is completed by obtaining an Interior Design Construction Permit therefore from the Office of the Building Official of the LGU having jurisdiction over the locality.

         The interior designer shall be responsible and should sign and affix the seal approved by the Board of Interior Design on all plans and specifications prepared by him, or under his direct supervision.

Section 303. Processing of Building Permits.

   An Interior Designer should accomplish all the requirements and process the application. Importantly, the assigned professional shall submit the Ancillary Permit for Interior Design Construction to the Office of the Building Official (OBO).

Section 304. Issuance of Building Permits

    The issuance of the permit shall not violate or disregard any of the approved provisions. Any alteration or corrections shall be notified and authorized only by the designated Interior Designer.

Section 305. Validity of Building Permits.

      Incomplete information or data in the above application for an Ancillary Permit for Interior Design Construction shall be returned to the Interior Designer until satisfactorily completed. Invalidity of the Ancillary Permit will occur if there are errors found in construction documents and such situations which are non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit. 

Section 308. Inspection and Supervision of Work.

       The office of the Building Official (OBO) shall monitor the progress of the Construction operations or work for the faithful compliance with all the conditions, rules and regulations governing the issuance of the Interior Design Construction Permit. Interior Designers are given the rights and responsibility to periodically inspect the design construction to record and check if it is in compliance with the permit and other approved documents. 

CHAPTER 4
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

Section 403. Requirements on Type of Construction. 

          This section is applicable for interior design in such cases like interior renovation. It is expected for the designer to comprehend the scope and limitations of the project before doing such alterations to avoid complication and to meet the intended function and movement for which the building is designed.

Image Source: Pinterest

CHAPTER 5

REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ZONES

Section 501. Fire zones defined

This part of the Code deals with safety from fire. It specifies the demarcation of fire zones, restrictions on construction of buildings in each fire zone, classification of buildings based on occupancy, types of building construction according to fire resistance of the structural and non-structural components and other restrictions and requirements necessary to minimize danger to life from fire, smoke, fumes or panic before the buildings can be evacuated. The Code recognizes that safety of life is more than a matter of means of exits and accordingly deals with various matters which are considered essential to the safety of life.

Section 506. Restrictions on existing buildings

The existing buildings in any fire zone shall not be required to comply with the requirement of the Code unless these are altered, or in the opinion of the Authority such building constitutes a hazard to the safety of the adjacent property or the occupants of the building itself or is an unsafe building. In the event of alteration, it shall be necessary to obtain permission of the Authority for such alteration consistent with fire

Section 506. Designations of fire zones

It is the duty of the secretary to make known of the specific restrictions for each types of fire zones. Areas shall be divided in accordance with local, physical, and spatial framework plans submitted by city or municipal planning and/or development bodies.

Sources:
http://www.intra.piid.org.ph/pdf/idcode.pdf
http://www.architectureboard.ph