Single Family Homes: Building Safety vs Construction Work Quality

Queen Creek homeowners frequently have questions about the construction of their new homes. Their primary resource for answers should always be their home builder. Thankfully, most resident inquiries or concerns are adequately addressed by the home builder. However, what should homeowners do when their questions or concerns remain unresolved?

At this point, it is crucial for consumers to understand the difference between building safety inspections conducted by municipal building inspectors and the regulation of construction work quality overseen by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).

Building Safety Codes: The role of the Queen Creek building inspectors is to inspect single-family homes at various stages while under construction to ensure that construction complies with adopted residential building codes, relevant safety standards, and the structural engineer’s design. Please contact Michael Williams at Michael.Williams@QueenCreekAZ.Gov or (480) 358-3009, if you have questions related to building safety inspections in Queen Creek.

Quality of Construction Work: The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) develops standards for the quality of various types of construction work and researches owner complaints of construction quality that are initiated after the home construction has been completed. The ROC Compliance Department also investigates alleged violations of licensed and unlicensed contracting laws. For new construction, complaints against licensed contractors must be filed within two years from the close of escrow or actual occupancy, whichever occurred first. Access to the ROC website is available through this URL: https://roc.az.gov/

Examples of Queen Creek Building Safety Inspections on Single Family Homes:

(All inspections ensure conformance to adopted building codes and structural engineer’s design)

1. Structural Integrity

• Foundation: Inspecting for footing, size, depth, reinforcement.
• Wood Framing: Inspecting walls, floors, and roof structures.

2. Building Codes and Safety Standards

• Electrical Systems: Inspecting wiring, outlets, panels, and fixtures.
• Plumbing Systems: Ensuring sanitary installations of water pipes, plumbing fixtures, and drainage systems.
• HVAC Systems: Checking heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations for safety and efficiency.
• Fire Safety: Inspecting smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, walls, bedroom windows, and exits.

 3. Energy Efficiency

• Energy Codes: Ensuring the building meets energy efficiency standards.

4. Occupancy and Use

• Use of Space: Confirming that all areas are safe for their designated purpose.

5. Documentation and Permits

• Building Permits: Checking that all necessary permits have been obtained and are valid.
• Plans and Records: Reviewing construction plans to ensure code compliance.

6. Final Inspections and Approvals

• Completion Inspection: Conducting a thorough final inspection to ensure all aspects of the construction comply with relevant safety codes and approved plans.
• Issuance of Occupancy Certificates: Granting approval for the building to be occupied once all requirements are met.

The Town's building safety inspection includes three components:

• Foundation inspection
• Framing inspection
• Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

It is critically important that you do not remove or alter the safety devices in your new home especially:

• The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. (Risk of delayed announcement of fire or high carbon monoxide concentrations while sleeping)
• Ground fault breakers or receptacles. (Risk of electrical shock or electrocution)
• Arc fault circuit breakers or receptacles. (Risk of fire from arcing electrical circuits)
• Gas appliance flue piping. (Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or fire)
• Gas supply piping. (Risk of fire or explosion)
• Dryer ducts and exterior terminations must be maintained open and clear. (High risk of fire)
• Backflow prevention devices on hose bibs or sprinkler systems. (Potential for contamination of drinking water from a variety of sources).
• Bonding or grounding of electrical service, devices, and equipment. (Risk of shock or electrocution)
• Water heater pressure/temperature relief vale. (Risk of severe explosion)