ANSWER: That is a good question.
We have made the same observations. We too have been involved in construction for many, many years and, in our opinion, it is the Building Code Practices that needed to be questioned. The municipalities, designers, and builders have received the raw end of the deal on this one.
It may be worth noting that a wholesale change to the Building Code is in the works - I wonder why?!
Apparently, it is changing from a prescription-based code to an objective-based code. If this is true, then it would mean that the coordinating contractor/ professional would assume full responsibilty for code compliance.
Will building inspectors become plan checkers and administrators of professional assurance schedules only? The trend has already begun. We believe it will be the standard in the next few years.
With this change, combined with the "leaky condo" issues and 9-11, we will find that contractors' and professionals' liabilty insurance rates will be climbing at ever increasing rates.
Unfortunately, these increased insurance costs would eventually be reflected in contractor and professional fees - and ultimately project costs.
In order to keep our fees low, we have managed to self-insure ourselves for the past 45 years. We may soon be forced to end this program with the regulatory agencies now asking for proof of third party insurance.
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