Building codes are constantly evolving to reflect new safety standards, environmental goals, and technological advancements. For companies in the construction and building materials industry, staying on top of these updates isn’t optional—it’s essential.
When material specifications must change due to new code requirements, it can impact everything from procurement and inventory to design and installation. That’s why it’s critical to build a culture where code compliance is not only understood but embraced as part of doing the job right.
Here’s how to create that kind of culture across your team.
- Make Code Awareness a Shared Responsibility
Building codes shouldn’t be seen as the concern of just architects or code officials. Everyone—from project managers and engineers to sales reps and warehouse teams—should have a basic understanding of how code updates affect material selection and project requirements.
Incorporate code education into onboarding and ongoing training, and encourage cross-departmental conversations about changes that affect product use and performance.
- Stay Ahead of Code Changes with Proactive Communication
Don’t wait until a job is underway to inform your team about updated material requirements. Develop a system to monitor local, state, and national building code changes, and communicate those changes internally as soon as they’re announced.
Hold quarterly update meetings or issue short bulletins highlighting:
Key changes to relevant codes
Which materials or product categories are impacted
Any required adjustments to specs, sourcing, or installation methods
Proactive communication helps avoid delays, rework, or compliance issues on the job site.
- Partner with Code Experts and Manufacturers
Collaborate with code consultants, industry associations, and material manufacturers to get accurate, up-to-date information about how regulations are evolving. Many manufacturers offer technical support and can provide documentation or certifications to verify compliance.
Involving these experts in internal training sessions also strengthens your team’s confidence in choosing and applying code-compliant materials.
- Integrate Code Compliance into Standard Operating Procedures
Make code alignment part of your company’s standard processes—from product selection and quoting to final inspections. Use checklists and review protocols to ensure every material spec meets the latest applicable codes before a project moves forward.
This reinforces the idea that building code compliance isn’t an afterthought—it’s a built-in expectation at every stage.
- Create Feedback Loops Between Teams
When a code change disrupts a project or causes confusion, capture that feedback and use it to improve internal processes. Encourage project teams, sales reps, and procurement to share lessons learned and flag issues early.
Open communication channels can reveal gaps in training or documentation—and help avoid repeated mistakes.
- Celebrate Code-Smart Decisions
Recognize employees and teams who proactively adapt to code changes or help the company stay ahead of compliance challenges. Highlighting these efforts reinforces the message that understanding and applying updated codes is a valuable skill, not just a formality.
- Make It Part of Your Brand
Companies that consistently deliver code-compliant work build stronger reputations and long-term customer trust. When your entire team is fluent in the language of compliance—especially how it impacts materials—it becomes part of your brand identity and competitive edge.
Conclusion
A culture that values and responds to building code updates is one that stays compliant, reduces costly errors, and delivers higher-quality results. By keeping your teams informed, involved, and aligned, you turn code changes from a challenge into an opportunity to lead the industry forward.
