What is a potential consequence of neglecting to adhere to building codes?

Neglecting to adhere to building codes can lead to legal penalties and safety risks. Building codes are established to ensure the health and safety of the public, and compliance is mandatory. When a construction project fails to meet these codes, it can result in fines, legal actions, or even the halting of operations until the issues are resolved. Beyond the legal repercussions, there are significant safety risks involved. Structures not compliant with building codes may not withstand natural disasters, leading to potential injuries or fatalities among occupants. The integrity of the building is compromised, creating hazardous conditions not only for those using the building but also for neighboring properties and individuals.

In contrast, increased project costs is not the sole consequence of neglecting building codes, as those costs can often be a result of legal penalties and the need to fix non-compliance issues. Enhancing project reputation or speeding up project completion are unlikely outcomes of ignoring building codes; in fact, the opposite is true as non-compliance often leads to reputational damage and project delays due to the need for corrections or legal disputes.