Why We Need To Care
The Code of Hammurabi originates from ancient Mesopotamia from the sixth Babylonian king, Hammurabi. One law it stipulates is that if a builder creates a faulty structure that collapses on someone and kills them then that builder shall be put to death. We’re not advocating on bringing back such a draconian punishment, but we think the underlying concept is worth exploring deeper. The reason such a law once existed is fascinating: it was designed to enforce accountability and force those whose work can possibly end the lives of others if not done properly to take their role more seriously. Essentially, to instill skin in the game.
Statistics don’t lie. Every year we are seeing billions of dollars in damage from natural disasters, from hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. We need to look at all the homes that are destroyed every year and figure out a way to build them so it stops happening. If a builder is building a spec house, he or she is going to build something that they think will sell. In places where permitting is required there is a certain minimum standard they need to build to. But as we keep seeing in many cases, the minimum standard is not good enough for homes to survive major disasters. If the homeowner is involved from the beginning of the build, you have the right to demand certain things you want. If Hammurabi’s code actually were in effect builders would solve building safety issues immediately. The problem lies in the fact that current building codes don’t force builders to disaster-proof homes, and consumers generally don’t know what they should be asking for. Existing laws tend to favor builders over consumers, which in large part is why there’s such a serious problem with the construction industry.
The public needs to know there are things they should demand when building a house, the same things they should look for when buying a house that already is built. While builders will tell you those demands will cost you more money, do some calculations and figure out what the cost is of not doing it and having your house destroyed.
So how can we be expected to inquire about things when we don’t know what to ask for? Responsibility is divided here, construction companies should be encouraged to design resilient homes in disaster-prone areas and information should be dispersed to anyone considering buying or building a home so that they know what to look for and what to ask. A large part of why building codes are decided behind closed doors is so the general public doesn’t participate in the conversation. People are more concerned about the countertops and other interior finishes, when what we really need to be concerned about is will the roof blow off or will our house splinter into a million pieces in a disaster?
If builders and consumers both adopt a more proactive and involved position on the issue of resiliency, then change will happen. Until then, buyers need to understand the only real skin in the game is theirs.
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