Building codes are developed and enforced mainly to protect and benefit the homeowner. There are some codes that are in place specifically to conserve water or electricity or reduce environmental impact. Spacing of balusters is a safety issue discovered the hard way by a child getting their head stuck between them when spaced to far apart. Insulation and energy star rated windows are invaluable to the homes overall heating and cooling energy bills. The ramifications to not following the building code can be as slight as a few extra dollars on the heating bill to structural failure or someone getting injured from an improperly built structure. When it comes time to sell a house these items can be brought to attention by the home inspector that a prospective buyer brings in before making the purchase. Even something as simple as replacing a window or installing a new bathroom faucet it is always best to follow the building code even if it sounds ridiculous or silly; these codes are put in place for good reasons not to make things cost more.
