Q&A for How to Tell if Your Home Has Code Violations

That depends on what area you live in. In general, you should look out for termite damage, damage to the house's foundation, and roof damage.

If your home was built before this code, it's not required that you bring it up to code, the code is for new construction or if you're doing renovations. The house inspector might flag this when people want to buy the house, which could lower the value if they wish to bring it up to code, though. It's up to you what you want to do in terms of the buyers. You might just want to see if they'll lower their offer.

A bathroom with a working window does not require an exhaust fan, but if you don't have a window, your local code may require a fan.

This would normally be a local zoning question, dealing with separation of buildings on adjacent properties. It can vary anywhere from needing 50 feet on both sides of the property lines (rural) to butting up to the same "shared" wall, i.e. not even a foot apart, with proper building code compliance. You will need to start by consulting the local zoning codes.

I would think not, due to safety regulations. The best thing to do would be to contact your power company or local contractor to ask if you will need any license or permit, depending on size of shed and location.

There should be a method of egress for each bedroom. If the bedroom is in the basement, you might be able to install an egress by digging near the foundation, cutting through the concrete, installing a window not more than 44 inches off the ground, and then lining the egress with concrete or sheet metal. A ladder to ground level will be required. It is recommended that all basement egresses be fitted with a durable hatch to prevent falls, snow buildup, pest entry, and debris collection.

Although federal regulations have preempted state-based mobile-home ("manufactured home") construction codes since 1978, state/county/local code still apply in terms of installation and accessibility. Different jurisdictions may have different requirements, according to whether they have adopted national codes, amended the national codes, or created their own. Ask locally for specifics.

Storage of junk cars may be regulated by state/county/local laws, which vary, not to mention home-owner or condo associations (if applicable to your property). You may be permitted one or two without a specific land-use permit for more, or you may not be allowed any.

Generally, yes. Pipes that have been improperly installed would violate codes and would not qualify for any "non-conforming" or "grandfathered" leeway, unless inspected and approved at the time of installation.

This is probably a violation. National building codes limit the step-down to an exterior deck/landing to 7 and 3/4 inches, or one and a half inches if it's a "required egress" where the door swings outward.

The answer would depend upon your locally adopted code for appliances fired by that type of fuel, be it gas, oil, coal, wood, or something else.

You would contact the agency that issues permits in your area for whatever regulations you're interested in (building, zoning, health, fire, etc.). They may have a website with more information, or you may have to ask them to look it up for you (by phone or by mail) or visit their offices.

Yes, both parties should be able to reach it in case of an electrical problem.

If you know of a flaw, it must be disclosed to the buyer. Then the buyer can knowingly decide to continue the purchase. Often lenders will choose to not place a loan on a code violated property, same with insurance companies.