Is My New Home Built to Code?
The Misconception of “Built to Code”
If you’ve recently bought a new home or are in the process of building one, chances are you’ve heard the phrase “It’s built to code” — often in response to a question or preemptive statement about how work was done. Builders use it as reassurance, and at face value, it sounds like a mark of quality. But the truth is, that phrase doesn’t mean what most homeowners think it does.
When a home is described as “built to code,” it simply means it meets the minimum construction standards required by provincial regulations. These standards exist to ensure safety and livability, but they are not benchmarks for craftsmanship or longevity. A code-compliant home passes the legal checks. It is safe to occupy and has the right permits in place. Yet none of that guarantees attention to detail or long-term performance.
Why Understanding “Built to Code” Matters for Homeowners
In Calgary’s ever growing housing market, new developments are breaking ground almost weekly. This means the distinction between built to code and quality matters more than ever. Builders are managing multiple projects, trades are often stretched thin, and timelines are always tight. Many skilled workers are new to the industry, learning under pressure. While most builders aim to do good work, the system rewards speed and volume — not necessarily quality.
So when you hear “it’s built to code,” remember: that’s a starting point, not a gold standard. To truly understand what that means for your home, it helps to look closer at what building code compliance actually covers.
What “Built to Code” Actually Means
In Alberta, every new home must comply with the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition, which outlines the minimum legal standards for structural safety, energy efficiency, and occupant health. Meeting these requirements is what allows a home to pass City inspections, obtain permits, and ultimately receive occupancy approval — confirming it’s safe and compliant for you to move into.
But that’s where the definition of “built to code” often gets misunderstood. The code establishes legal compliance, not construction excellence. It defines what a wall, floor, or roof must achieve to meet safety standards, but it doesn’t say anything about how well that work is done.
The difference might sound small, but it’s everything. The code tells a builder how a structure must perform, not whether they’ve chosen the highest-quality materials or installed them with care. A wall insulated to code, for example, might technically pass inspection, but the real measure of quality is in the precision — straight framing, properly sealed vapor barriers, insulation without gaps — the things that aren’t written anywhere in the codebook.
So while a builder can confidently say your home is “built to code,” that doesn’t guarantee it was built to last. Compliance simply means the home met the minimum safety threshold required by law — not that it was built with the attention to detail that separates a good home from a great one.
Possession day (right): This home has passed all its inspections and is technically “built to code.” But when I checked this toilet, it wasn’t secured down — something no code inspection would ever cover.
Minimum Building Code Standards vs. Quality Construction
Take a typical Calgary home as an example: a 2×6 wood-framed structure with fiberglass batt insulation and vinyl siding. That’s the industry standard, and it meets code. But some builders take extra steps — adding a layer of continuous rigid exterior insulation to improve energy efficiency, choosing durable cladding like Hardie board or stucco, or using engineered lumber such as laminated strand lumber (LSLs) for straighter, more stable walls.
Each of those options still meets code, but the difference is clear. They perform better, last longer, and often result in a more comfortable home. That’s the distinction between meeting requirements and exceeding expectations.
This same principle applies throughout a new build. The code dictates how something must perform, but not how well it’s done. The quality of materials, the skill of the trades, and the level of oversight all play a role in whether the finished product feels solid and consistent — or just adequate.
Good, Fast, Cheap — The Balance Behind New Home Construction
Most builders are managing several projects at once and rely on multiple subcontracted trades, each with their own crews and experience levels. Some days you’ll have seasoned professionals on-site; other days, a first-year apprentice might be learning on the job. All of which is a normal part of the process. However, combine this with tight schedules and cost pressures, it’s easy to see how consistency can slip — even unintentionally.
It comes back to the old saying: Good, Fast, Cheap — pick two. In Calgary’s growing housing market, new homes are often built fast and affordably. The “good” part varies depending on who’s doing the work and how much time they have to do it.
That doesn’t mean builders are cutting corners on purpose; it’s simply the reality of a high-volume industry where demand is constant and deadlines are strict. But it does mean that even a brand-new, code-compliant home benefits from a closer look — ideally from a trusted Calgary Home Inspector.
Attic access hatch missing insulation — not a code violation, but an energy efficiency issue found during inspection.
Insulation is present and technically meets code, but displaced sections like this can reduce performance and energy efficiency.
Confirmation of thermal imaging shows a visible void in attic insulation. The home is insulated to minimum code standards, but uneven coverage like this reduces efficiency.
A small leak from the main floor mechanical unit above. The home meets code, but workmanship issues like this can still appear before possession.
Going Beyond the Code
Building code exists for good reason — it ensures that every new home meets a basic level of safety and performance. But that’s all it guarantees. The real measure of a home’s quality comes from the people who build it, the materials they use, and the care that goes into every step of construction.
If you’re building or buying a new home in Calgary, it’s worth looking beyond the reassurance of “built to code.” Ask questions, understand your builder’s approach, and take steps to confirm the quality for yourself. A home that meets code may be legally complete, but that doesn’t always mean it’s practically perfect.
Even when everything appears to be done right, a professional, independent review can help ensure your new home truly performs the way it should.
Building a New Home? Go Beyond Code Minimums & Book a Home Inspector Today
Don’t assume your new home is flawless just because it’s new. Booking a professional inspection helps confirm the home was completed properly and is performing the way it should. Whether your build is still in progress or you’ve recently taken possession, scheduling an inspection ensures your new home truly meets expectations.
For any inquiries or to schedule an inspection, feel free to email us at chris@calgaryhomeinspector.ca, text 825-863-2372, or book a time slot online.
We’re proud to extend our services beyond Calgary. We offer home inspection services in Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks and more!