Why Your General Contractor Should Know the Building Code (and Work Well With Inspectors)

When it comes to building your custom home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right general contractor. While there are many factors to consider—experience, communication, quality of work—one critical but often overlooked qualification is this:

Does your general contractor understand the Arkansas building code, or at the very least, know how to navigate it?

This isn’t a bonus skill. It’s the baseline. In fact, it’s a requirement for anyone holding a general contractor’s license in the state. Building to code isn’t just about passing inspections. It’s about ensuring your home is built to last, to protect your family, and to uphold basic safety and performance standards.

The Code Book: A Tool, Not a Burden

The Arkansas building code book is large and detailed. We don’t claim to know it front to back, but at Ozark Crafted Homes, we study it intentionally and strive to know it well enough to have intelligent, informed conversations with local inspectors and clients. A good general contractor doesn’t need to memorize every code line, but they should be familiar with the basics and know how to reference the codebook when questions arise. That kind of understanding leads to better decisions on the job site and smoother interactions with inspectors.

Inspectors: The owner's and your GC’s Best Ally

Unfortunately, many GCs see inspectors as obstacles, people who slow down the job or nitpick details. That mindset is not only short-sighted, it's harmful. A good GC understands that inspectors are valuable teammates, not adversaries. They serve as an extra set of eyes to make sure nothing is overlooked and that the home being built meets (or exceeds) the minimum safety and performance standards.

They’re also protecting the GC. If something is out of code and goes unnoticed, the liability ultimately lands on the contractor. A thoughtful inspector catching that early can save everyone from costly repairs, delays, or worse—dangerous living conditions.

Choosing the Right Contractor

When interviewing contractors, ask how they stay up to date with code requirements. Ask how they view their relationship with local inspectors. If they roll their eyes or speak negatively about code enforcement, consider it a red flag.

You want a contractor who values the integrity of your home. Someone who understands that the building code is there for a reason and who views inspectors as partners in the shared mission of building a home that not only meets your expectations but outlives them.

How does OCH handle Codes and Inspectors

At Ozark Crafted Homes, we believe in building homes the right way, with integrity and a collaborative mindset that includes our trade partners, city officials, and you, the homeowner. We may not know every line of the codebook, but we take our responsibility seriously and are committed to building with excellence.

So, who would you like to build your home? A builder who doesn’t believe in the codes—or one who understands them and knows how to properly interpret them?

This is a great question to ask your builder. And while you’re at it, ask if they even own a code book.

Every general contractor should have an up-to-date copy—full of highlights, notes, and bookmarks. Or at the very least, know how to reference the free online version.