What aspect of construction does the Building Code typically cover?

The Building Code primarily focuses on safety standards, which are crucial to ensure the welfare of occupants and the public. These codes set forth regulations that buildings must adhere to in order to protect against various hazards, including structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and overall health concerns. By setting minimum safety requirements, the Building Code helps to prevent accidents and injuries while also ensuring that structures can withstand environmental challenges like earthquakes, floods, and strong winds.

While the other options—material selection, interior design elements, and energy efficiency—are important factors in construction and design, they typically serve different purposes. Material selection, for example, is often influenced by performance standards and aesthetic considerations rather than just safety. Energy efficiency, though increasingly regulated, falls under specific energy codes that may intersect with building codes but are not synonymous with them. Interior design elements deal with aesthetics and functionality, focusing more on the layout and visual appeal rather than structural safety. Thus, emphasizing safety standards establishes a foundational requirement that underpins much of the construction process.