In early April, after more than five years of waiting, Pennsylvania will finally enact the state uniform construction code law passed in 1999.

This code becomes law on April 8, but municipalities will have an additional 120 days to determine if they want to oversee the code in their area. Whatever decision the municipality makes, to oversee the code or not, all building must still be done to the 2003 International Residential Building Code.

With the enactment of the code now a certainty, and fast approaching, many people are asking what it will mean to them. What is the intent and purpose of the law? Will it be more difficult to make home improvements?

Currently in Pennsylvania, roughly 1,100 of the state's nearly 2,600 municipalities have some sort of building code. The problem is that these codes vary widely, and about 1,500 municipalities have no code.

Prior to passage of a uniform construction code, Pennsylvania was one of only three states in the nation that did not have a building code. What this meant to housing consumers was there was no state law, no regulation, nothing that governed the construction or remodeling of new or existing homes. That is somewhat perplexing when you consider we live in a state where we are required to have annual automobile inspections.

Without a uniform construction code, there was tremendous potential for unethical builders to underbid reputable, professional builders and then cut corners in the construction of the home. Often consumers are unaware of shoddy workmanship until it is too late.

The new code will require all homes be built to nationally recognized standards and will provide methods of third-party inspection. This is a good news for consumers.

This code will regulate the construction, alteration, maintenance, repair and demolition of buildings and structures. It will also cover the installation and maintenance of mechanical systems and equipment in or attached to a building. It will require routine inspections governing the structural integrity - footings and foundations - insulation, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems and a final inspection.

The code does not regulate cosmetic changes to a building such as painting or wallpapering.

In areas where the codes are outdated, the new law provides updated standards as well as ways to enforce them. In other areas where codes exceed the new standards and may be excessive, the new law prevents excessive codes from getting worse by allowing residents to challenge excessive codes put into place after the law takes effect.

The uniform construction code was developed to encourage standardization, safety and economy in construction. It protects consumers from poor construction methods and provides them with assurances that their homes have been built to scientifically tested standards.

The cost to the consumer for code inspections is relatively small compared to the peace of mind the inspections will provide.

Based on the experiences in other states, the Pennsylvania Builders Association believes there will be an average of five inspections for a new home at a cost of $50 to $100 each. A cost of $500 is a good investment in your home's safety.

Some municipalities that choose to administer and enforce the code on their own may require more inspections, making the cost slightly higher.

All inspectors, whether they are municipal inspectors, private sector inspectors or Department of Labor and Industry inspectors, will be trained and certified to the code standards. For homeowners, that is the assurance their inspections will be done fairly and professionally, and they are getting the same fair treatment as everyone in the state.

The Pennsylvania Builders Association is excited about what a uniform construction code will mean for consumers because we strongly believe in delivering a quality product to home buyers at a fair price.

Consumers should remember to ask all building contractors, "Are you building to code. It's the law."

Scott H. Cannon is president of the Pennsylvania Builders Association.