What ensures that all constructions meet minimum safety standards?

Statutory frameworks for building codes are essential because they establish the legal requirements and standards that all construction projects must adhere to in order to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of the public. These codes are developed based on research, expert input, and practical experience and are often updated to incorporate new safety technologies and practices. They cover various aspects of construction including structural integrity, fire safety, plumbing, electrical systems, and accessibility.

By having a formalized set of building codes, jurisdictions can enforce compliance through permits, inspections, and approvals, which help to minimize risks and hazards associated with construction. This regulatory framework ensures that builders, designers, and developers follow best practices that align with the community's safety standards, thus fostering safer built environments.

In contrast, while high construction costs, local custom regulations, and architectural innovations all play roles in the construction industry, they do not directly ensure that constructions align with minimum safety standards in the same systematic and enforceable manner that statutory frameworks do.