The main focus of the project was on the motivational issues of code compliance and its effectiveness. One part of the study involved being with building inspectors in the field. Many of the questionnaires that were returned contained comments that clearly stated the common nonacceptance or inanity of detailed building codes in the eyes of homebuilders. And, many homebuilders criticized inconsistencies in the requirements of different inspectors and condemned the complexity of the many code provisions. Following the presentation, discussion with the audience ensued.
Reputation is more an economic than a social factor.
Homes are often marketed with quality of construction and materials, despite the fact that there is always tension between quality and affordability. This is part of ongoing research and not yet finalized. In St. Martins, Puerto Rico, buildings are inspected by independent, third-party inspectors. This leads to a higher level of confidence in inspectors' decisions. Researchers reviewed the permit files of the 14 participating cities, and chose small and large homebuilders.