Why must contractors confirm life safety requirements when adding a story to a building?

Confirming life safety requirements when adding a story to a building is crucial for assessing the number of exits required. When a new floor is added, it increases the number of occupants expected in the space. Building codes stipulate specific exit requirements based on occupancy loads, which are determined by the total area and the anticipated use of the building. A careful evaluation ensures that the structure can safely accommodate the increased number of occupants in case of an emergency, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the building.

While compliance with zoning laws is important, zoning primarily addresses land use and regulations regarding building size and location, rather than life safety measures directly. Aesthetics, while relevant to overall design considerations, do not have a direct impact on life safety requirements in the context of adding a story. Similarly, the determination of construction materials is more about structural integrity and performance rather than immediate life safety measures, which center around accessibility and egress pathways for occupants. Thus, confirming the number of exits is a direct and critical aspect of addressing life safety in multi-story buildings.