How strict are building codes?

[Alex Lee]

We are looking to move to Georgia and I was curious to know how hard/strict it would be to expand houses.

So for instance if we buy a 1700sqft house, how hard would it be to say build it out to say 3k?

For now we are considering for our residence, but as we intend on buying investments as well I thought it would be good to know what i might be getting into.

[Carini Rochester]

There are two sets of rules. 1 is the local zoning ordinance which will control things like yard setbacks (stay 5 feet from your side lot line, for example,) maximum lot coverage. Every town, every city writes their own zoning ordinances, so you have to research the applicable town. 2 is the building code. Almost every state uses some version of the Uniform Building Code/Residential Code. The code is interpreted and enforced, usually by a local building inspector. Interpretations and enforcement will vary from town to town. A licensed professional (architect or professional engineer) will usually be needed to prepare the plans for a project of this size.