“Code Requirements are OVERKILL!!”

I have heard many comments like this from those in the industry that are doing business, but want to do less for a higher profit margin. To me this has a big sign that there is work being done to a low standard that will quite potentially have issues in years to come. Footings and rafters sagging, beams and beam attachment points that are undersized. Roof decks get spongy and saggy to the point that you can see where the rafters are on the roof, even through the shingles, even before they get to the minimum requirement. I read a comment once that stuck with me. "Code Specifications are the requirements for the worst house that you are legally allowed to build". Which idea do you want behind what is likely the biggest investment you make? When building a porch, The footing specifications need to be checked, we like to "size up" on this because I have seen so many porches that the front toward the street is sagging.