It’s that “Gov’t knows better than you how to keep you safe” mindset that conflicts with individual liberty.
This concept is what Thomas Jefferson specifically addressed when he spoke about the attitude of tyrants who believe they know better than us how we should live our lives. They force their will upon citizens through regulations, fines, penalties and other “deterrents”, “for our own good”.
Yes, these regs, building codes, etc., may indeed be for our own good. However, if citizens assume the risks and choose to exercise their liberty to install something themselves, it is their inherent right to do so.
It would be fine if the installer was the only one in jeopardy for a faulty installation. That’s just not always the case. In not even usually the case.
Civil building codes are okay with me, along with the FDA and Department of Agriculture, Osha .... et al.
Here is an example of why: http://sdinspect.com/health-and-safety/water-heater-danger/
Having codes on seemingly easy things like Hot Water heater installations is low hanging fruit for opposition. It’s easy to convince others it’s stupid, unnecessary and an intrusion.
The problem arises when codes are applied nonsensically or misused as a tool of oppression over ones political enemies.