Building Codes

Building Codes

• Revised Code Could Add $5K to Illinois New-Home Prices

  Tougher blower-door testing could be particularly problematic, says a state HBA chief.

   

• More Expensive Homes with New Minn. Building Code?

  May 7--Proposed changes to Minnesota's building code that are meant to make houses safer and more energy-efficient have roused the ire of some local builders, who say the guidelines could significantly jack up prices of new homes.

   

• Black-Gold Rush Fuels Housing Demand in Oil-Rich States

  Temporary “man camps” and rental apartments are springing up in markets near oil fields in Texas and North Dakota.

   

• First Model Energy Code Goes on the Books

  Measures passed set stage for future compliance via tracking a building's energy consumption.

   

• Building Code Enforcement Varies Widely in Coastal States

  Analysis finds the looming threat of hurricanes isn’t enough to trigger tougher rules governing inspections and contractor licensing.

   

• Public Comment Period Open for ANSI Square Footage Standard

  Individuals and organizations may submit a comment to be considered during the 45-day public comment period.

   

• Single or Double Top Plate—Diminishing Returns?

  With half the wood use, a single top plate seems like the smarter (and greener) option. But complicating factors can quickly erode benefits.

   

• An Ohio Town Yields to Get a Project Restarted

  While some are crying foul at variances, Fischer Homes points to design and practicality.

   

• Feature: Putting the E in Efficiency

  Some so-called “green” building practices can give builders a competitive edge on the existing-home market, but can they balance the costs with consumers' ability to pay? Big Builder does a cost versus benefit analysis.

   

• Will Energy Efficiency Kill Affordable Home Building in California?

  The state's builder trade group claims updates being considered no longer take cost effectiveness into account.

   

• HGTV’s Mike Holmes Talks Construction Quality, Sustainability with BUILDER Magazine

  The profession needs to build in a way that makes sense, the general contractor says.

   

• Builders In Ohio Resist Stricter Building Codes

  The HBA asserts that the adoption of the latest energy standards could raise home prices by $2,500.

   

• New Package of Standards for State and Local Green Building Codes

  The Portland Cement Association and the Institute for Business and Home Safety of joined forces to create more stringent requirements for green building codes.

   

• Tech Specs: A Breakthrough in Walls

  Lighter Sheetrock can work as a productivity boon.

   

• Gulf Coast Building Codes Still Need Improvement

  According to a recent report, Louisiana has made a good start by adopting a statewide building code, but most of Mississippi and Alabama still lack residential codes that would protect homeowners.

   

• Modular Home Manufacturer Adds Fire Sprinklers to Options List

  Excel Homes joins forces with contractor F.E. Moran provide builders with turnkey installation program.

   

• Big Picture: The Energy Debate Redux

  Will housing contend with energy requirements in 2010?

   

• Green Home Building Guidelines Fade Out

  As the National Green Building Standard moves in, the Green Home Building Guidelines move out.

   

• Debate Over Sprinklers in New Homes Becomes a Hot Issue Across The Nation

  Georgia lawmakers this week rejected a residential sprinkler mandate.

   

• Pulte Offers to Repurchase Homes Damaged by Slope Failure

  Builder will rebuild retaining wall that collapsed in this San Antonio community.