Say hello to fire sprinklers, CO detectors, programmable thermostats and high-efficiency light bulbs!


Say hello to fire sprinklers, CO detectors, programmable thermostats and high-efficiency light bulbs!
October 14, 2008 Filed In: construction
Roughly a month ago, the International Code Council approved hundreds of changes to be included in the 2009 version of the International Codes. Several of these changes mean we will be seeing more fire sprinklers in new construction homes: Fire sprinklers are required in all new one- and two-family residences beginning Jan. 1, 2011. Fire sprinklers are required in all new townhomes. Several other interesting code changes include: Carbon monoxide detectors are required in homes with attached garages or fuel-fired equipment such as gas furnaces, gas stoves and gas water heaters. A requirement to install programmable thermostats in new homes and buildings with forced air furnaces. High-efficiency light bulbs required in at least 50% of permanent lighting fixtures in new homes. Here is a slightly longer list of significant changes, and an overview of the 2008 annual conference.
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Sep 10, 2010 (unless otherwise noted).
Have any questions? Contact Scott Rogers at 540-578-0102 or scott@cbfunkhouser.com
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Close Comments 3 Comments so far . . . Brad: So, what does this mean for housing costs? I assume that buyers will have to bear the extra cost associated with sprinkler systems and other requirements. October 16, 2008 3:49 pm Scott: To maintain the same profit margin, yes, a builder would pass on these costs to buyers. Yet, in our current market where supply exceeds demand, and values are only minimally rising, builders may have a hard time increasing costs for these new requirements. Any builders out there care to comment? What are your opinions on these code changes? October 16, 2008 3:55 pm Scott: An update -- Virginia does not have to adopt these code guidelines. The Board of Housing and Community Development will begin in early 2009 the process of reviewing the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which is the set of regulations that govern construction standards in Virginia. The IRC changes have no effect of law, as the ICC is not a governing body. The ICC makes recommendations on model codes that are used by state governments and are adopted through the regulatory processes of individual states. The earliest that this code change could potentially have an effect in Virginia is late 2010. November 3, 2008 5:06 pm Add A Comment: Name (required) E-mail (required, not published) Website Prove you're not a comment-spammer . . .