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NAHB provided a list of 47 code changes to the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC), which were approved for incorporation into the 2015 IRC. NAHB then asked Home Innovation Research Labs to conduct an analysis to estimate the expected cost impact of these code changes on construction practices and materials. Reported as cost variance to the builder, the results are aggregated in cost estimate ranges to estimate a cumulative cost impact on an average house in selected climate zones.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) provided a list of code changes approved for the 2018 International Residential Code (2018 IRC). Home Innovation Research Labs (Home Innovation) estimated the expected cost impact of these code changes on construction practices and materials for a number of reference houses sited in various cities nationwide. Cost estimates are aggregated in ranges of high to low based on various methods or components that might be used to comply with the code.
The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) includes several changes which impact both energy savings and construction costs for residential construction.
The objective of this analysis is to quantify the incremental construction cost and energy use cost savings associated with constructing a house compliant with the 2021 IECC relative to a 2018 IECC baseline and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the code changes.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) provided a list of 26 code changes affecting multifamily construction which were approved for incorporation into the 2018 International Codes. The changes affect the International Building Code (IBC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Fire Code (IFC), and International Mechanical Code (IMC). A companion report, Estimated Costs of the 2018 IRC Code Changes, covers changes approved for the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and their impact on one- and two-family dwellings. Home Innovation Research Labs estimated the expected cost impact of these code changes on construction practices and materials. Cost estimates are aggregated in ranges of high to low based on various methods or components that might be used to comply with the code.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) provided a list of code changes approved for the 2012 International Residential Code (2012 IRC). Home Innovation Research Labs (Home Innovation) estimated the expected cost impact of these code changes on construction practices and materials for a number of reference houses sited in various cities nationwide. Cost estimates are aggregated in ranges of high to low based on various methods or components that might be used to comply with the code.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) provided a list of code changes approved for the 2009 International Residential Code (2009 IRC). Home Innovation Research Labs (Home Innovation) estimated the expected cost impact of these code changes on construction practices and materials for a number of reference houses sited in various cities nationwide. Cost estimates are aggregated in ranges of high to low based on various methods or components that might be used to comply with the code.
The objective of ASHRAE 1481-RP was to obtain an economic database in support of Standing Standards Project Committee 90.2 (SSPC 90.2) because a collection of reliable construction cost data is requisite, yet periphery to, the principal goals of the committee. Cost data has been difficult to obtain in the past. In order for the committee to provide timely technical review of standard updates and meet future ASHRAE goals of increasing building energy efficiency, a library of costs to calculate the economic impact of proposed amendments is required.
A buried duct system is a practical and cost-effective alternative to installing ducts inside conditioned space or constructing unvented (semi-conditioned) attics for housing the HVAC system. If constructed in accordance with the recently-approved provisions of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), buried ducts provide an effective and energy-efficient air distribution system that ensures comfort and savings for the homeowner.
The United States experiences more tornado activity than any other country in the world. Engineers at the USDA’s Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) have developed a residential tornado shelter that meets industry safety standards and can be built in an existing home by advanced DIYers. This TechSpec presents an overview of this tornado shelter’s design and construction process.
This paper describes the quality assurance (QA) measures that are used to commission and operate the ASTM B117 Salt Fog Chamber at Home Innovation Research Labs (HI). The QA measures are based on conformity to the Standard’s operating conditions and protocol for evaluation of corrosive conditions.