NEWS & UPDATES

When building a zero-lot-line home, a strong understanding of code requirements is critical. As space becomes restricted, additional changes to the home plan become more difficult after construction begins or once the home is nearing completion. Any misinterpretation of code can be costly for builders in terms of both time and money. One area we notice builders making mistakes with zero-lot-line homes is in understanding the spacing requirements of homes with regard to the n

One area where Code Officials, Architects and other Construction Professionals often incorrectly interpret the code is as it applies to Safety Glazing (Tempered Windows). Many times the language of the code related to safety glazing is easily understood, however the “Exceptions” included with the code are often overlooked. For example, reviewing the plan to the right, we could simply read the code and decide the window next to the Bedroom 2 Closet Door needs safety glazing.

Fan-assisted makeup air in Single and Two-Family Dwellings has been a topic of contention throughout Houston. To remedy the issue, the City of Houston has released an adjustment to the 2012 IRC requirement to more closely align it with the wording changes which were used for the 2015 IRC. To read an explanation of the adjustment, click here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Burgess Team at 281-999-0888. #Houston #Code #BurgessConstructionConsul

The City of Houston recently adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). In addition, the city approved specific requirements for solar readiness. The new solar readiness requirements went into effect on November 28, 2016. All permit applications on or after November 28, 2016 are required to comply with the new solar readiness provisions. The GHBA has provided several helpful documents about these requirements: Solar Readiness Requirements: Appendix RB Enf

International Residential Codes can change every three years and it’s a chore to keep up with the changes. It’s not uncommon to have questions on the meanings of new codes, and the IRC Commentary is the first place industry professionals turn when looking for answers and clarifications. However, when the Code Commentary does not fully address the questions being raised, what other resources do we have to find answers? We can easily search the web, but how do we know if what w

ENERGY NOTICE: Beginning July 1, 2016, the HERS Index Ratings of your newly permitted homes will increase. RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) is the governing body for HERS ratings in the US. RESNET has recently adopted new standards in order to enhance the HERS rating of homes since an ERI (Energy Rating Index) is now allowed by code starting with the 2015 IRC and 2015 IECC. The new Standards change how a home is rated by comparing it to a 2006 code-built home rat