February's construction
Last Friday, we published a story I wrote about a 47 percent increase in Twin Cities housing construction during February.
The gist of the story was that single-family construction increased dramatically, and unseasonably, because builders were eager to get their spring permits before implementation of the new codes.
The headline said, "Codes bring building surge; rule changes are expected to increase the cost of building a house."
The story quoted a representative from the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, and who estimated that an amended energy code that went into effect in mid-February could increase the cost of a new house by $6,000 to $10,000. And that didn't count another change that took effect in late January that requires fire sprinklers in houses larger than 4,500 square feet, including the basement.
Several readers were critical of the story, noting that it appeared to favor the position of the builders, in part because the story didn't describe the potential cost savings and other benefits offered by the new energy code. At least a couple noted that the story didn't quote any building officials, who have largely been proponents of the sprinkler requirement.
All valid points.
James Honerman, communications director for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, also wrote to offer this perspective from Scott McLellan, executive director of the Construction Codes and Licensing Division:
"Based on research that was developed during the adoption of the codes, the new Minnesota Residential Energy Code is estimated to add around 75 cents a square foot to the cost of a new home using conventional construction techniques. This amounts to around $2,500 for a two-story walkout house of 3,300 square feet.
