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Forum Coordinator
[h=2]Updated wind speed data eases requirements[/h]
OCEAN CITY — For those thinking about building in the resort, new construction codes could save thousands.City engineer Terry McGean said recent computer models of historic storms have lowered the projected wind speeds for the mid-Atlantic region from 120 to 100 mph.
However, new energy efficiency requirements could cost you on average $5,000 more.
The new rating requires less stringent construction techniques on new single-family, multi-family and commercial buildings.
However, codes for critical buildings like schools, hospitals, and police and fire stations remain unchanged.
The requirement for expensive, high-impact-resistant glazing on windows is eliminated, saving an estimated $15,000 on an average two-story 2,500-square-foot home, according to calculations by city building officials. McGean said windows still need to conform to a certain pressure rating, but no longer need to be impact resistant.
Gary James, owner of T&G Builders in Berlin, said, “Depending on the window manufacturer, high-impact glass windows run 65 percent to 95 percent more than non-high-impact windows. Costs of construction keep increasing almost monthly. Regulations from cities and counties add to the cost of building. So this will have a positive impact on us.”
The reduction in window costs will be somewhat offset by increased energy efficiency requirements.
The new codes require new construction to have an increased amount of insulation, leak tests on HVAC systems and blower door tests.
McGean said, “We want a tight house.”
While these added efficiency requirements will cost initially $4,000 to $6,000 for an average home, McGean said that they will “save the homeowner in the long run,” with the initial investment recouped in five to seven years.
McGean presented to council new International Building Codes and International Residential Codes adopted by the state of Maryland in January and required to be implemented by local municipalities.
The code adoption received unanimous support from council members.
OCEAN CITY — For those thinking about building in the resort, new construction codes could save thousands.City engineer Terry McGean said recent computer models of historic storms have lowered the projected wind speeds for the mid-Atlantic region from 120 to 100 mph.
However, new energy efficiency requirements could cost you on average $5,000 more.
The new rating requires less stringent construction techniques on new single-family, multi-family and commercial buildings.
However, codes for critical buildings like schools, hospitals, and police and fire stations remain unchanged.
The requirement for expensive, high-impact-resistant glazing on windows is eliminated, saving an estimated $15,000 on an average two-story 2,500-square-foot home, according to calculations by city building officials. McGean said windows still need to conform to a certain pressure rating, but no longer need to be impact resistant.
Gary James, owner of T&G Builders in Berlin, said, “Depending on the window manufacturer, high-impact glass windows run 65 percent to 95 percent more than non-high-impact windows. Costs of construction keep increasing almost monthly. Regulations from cities and counties add to the cost of building. So this will have a positive impact on us.”
The reduction in window costs will be somewhat offset by increased energy efficiency requirements.
The new codes require new construction to have an increased amount of insulation, leak tests on HVAC systems and blower door tests.
McGean said, “We want a tight house.”
While these added efficiency requirements will cost initially $4,000 to $6,000 for an average home, McGean said that they will “save the homeowner in the long run,” with the initial investment recouped in five to seven years.
McGean presented to council new International Building Codes and International Residential Codes adopted by the state of Maryland in January and required to be implemented by local municipalities.
The code adoption received unanimous support from council members.