The new code change this year to IECC 2015 with MA amendments has caused many builders to step up project (or construction) management of new homes. And those that have done so have had it a lot easier than those who have not. What everyone realizes of course is that you do not want to contact the HERS Rater for final testing and have the not meet HERS 55 just a few days before a closing.
The following are some the key items for the Construction Manager / Builder to ensure success.
1. House Design – Take a fresh look at the house design and be open to making changes. This is an opportunity to save on construction costs. For example, if you are used to installing two furnaces, one in the basement and one in the attic, you may want to consider eliminating the attic furnace, resize the basement furnace, and redesign the duct system. This is important to meeting code and can result in a significant cost savings.
2. Manual J & D – Given that it is a code requirement to have Manual J done, it is well worth a few hundred dollars to have it done by an accredited professional. Determining the right design heating and cooling load is critical. And it may save on cost. The system will not be grossly oversized as is often done and there will be no worries about meeting load. A Manual D is also worth the relatively small cost to ensure that the duct system is efficiently designed to deliver.
3. Projected Rating – It is very important to take a close look at the HERS Raters Projected Rating certificate. And call the HERS Rater with any questions and to make sure there is a clear understanding of the game plan and that both parties are on the same page. Contact the HERS Rater with any changes made from those items listed in the Projected HERS Certificate.
4. Midpoint Inspection – Make sure you call for the midpoint inspection in advance so the HERS rater can be there at the right time and there is enough time before dry wall is hung to make corrections. Any critical air-sealing items that might affect the blower door testing can be addressed at the midpoint inspection. Additionally, one commonly recurring problem is that insulators tend to bend fiberglass insulation around electric wires instead of cutting it as they should, or they don’t fill corners with insulation. The construction manager can see to it that these seemingly small, but important items are done right.
5. Final Testing – Conducting the final building air tightness, duct system air tightness, and recording all energy efficiency items should go smoothly when the items above are addressed in advance by the Construction Manager. Making sure door weather-strip is installed around doors among other checklist items simply need to be taken care of prior to testing.
The HERS Rating itself is intended to give the builder flexibility and make tradeoffs that hopefully save on construction costs. The HERS Rater is a resource that the manager can use to meet code, save on costs, and build energy efficient, durable, and comfortable homes. The Construction Manager clearly plays the most important role in the construction process and insures that all is done right.
