Code is Only a D-

I can’t take credit for this line, it comes from Mark LaLiberte, a leader in building science. The fact that it isn’t original doesn’t make it any less valuable. Over the years, lots of remodelers talk about building “to the code”, as though they had a choice. If you don’t build “to the code” you are breaking the law. This is critically important in the case of the energy code. Most states have excellent energy codes that require contractors to build and renovate high performance homes. The problem is that most of those codes are not enforced. This allows us to create poorly performing buildings that waste energy and increase costs for the owners for years to come. Understand your energy code, then build better than it. We shouldn’t be proud of our D- work. Go for an A+!

This post was originally published on www.housingzone.com