New Code Cost Requirement Benefits Builders and Buyers

In a big win for NAHB and the home buyers we represent, the International Code Council (ICC) has taken a significant step forward in ensuring that code change proposals come with price tags.

In its press release today announcing the opening of the 2015/2016/2017 code development cycle, ICC also announced that it will require all advocates to include the costs associated with any proposals introduced along with the paybacks, where appropriate.

It’s exactly what NAHB Chairman-elect Tom Woods asked for when he addressed the ICC board on Sept. 29 and called on code change proponents to provide “quantitative information regarding the magnitude of the expected increase in construction costs.”

In an official statement lauding the ICC ruling on cost estimates, NAHB Chairman Kevin Kelly said:

“NAHB commends the ICC for approving this landmark ruling that will require all code change proposals to include cost estimates. By acknowledging that costs are an important factor in determining the merit of code change proposals, this will make the building codes process more cost-effective and affordable. In turn, this will help keep housing costs down, enable builders to construct more energy-efficient homes and allow more young families to enter the new home buying market.”

To learn more about the ICC and the code development process, NAHB has provided a code toolkit that includes suggested amendments to make the latest versions of the 2015 family of ICC codes more affordable and practical. NAHB members must be logged in to nahb.org to download and view the toolkit.