As you may be aware, late last year Congress extended the $1,000 tax credit for each ENERGY STAR home completed through 2020 and made the credit retroactive to include homes completed in 2018 and 2019. During this period, we launched Version 2 of the ENERGY STAR requirements. SBRA is currently developing program rules that will apply to Version 2 homes. We will post information as it becomes available. (more…)
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division of Fire Prevention, has published two Notices of Rulemaking Hearing for October 18, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The subject of notices are inspector certification standards and proposed amendments to the rules in Chapter 0780-02-23 covering one and two family dwellings and townhouses including of the adoption of the 2018 I-codes. Please note, the proposed rule changes would (more…)
Please be aware of the definition and egress requirements of a habitable attic as it relates to dwellings built from the 2012 IRC. The 2009 and 2015 IRC verbiage is similar and still applicable. Attics that meet the size and ceiling height criteria of the “Habitable Attic” definition in Chapter 2 are considered habitable. This is applicable to finished and unfinished spaces. Habitable attics require a vertical access and emergency escape and rescue opening. Vertical access can be a fixed internal stair, ramp, or exterior stair. (more…)