Code changes
could lead to building delays,
higher costs
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
A change in the statewide building code designed to improve energy efficiency in large-scale projects as well as lesser modifications to existing structures could result in professional contractors and their do-it-yourself counterparts facing higher construction costs and delays as they wait for design approval and inspections by the local code enforcement officer.
“The new code changes, which went into effect Dec. 1, affect builders and home owners. Communities with populations of 2,000 or more were required to adopt the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code or MUBEC,” said Jerry McAvaddy, code enforcement officer for the city of Presque Isle. The changes, according to McAvaddy, will require the use of more energy-efficient materials — materials that most likely will increase building costs.
McAvaddy said under the changes, anyone wanting to build a house, for example, would have to show what the energy efficiency level will be for the home.
“If it fails to meet the new guidelines, the builder will have to bring plans up to code. For example, it might require better windows or better insulation,” he said.
McAvaddy said he’s already talked to several local contractors who feel this is just the government trying to eliminate the “little guy.”
“Contractors tell me they (government officials) want to eliminate small contractors in favor of larger ones. The smaller contractors tell me they can’t keep up with the costs involved and that it’s getting tougher to make a living,” said McAvaddy.
McAvaddy said code enforcement officers already have a reputation of being the “bad guy” since they have the authority to delay or stop projects that don’t meet the pertinent codes.
“The public sees the CEO as a person assigned to make it tough for everyone,” said McAvaddy. “This code change will make it harder for John Q. Public to bring a set of plans he drew up in for approval. They’ll have to meet the same standards as architects and engineers. And processing plans will now be slower, since two sets are required to meet MUBEC standards and both must be stamped.”
Once stamped, one set remains with the CEO and the other is returned to the builder.
“I just got my stamp. It reads ‘reviewed for code compliance.’ Without the stamp, plans will be deemed in violation,” he said.
McAvaddy said additional delays may result from changes to the appeals process.
“We used to have a building board of appeals. Now all appeals go to the state board of appeals to be decided, which means a trip to Augusta and another delay for the building process,” said the code enforcement officer.
CEOs will also now have to give certificates of occupancy on everything they inspect, something McAvaddy said he never had to do before.
“CEOs didn’t give them before because no one asked for them except insurance companies on occasion,” he said.
Energy-efficient labels must be affixed to windows to qualify, noted McAvaddy. He said state officials believe the changes will save property owners money in the long run, with reduced energy costs when better doors and windows are used.
“They can’t be anything you can peel off. As far as using items, such as windows and doors, from a charitable organization like Catholic Charities, if they do not have the energy factor marking on them, they can be used but will be given a default U-factor listed in the 2009 IEEC,” he said.
He said the energy-efficiency changes apply to just about every aspect of the building process, from windows and doors, to electrical.
“Energy efficiency also applies to lighting. This will limit the wattage allowed per square foot,” he said.
Prior to Dec. 1, McAvaddy said contractors could build according to 2003 guidelines. After that date, contractors will have to meet the 2009 guidelines.
McAvaddy sees the workload for the average CEO increasing with the implementation of the new code.
“It will increase the time CEOs are out on site doing inspections and the number of times they have to go out. For example, before wallboard goes up, they’ll have to inspect for appropriate insulation — make sure it meets specified energy efficiency requirements,” said McAvaddy, nothing similar inspections will apply for framing, plumbing and heating inspections.
“Now we’ll have to go back to check insulation, then again when wallboard goes up,” he said.
McAvaddy said special exams were scheduled for CEOs throughout December, paid for by the state, to try to get them certified before the first of the year. With certification will come a change in title.
“Those who successfully complete the training will be designated as ‘building official,’ we won’t be called ‘code enforcement officers,’” said McAvaddy.
McAvaddy said the new code will likely lead to increased building costs, whether an entire house is being built or just a room addition or porch.
“CEOs have no idea how MUBEC will work out. It could slow the economy even more. The code applies to everything. Every project has to comply to the new energy conservation standards,” said McAvaddy.
