The 2023 MA DOER Stretch Energy Code confusing contractors and building inspector, became effective on 1/1/2023 in the state of Massachusetts. This far-reaching code was sent to the Secretary of State on 12/9/2022 for publication in the register and in 3 weeks became the law of the land for 300 MA cities and towns. I am receiving dozens of calls a week from remodelers, builders and contractors on this new regulation. Unlike past codes there is no concurrency or phase in period. There is usually a 6 month or one year phase in.
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MA Stretch Energy Code Spreads Massive Confusion 4 Building Inspectors
Posted by Mark Paskell on Mon, Feb 13, 2023 @ 11:55 PM
Additions and Level 3 Alterations impacted by MA 2023 Stretch Code
Posted by Mark Paskell on Wed, Feb 01, 2023 @ 10:15 PM
The 2023 MA Stretch code significantly impacts the cost of additions, level 3 renovations and remodeling in Massachusetts. I am inundated with calls from my coaching clients and CSL students with questions about what is required and how to interpret numerous sections of this new stretch energy code. I will post often as I learn more about the changes. Please know that this is a very fluid development subject to change once regulators provide guidance.
Read MoreTags: CSL CEU Training, Contractor Business Coach, MA Stretch Code 2023
MA BBRS; follow new Stretch Code + 2021 IECC + MA Amendments
Posted by Mark Paskell on Wed, Jan 18, 2023 @ 04:08 PM
Today, MA BBRS sent out a notice regarding the new Stretch Code with instruction to also follow the 2021 IECC and MA Amendments. This applies in Massachusetts stretch code cities and towns. The new code was developed by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, not the BBRS.
Read MoreTags: Construction Supervisor License, CSL CEU Training, MA DOER, MA Stretch Code 2023
No more Contractor CSL License Cards from MA BBRS
Posted by Mark Paskell on Tue, Jan 17, 2023 @ 10:19 PM
The Massachusetts BBRS announced they will stop issuing CSL (Construction Supervisor License) licenses in their current format. This was reported on January 10th at the BBRS board meeting. The announced date is 2/1/2023.
Read MoreTags: Construction Supervisor CEU Training, Construction Supervisor License, CSL CEU Training, business coaching for contractors, Contractor Licensing
Map of 2023 stretch code cities/towns in Massachusetts
Posted by Mark Paskell on Tue, Jan 10, 2023 @ 08:17 AM
The map of MA stretch code cities and towns includes 299 communities. We received several calls today from MA Construction Licensed Supervisors with questions about what towns will be enforcing the new 2021 MA DOER stretch code. One of the contractors has a project under contract but they did not apply for the permit before 1/1/2023. The contractor's project is in a stretch code community and the work is a level 3 renovation including new exterior siding. The 2021 stretch code triggered updates are not figured in the estimate. If the building inspector wants the updates included, it will cost thousands of dollars. This will lead to additional costs and change orders and possibly a touchy conversation with the customer.
Read MoreTags: Construction Supervisor CEU Training, CSL CEU Training, MA Stretch Code 2023
MA DOER 2021 Stretch Code Effective 1/1/2023 without grace period
Posted by Mark Paskell on Tue, Jan 03, 2023 @ 01:32 PM
The MA DOER 2021 stretch code (2021 IECC with MA amendments) is now effective in all stretch energy code towns. It is imperative to know there is no grace period or phase in with the new code changes. All residential buildings three stories or less and remodeling in stretch code towns are significantly impacted. This new regulation preempts the adoption of the Massachusetts 10th Edition Code (2021 IECC and MA Amendments) which is still under review by the BBRS.
Read MoreTags: Construction Supervisor CEU Training, Contractor Business Coach, MA DOER
Mandatory Home Energy Scorecard, Energy Audits Legislation in Mass
Posted by Mark Paskell on Wed, Apr 11, 2018 @ 12:37 PM
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R) has filed legislation that will require energy audits and assessments as a prerequisite for selling a home in the state. This act will require homeowners to provide an energy scorecard showing the carbon footprint and energy rating of their home to buyers. The title of the bill is, An Act Relative to Consumer Access to Residential Energy Information,
Read MoreTags: home improvement contractors, mass legislation, Energy Audits, home mpg
New Mass Continuing Education Requirements for Constuction Supervisor Licensees
Posted by Mark Paskell on Sun, Jan 07, 2018 @ 01:20 PM
Construction Supervisor License holders in Massachusetts now have new requirements for continuing education to renew their license. Also the new building code effective 1/1/2018, is the Ninth Edition. License holders must now follow the 2015 IBC, IRC, IECC and the Massachusetts amendments. Below see the new CEU requirements for CSL's as listed on Mass.Gov.
Tags: Construction Supervisor CEU Training, MA continuing education for CSL
Blizzard of 2018 hammers Mass homeowners; Get ready for insurance claims
Posted by Mark Paskell on Thu, Jan 04, 2018 @ 08:23 PM
They are calling the Blizzard of 2018, causing widespread damage in Massachusetts, a bomb cyclone. We are about to see an explosion of thousands of homeowners filing insurance claims for water damage, tree/branch/wind damage and flooding. Contractors, get ready for frantic calls from property owners to help them restore their property and provide an estimate for repairs for the insurance company. If you need help with this we have the Insurance Claim Workshop for remodelers and contractors on January 24th, 2018. We teach contractors the ins and outs of estimating and dealing with insurance repair work.
Read MoreTags: insurance claims, ice dams, water damage
2015 Ice dam insurance claim of 25K finally settled for $220,000
Posted by Mark Paskell on Mon, Oct 02, 2017 @ 11:04 PM
In 2015, a Massachusetts insured (homeowner) had major ice dam damage and filed an insurance claim. The initial insurance company offer was approximately $25,000 for repairs. They called a Mass contractor to get help with the estimate and quickly found out that the insurance company offer was low on scope and money to restore their home. This contractor called me to help him with the situation. He said he was sick and tired of giving free detailed insurance estimates and dealing with low ball insurance company adjusters.
Read MoreTags: insurance claims, mass public adjuster, contractor consultant