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.

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.

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.

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. 

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, 

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.

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. 

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. 

For some time now I have been a Massachusetts Licensed Public Adjuster helping homeowners who have low ball estimates from insurance companies adjusters. I also help contractors who have clients that have sustained property damage by assisting them with insurance estimating services.

Ask residential contractors if they are required to provide OSHA 10 training for their employees and you will hear varied responses.