The Design Team (St. Cloud, MN) would like to make to make Minnesota residents aware of upcoming changes to the Minnesota energy codes and International Residential Code (IRC). The IRC will be adopted around January 24th, while the energy code is expected to be finalized in February 2015. Changes include the required installation of automatic residential fire sprinkler systems in all townhouses, two family dwellings and in single family homes 4,500 square feet or larger. The single family home floor area encompasses all floors and basements, garages excluded. Furthermore, all wireless smoke alarms must be interconnected.
These changes, along with others that redefine the definition of a “crawl space” and modify window fall protection standards, will impact contractors and homeowners working within the constraints of a budget.
The Design Team is committed to keeping our customers and contractors aware of these ongoing developments and modifying home designs to comply with these regulations if necessary. Check back with this blog frequently to stay up to date with the latest building code amendments. Questions? Please call (320) 252-1517 for the most current information.