Oklahoma builders recently rejected proposals to make state building codes more environmentally friendly, says Oklahoman reporter Richard Mize. Ultimately, after months of committee work to make energy conservation as important as other construction standards, the Oklahoma Home Builders Association said it opposed because greening the code would cost them, and home buyers, money.
Mike Means, executive vice president, said the association opposes the changes because it's an awful time to do anything adding to the cost of home construction, and therefore prices paid by home buyers.
"Oklahoma, like every other state, has experienced tremendous escalation in demand, which has caused rapid increases in prices. Income has not risen near as fast," he said. "This is causing an affordability issue. The costs associated with increasing our energy codes do not have the appropriate payback in our opinion.
"For example, just the proposed increase in wall insulation raises costs from $1,000-$2,000 and saves about $14 per year in energy costs."
Travis Davidson, COO of Homes By Taber, outlined builders' concerns during a virtual committee meeting June 21, according to minutes of the meeting. Homes By Taber, as well as Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods and a few other building companies, already meet, or beat, green code specifications.
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