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How is energy code compliance checked on an addition?

Short answer. At the insulation inspection, before drywall. Maryland adopts the IECC, most of the state is climate zone 4A, and the inspector will verify R-values, so keep the manufacturer's documentation on hand.

Work it through

You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.

Inspector Williams

County building inspector

You're finishing an addition to a home. The inspector asks about insulation values and whether you've met the current Maryland energy code requirements.

"What R-values did you install in the walls and ceiling? Do you have the manufacturer's certification?"

  1. Correct

    Maryland adopts the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Energy code compliance is checked during insulation inspection, before drywall. Requirements vary by climate zone — most of Maryland is Zone 4A. Having manufacturer's documentation ready shows professionalism. The inspector needs to verify R-values before you close up walls. Energy code is often overlooked but regularly inspected.

  2. Unprepared

    'Standard' insulation doesn't mean code-compliant insulation. Different applications require different R-values, and the inspector needs documentation. If you can't tell the inspector what you installed, you either don't know (concerning) or didn't check (negligent). The inspection will fail until you can provide R-value documentation proving code compliance. Know what you're installing and keep the spec sheets.

All 26 permits, inspections & building codes questions

  1. Who is responsible for permits on a Maryland home improvement job?
  2. Can you skip permits if the homeowner asks you to?
  3. How do you build permit costs into a contract?
  4. Which home projects need a permit in Maryland?
  5. Do cosmetic bathroom refreshes in rentals need permits?
  6. What happens when an inspector finds work without a permit?
  7. What is your liability when unpermitted work fails?
  8. How should you handle a problem the inspector finds?
  9. Why do building inspections happen in stages?
  10. How do you get a building permit approved faster?
  11. Where is fire blocking required under IRC R302.11?
  12. When does a basement bedroom need an egress window?
  13. Where are smoke alarms required after a renovation?
  14. Can a homeowner refuse GFCI outlets in the kitchen?
  15. When does a deck stairway need a handrail?
  16. Does a bathroom need an exhaust fan under the IRC?
  17. How must a deck ledger be attached to the house?
  18. How is energy code compliance checked on an addition?
  19. Does the ADA apply to a single-family bathroom remodel?
  20. When does a retaining wall need an engineered design?
  21. What is required before removing a load-bearing wall?
  22. Can you build a deck over a utility easement?
  23. When does a patio trigger stormwater management in Maryland?
  24. Does a building permit override HOA approval?
  25. How do you take over a job another contractor abandoned?
  26. How do you assess a homeowner's failed DIY renovation?