Schumacher Homes Standard Package | Deal or Disappointment?

[@howieroarke]

R-19 exterior walls and R-50 ceilings in IBC Zone 5 do not meet the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) minimum requirements. Those are currently R-60 for ceilings and R-30 walls (or R-20 batt + R-5 continuous foam). So no, I would not classify these homes as being energy efficient. BTW, the basement wall standard is also R-19 (or R-15 continuous foam), not R-10.

[@anthony_esposito]

@howieroarke I'm not sure the guidelines, but I know they can't say they are and not be. You are correct though! Foam is the way to go, always an upgrade though

[@howieroarke]

​@@anthony_esposito @13:55 "Energy efficiency to us simply means saving our homeowners every month when they get their utility bills" is totally meaningless. Heaven forbid that they build to any one of those "complicated ratings that few understand" that actually mean something. 13.4 SEER ac as standard is also a joke. With you on the 16" framing in lieu of 24", but I've never seen roof trusses at anything but 24" o.c. so I'll forgive them that. I imagine the garage framing is at 24" simply because they can and want to cut corners (5/8" drywall is required in a garage for fire rating and it will span the 24"). A tract home builder doing semi-custom one-offs. Got

[@anthony_esposito]

@howieroarke totally agree. Some of these standards set by the state/counties/cities need to be better. I get having a house capable of being the minimum to help fit everyone's budget, but certain things need a higher standard. Unfortunately, it won't change, which is why a proper plan is crucial when building a home