June 2010--The market seems to be digesting the run up in commodity pricing and is taking a breather. Pricing has remained fairly neutral. Order files are being pushed out and it will be interesting to see if there will be any give-back in the market. As a result we have shortened the viability of our quotes. Some of you may have seen this already on some of your quotes. We will now be honoring quotes for 15 days. Beyond 15 days we will update the quote to current market conditions. With the market's current volatility this is the safest thing for all of us. Once you start a project we will be able to hold your pricing-on commodities-for the project unless there is an extended build cycle.
One of the things I keep hearing about is the new code requiring 2" foam on foundation walls. This requirement only applies if you plan on following prescriptive code. If you do follow prescriptive code, you will need to consider 12" energy heels on your trusses to yield an R-49 in your ceiling as well as other criteria. If you do not wish to build to prescriptive code, you can use REScheck software to ensure compliance. You must use at least version 4.1 or later.
If your home passes REScheck without 2" foam, than 2" is not required. It is an either/or option. Many people incorrectly apply the code. 2" foam can certainly be used to improve your REScheck score, but it may not be needed.
Please work with your salesperson or location manager should you have questions.
