Denver's new building codes include a change aimed at making it easier and cheaper for more residents of the fast-growing city to charge electric vehicles at home.
According to the Denver Post: Although opposed by homebuilders, the electric vehicle readiness requirement says new single-family homes and duplexes built in the city will need to have the right electrical wiring to support electric vehicle plugs in their garages. At the least, the new homes must have conduits leading to the electrical panel.
While owners of older homes often must dig or break through walls, that latter option would allow a resident to install the wiring needed for a charging plug easily.
"It's very basic electrical work," said Mike Salisbury, a senior transportation associate with the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, which advocated for the requirement. "What this tries to do is make sure it's easy and inexpensive for a new homeowner (to install) a new charging station."
The electric vehicle change was part of a large-scale update of the city's building and fire codes that won approval Monday from the City Council.
Otherbuilding- and fire-code changesare meant to ease rules and costs to make it easier for property owners to renovate older buildings rather than raze them, says the Denver Department of Community Planning and Development.
Overall, new buildings constructed under the code revisions will be safer, the city says, and up to 25 percent more energy-efficient.
The new building code takes full effect in six months. Until then, contractors and residents seeking building permits will be able to choose whether city reviewers will rely on the city's 2011 code or the new one in evaluating their applications.
Read the rest of the details here.
As we work with Live Urban buyer clients every day, and talk with them about their wants + wishes for their new homes-- we know that this move by the City is definitely in line with thehealthy, sustainable and smart home environments that today's buyers are requiring.
Green livingis certainly gaining in popularity with not only homebuyers but also with homebuilders and tech companies, and we see this reflected in the finishes, layouts, and architectural features that both new builders and home renovators are striving to include in their plans.
These shifts in the marketplace are clear indications that manufacturers are listening to the end consumer. Our advice to home-sellers you should be listening, too.
If you are thinking about putting your home on the market anytime soon and want to makea few upgrades, now is the perfect time tostart strategizing to see if you can add some savvy earth-friendly updates that will make your home more attractive to today's buyers.
Wondering if a specific project will be worth the return on your investment? Or don't have any idea where to start? We'd love to help.
Socials