condensation, and mold growth are eliminated. According to the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), material cost savings of $500 for 1,200 square foot homes and $1000 for 2,400 square foot homes can be realized. Additionally, labor savings are estimated at around three to five percent.
Builders across the country are experimenting with new OVE techniques. Although these practices are recognized by local building code, it’s important to educate local code officials on new practices in order to gain their understanding and approval.
Common OVE techniques that builders are experimenting with include:
• utilizing two-stud corner framing with inexpensive drywall clips
• increasing floor joist and rafter spacing to 24 inches
• eliminating headers in non-loadbearing walls
• increasing stud spacing from 16 inches to 24 inches
• using single top plates with in-line framing to transfer loads directly
Carefully considered and communicated to the framing trades, OVE techniques can do wonders in the process of increasing the performance of homes and decreasing material cost. But, if due diligence isn’t paid to changes in framing at the design phase, and changes in practice are either incorrectly communicated or followed by the trades, headaches will result.
For this reason, many builders choose to adopt an incremental approach, where a small number of techniques are initially used. As these techniques are perfected, others are introduced. This method allows trades to learn new practices without becoming overwhelmed, and allows the builder to evaluate and address issues quickly to avoid replicating them in mass production. |
