Oregon considers 'building envelope' certification for builders and subs

In response to a rash of construction litigation resulting from moisture leaks, Oregon’s legislature is considering competency training and certification for builders and subcontractors who work on any part of a building envelope (roof, walls, windows and doors, deck connections, etc.).

Under the proposal, not only would builders and subs need to be certified, but their work also would have to be inspected by a certified envelope specialist. The envelope specialist would monitor progress several times during construction and also verify by checklist that envelope construction met code, which also would be upgraded. Envelope inspectors then would complete verification forms for the local building department before a certificate of occupancy would be issued.

In addition to this envelope certification, continuing education would be required of all building contractors. The proposal was written by an appointed task force composed of attorneys, builders, insurers, energy specialists, and code officials. In addition to more and more construction lawsuits, steadily increasing liability-insurance premiums were cited as a reason for this proposed legislation. Among other recommendations: changing building codes dealing with moisture intrusion, establishing a consumer-assistance fund, making available consumer information on the construction process, and establishing warranties and general-liability requirements. The full report is available at http://egov.oregon.gov/dcbs/cctf.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Answer: Housewrap should be lapped shingle-style. The sheet above should overlap the sheet below so that the housewrap doesn’t direct water into the wall framing. But Fine Homebuilding readers already knew that.