Cummington, MA Stretch Energy Code Support

Cummington is a Stretch Code community: the state's municipal adoption list shows the Stretch Code taking effect there on October 30, 2017. In practice, a new home in Cummington needs a HERS index of 42 or lower if it keeps any gas, oil or propane equipment, or 45 or lower if it is all-electric. A certified Passive House design is the alternative path.

Existing homes are treated differently. Renovations and additions over 1,000 sq ft, or over 100% of the existing home, are held to HERS 65 with mixed fuels or HERS 70 when all-electric. Smaller additions and alterations in Cummington can still use REScheck or the prescriptive path, and commercial buildings up to 20,000 sq ft can document compliance with COMcheck.

Air sealing is where most scores are won or lost. Attic hatches, rim joists, recessed lights and plumbing penetrations are the usual leaks, so we mark them on the plans and check them on site before insulation is covered. Balanced ventilation sized to the tested air tightness keeps the house healthy once it is tight.

Building permits in Cummington are handled by the Inspector of Buildings. Forms are downloaded from the town's Permits & Fees page and submitted on paper at 33 Main Street.

We model the plans first, flag the details that usually cost points (rim joists, attic hatches and duct runs outside the thermal envelope), verify insulation before drywall, and close out with blower door and duct testing so the Cummington inspector receives a finished report.

Cummington projects are served from our Marlborough office at 272 Lincoln St, Suite C1, and a quick plan review before you file usually saves a round of permit comments.