Hestand Associates, Inc.

Hestand Associates, NC P-1 & H-3 licensed contractor (#17153), has been actively involved and pursuing new installations, replacement and repairs premised on energy (gas and electricity) & water conservation; while equally focusing on serviceability, safety and product longevity in tandem with homeowner perceptions of comfort. Seemingly, as consumers of completed products and services; and since NC has an enforceable Residential Building Code, we would think or at least assume that the assemblies and products would be based on what is best. However, from a Building Code’s perspective, this is the furthest thing from the truth. In reality, the Building Codes are a dichotomy resulting from the NC Department of Insurance (the entity that authors the building code) writing what is minimally required for habitation as compared to the lobbyists on behalf of each specific trades (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, structural) endeavors of being able to install what is the least cost. All of this is done in a “so-say” venue of trying to satisfy “affordable housing” in a collective and uniform manner of assembly. But, not so much necessarily what would be the best overall installation for fuel efficiency over the term of neither a home’s life; nor what would be the most optimal installation assembly based on comfort for homeowner, notwithstanding ease of accessibility for replacement of component when the need presents. We often speak of it this way – the Building Code’s mandate is equal to a 2.0 GPA standard, or that which would be least minimally required. This goes for joists for maximum length of floor span; for the aspects of minimum ventilation required for an attic space (based on humidity, not temperature); for the size of plumbing distribution piping based on assembly, as opposed to rate of flow - instead of making certain that water at the fixture will not change temperature when a toilet is flushed? The Department of Insurance annually makes revisions to the Building Code, based on submissions from insurance companies that have paid higher than usual claims in a specific category, so as to futuristically have a positive effect in lessening the paid claims; and ultimately, lessening premiums to the consumer. All of that said, our goals are to work within budget guidelines – while trying to provide best scenario alternative installations that satisfy ease of service, best performance and greatest longevity all in tandem with being considerate of energy costs.