A very simple explanation of the Chevron Deference
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I have a simple point here. Before Katrina, we had no IRC…international residential code for home construction (local inspectors only). Anyone could build a house based upon reputation or affordability. The new code put many out of business in favor of large home builder organizations, and guess what? Prices went up! The first argument was that the new homes were safer. I disagree. Most of the seventy year old slab homes are still standing and occupied. With the regulations of r values, handicap requirements, etc., the price has gone up exponentially. Choice was eliminated for those who could not afford to build. My point, sorry for rambling, is that freedom to choose was eliminated, causing harm to the country. Government is not your friend.
It's not a builder organization problem. I lived in and worked on homes built in the 60s etc. We don't need more of that shit. They weren't safer and they're energy hogs. Prices went up because of the Community reinvestment act, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Now it's been compounded by immigration, Blackrock, and unending spending.
You can still build a 1200sq ft'ish home today that exceeds passive home standards for under 250k. Just good luck finding the land to put it on because a bunch of junk homes with overinflated values occupy the that land...
You are correct that as built, the older homes used a bit more electricity and gas. But minor retrofits such as added attic insulation and insulated windows can go along way without a tremendous cost. Also keep in mind that every tradesperson must be licensed….another layer of cost vs. a Jack of all trades type that could do the same quality work for less than half the cost. I could build a 1200 s.f.home for $100,000. And it would meet the code. But I’m not “allowed” to do it. And there are others I know that could do the same.
Jack of all trades are usually masters of nothing. All these "fixes" people do to their homes on a budget more often than not compound problems because they don't know what they're doing. Most trades people don't either, that's why it's best to start with a blank slate and Keep It Simple Stupid.
Adding attic insulation doesn't stop air leakage or control moisture. You just end up with more dust coming through your wall penetrations. Things like attic fans do nothing but jack of all trades are all to happy to take your money and install them.
Once you start sealing these leaking homes up all that dirty air coming through every crack no longer supplies the air that's being burned up by the furnace, hot water tank, or exhausted by the stove exhaust. You have to add makeup air which introduces a whole bunch of other issues which don't get addressed on a budget.