Your Energy Code Just Changed and Your Bids Should Too

The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code is the most significant update in a decade. For residential contractors in climate zones 4 through 7, three provisions will directly affect material costs, labor hours, and bid accuracy.¹

The changes aren't optional. States are adopting the 2024 IECC faster than any previous version — 14 states have already adopted or announced adoption timelines as of January 2026.²

Change 1: Continuous insulation requirements

The new code effectively mandates continuous exterior insulation on wood-frame walls in climate zones 4 and above. The previous code allowed a cavity-only approach with R-20 batts in a 2x6 wall. The 2024 code requires either R-20 cavity + R-5 continuous, or R-13 cavity + R-10 continuous.³