Prior to building a home, it is important to spend some time talking to the builder about the home’s energy efficiency. And definitely ask about the insulation.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) home insulation rule requires the seller of a new home to provide information on the type, thickness, and R-value of the insulation that will be installed in each part of the house in every sales contract.* To keep initial selling prices competitive, many home builders offer the legal minimum (not optimal) levels of insulation.

* If the buyer signs a sales contract before the seller knows what type of insulation will be installed, or if there is a change of contract, the seller can give the buyer a separate receipt stating the information as soon as the seller finds out.

• What type of insulation will be installed in the home?
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• What areas of the home will be insulated? Click here for more information.
  
  
• Does the insulation level meet recommended insulation levels?

Recommended Levels of Insulation
As a way to help maximize the energy efficiency of both new and existing homes, NAIMA has prepared a map showing thermal recommendations based on both the U.S. Department of Energy’s recommendations and the most recent minimum International Energy Conservation Code levels. Click here for R-value recommendations for optimal energy savings and comfort.

What Kind of Insulation Do Builders Use on Their Own Homes?
Professional Builder Magazine interviewed home builders to find out what products they used when they built their own dream houses. Click here to read the survey results and learn what kind of Iinsulation you should choose"

Tax Credits for New Home Energy Efficiency
Under the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, builders can qualify for a tax credit of $2,000 per home for improving the energy efficiency of new homes. Improving energy efficiency can be done using standard construction methods simply by improving the levels of insulation and other elements of the building envelope and enhancing major systems. Click here for more information.