New single-family homes in county increases 17%

COLFAX — A total of 17 single-family home building permits were applied for in Whitman County for the first quarter of 2021, a boost contributing to $6.3 million in total valuations.

Total fees amounted to $76,774.

The jump in home-building is attributed to the Feb. 1 start of new statewide building codes regarding residential energy.

“We got most of the years building all in January,” stated Dan Gladwill, Whitman County building inspector.

Three of the new houses are in Malden. The county averages 12-20 new single-family homes per year.

The previous five-year high in total valuations was $2.4 million in 2020.

Increased costs under the new code for a new house are estimated at $4,000-$8,000 for electrical and $10,000-$20,000 in construction. The new code affects types of heat pumps, water heaters, insulation, heat-recovery ventilation and the amount of required panes in windows.

The code update stems from a 2009 Washington state mandate to target energy reduction by 2030. In energy credits, this takes it from 3.5 energy credits to six required for a 2,000 square foot house.