RJT> Other inspection requirements (plumbing, electrical) are
  > definitely going to vary from one place to another. I know that
  > Harrisburg, for example, requires electricians to be licensed
Sounds like the union has corrupted the local government.
TH> As for as energy savings, I think most places insulate the
  > perimeter walls, floor and ceiling. I think that's a shame, since
  > so much mass could be used to maintain a constant tempreture.
RJT> I imagine that a place like the one I was referring to up there
  > would have some pretty specific requirements for the walls, both
  > to support the weight of the dirt piled up against them and to
  > keep moisture seepage from rotting things out.
Most designs I have seen involve a concrete wall system with earth
placed against it and atop. 4x12s are used to support the roof load.
RJT> Seems do-able, though!
Sure...
RJT> I wonder what it cost them, comparatively?
More, much more. *Very* few contractors are experienced in this sort
of construction. That may change, but the first places you will see
inroads made are in the places that would benefit from it the most,
like the Arizona desert.
RJT> I'll bet that it cost them more than a typical house would have,
  > but then you've got lower energy costs for the life of the place,
  > I wonder what the payback period is?
That depends on how much you spend. If you go the owner/builder route,
do your homework well, it could be worth the effort.
 
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