This fact sheet provides background on the costs of building new homes in Georgia to the 2009 IECC and demonstrates how quickly would-be homebuyers would break even on the added investment. One of the major barriers to energy code adoption across the country is the concern that new codes will add to the purchase price and potential buyers will not be able to afford the homes they want. In Georgia, upgrading homes to the 2009 IECC will actually reduce out-of-pocket expenses for homeowners – paying off their initial investment in a matter of months.