Lead Paint Has Become a Big Issue!

As of April 22nd 2010 the EPA has determined that any house built before 1978 must follow strict guidelines when being remodeled. It use to be that a homeowner could opt out of taking the necessary precautions when remodeling as long as no one under six was living in the house and no one was pregnant, but that option is no gone. Contractors will have to consider their projects budget and time needed to accommodate this, so homeowners be prepared. Although the cost should not be a huge increase, it will add to it. I have taken the class to be certified as a renovator. While I found the class necessary, I also found the changes needed to renovate will cause a bit of an adjustment for contractors. Things to consider when budgeting are signage, everything in the room to be covered in plastic, logging all requirements completed, training for employees, new protective clothing each day, employees submitting to tests to make sure lead levels are safe, and the list goes on. Also if you are a general contractor you need to make sure all of your subs are certified to work in the area. Now if a homeowner does not want to have lead testing done in order to avoid having their house labeled as one with lead based paint when they try to sell, they can do that. But the contractor will still have to perform all safe practices in accordance with the EPA and OSHA as a precaution. As a homeowner and contractor I can appreciate these rules, but as just a contractor I know if will make think twice about dealing with a "target house"(built before 1978). Not that I would not do it, but in lieu of a potential $37,500.00 max fine per day for a violation, that can be a heavy weight to bear.