Update Your Home Safely with a Lead Safe Certified Remodeler
Filed under: Bathroom Remodeling, Doors, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Lead Safety, Sunrooms, Windows
P & B Finishers is a Lead Safe Certified Firm
You’ve made the decision to finally remodel the outdated kitchen and living room of your home. But if you live in a house built before 1978, a new federal law regulating the removal of lead paint may affect your home remodeling project. In 1978, the use of lead paint was officially banned from residential construction. Before that, however, lead paint was used in more than 38 million homes, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
The Dangers of Lead Paint
During a renovation or remodel, dust from lead paint removal can fill the air and be breathed in or small children could ingest lead paint chips that fall from the wall. For young children, lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, hearing loss and behavior problems. In adults, lead poisoning can lead to hypertension and high blood pressure. Pregnant women run the risk of passing the poison on to their unborn child.
It is important that you find a remodeler who is trained in lead-safe work practices rather than try to do the work yourself. To ensure the safety of the home’s occupants, the EPA’s new regulation requires that any major renovation to homes built before 1978 must be performed by a certified remodeler or renovator.
What are Lead-Safe Work Practices?
EPA has a free brochure on its website called “Renovate Right” that provides guidance to home owners and contractors about the safe removal of lead paint. Your contractor should follow specific work practices, including these three simple procedures:
1. Contain the work area so that dust and debris do not escape. Warning signs should be put up and heavy-duty plastic and tape should be used to seal off doors and heating and cooling system vents and to cover the floors and any furniture that cannot be moved.
2. Minimize dust. There is no way to eliminate dust, but some paint removal methods create less dust than others. For example, using water to mist areas before sanding or scraping; scoring paint before separating components; and prying and pulling apart components instead of breaking them. Methods that generate large amounts of dust and should not be used include open flame burning or torching; sanding, grinding, planing, needle gunning, or blasting with power tools and equipment not equipped with a shroud and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum attachment; or using a heat gun at temperatures greater than 1100°F.
3. Clean up thoroughly. When all the work is done, and before taking down any plastic that isolates the work area from the rest of the home, the area should be cleaned up using special cleaning methods . These include using a HEPA vacuum to clean up dust and debris on all surfaces, followed by wet mopping with plenty of water.
How Do I Find a Certified Firm?
To become lead-safe certified the firm must submit an application to the EPA and complete a federal or state-administered eight-hour class with two hours of hands-on training.
To find a lead-safe certified contractor or firm near you visit EPA Certified Firm Locator.
|
|
|
|
 |
Cheapest is Seldom Best — When to say “NO”
Filed under: Bathroom Remodeling, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Sunrooms
We’ve gotten a lot of calls recently for remodeling and I’m noticing an expected trend in the outcome of my sales calls: Contractors are quoting unbelievable (and unrealistic) prices for remodeling. This will be a problem that both contractor and homeowner will likely pay for in the end.
One of the most basic things a business must do to stay in business is make a profit. There is no faster way to go “belly-up” than to take jobs too cheap and break even or lose money on them. Yes, even the guy who breaks even will fail, sooner than you might think. And when that happens, you could get stuck with an unfinished project or long delays, a warranty claim that can’t be filled, or suppliers and tradesmen to pay — for a second time.
The best way to protect yourself is to hire professionals. There are a lot of “trunk slammers” coming onto the playing field right now. Unemployment is high. Almost anybody can drive a nail, paint, or finish drywall and that’s all it takes to be a remodeler–right?
Wrong.
It takes more. Professional remodelers know what it takes to run a successful business. They may have years of experience, hold a variety of credentials and even have college degrees. It’s not just about driving nails and finishing drywall. It’s about business practices and managment skills.
When you are ready to start a project you should always seek referrals from your family and friends who have used a professional remodeler before. If you don’t have that resource, call your local Home Builders Association or NARI chapter for recommendations of an accredited contractor in your area. Get three quotes from professional contractors. Look for professional designations such as NAHB’s Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) or NARI’s Certified Remodeler (CR). Earning these designations means the remodeler is serious about his/her business and wants to be successful at it…and that benefits you, the homeowner, too.
Review each quote carefully to make sure the contractors are bidding apples for apples. There’s nothing like getting well into a job then finding out the contractor didn’t include plumbing fixtures in the proposal.
How do you as a homeowner know when to say “no thanks?”
Look for the obvious first. A bid that’s considerably cheaper than others you’ve received should probably be dismissed immediately. A bid that’s considerably higher might also be dismissed but, you may want to make sure everyone is bidding the same thing and has the same allowances for fixtures, cabinets, etc. You’re usually better off taking the middle bid. Notice I said usually.
A professional will come to you with licensing, insurance and references, usually without your asking. Steer clear of uninsured contractors. They can be big trouble for you. You can be liable for them, their workers and any damage they may cause. If they ask you to secure the permit, beware. There’s usually a bad reason.
You can check licensing online in most if not all states. Remember that electricians, plumbers and HVAC (Mechanical) contractors must have their own corresponding licenses. The remodelers Builders’ License does not cover it. You can feel secure if you’re remodeler is using licensed electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors and is providing you with all the necesary permits — Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical — for the project. Remember too, that some jobs — painting, many repairs, cabinet replacements, etc. — don’t require a permit. Check with your local building authority.
If you’re still not sure, look for advice at your local Home Builders Association or check you state’s Builder Licensing Division for useful information. Oh, and don’t discount the gut feeling.
|
|
|
|
|
|
What’s a Certified Graduate Remodeler?
Filed under: Bathroom Remodeling, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Sunrooms
Good afternoon.
The Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) designation is the title given to remodelers who complete the necessary educational course to achieve that recognition. They are also required to have aminimum of 5 years of remodeling experience.
The CGR course teaches business practices, marketing, contruction and project management, construction practices and numerous other subjects related to the industry.
Going a little deeper, finding a remodeler with the CGR designation means you have found a professeional. This remodeler is serious about what they do…serious enough to take the time for practical education and instruction in their field of expertise. It’s what helps distinguish those who just dabble or do side work from those who do high quality, professional remodeling.
I received my CGR designation 3 years ago and continually find value in the things I learned by attaining the designation. It helps me better serve my customers and give them a project that is of higher standards and better value.
It’s important to hire companies that know what they are doing and are seious about it.
–Lenox
|
|
|
|
|
|
