homeowner news LETTER                               JUNE  2010

How Will the EPA’s Lead Rule Affect You?

April 24th, 2010 / Posted in All Things Remodeling

Effective April 22nd, 2010, the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and   Painting Rule went into effect.  For those who are not familiar with this rule, its the culmination of almost twenty years of work the EPA has put into alleviating lead poisoning in children.  Though exposure to lead is harmful to adults as well, studies have shown that children under the age of six or carried by pregnant women are highly susceptible to birth defects or learning disabilities.  As such, the EPA has required that landlords, real estate agents and contractors issue a lead warning pamphlet to tenants, home buyers, or owners of homes built pre-1978 for years.  Pressure from environmental and child advocacy groups to alleviate lead poisoning and exposure to lead motivated the EPA to move forward with measures to eliminate lead hazards.  On June 23 of 2008 the EPA issued a final rule under the authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act to address paint hazards created by renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint in target housing and child occupied facilities.

So what does this mean for owners who want to renovate and for the contractors who perform these renovations?

First, the rule affects any paid renovator who performs work in any pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facility, including:

• Renovation contractors

• Maintenance workers in multi-family housing

• Painters and other specialty trades such as plumbers, flooring contractors, heating & air contractors and more.

Basically, any contractor getting paid to perform work in any of these facilities who disturbs 6 square feet (2 x 3) of interior surface or 20 square feet (4 x 5) of exterior surface has to be certified or face a fine up to as much as $37,500 per incident.   The professional contractors who are active within the industry associations NAHB, NARI, NKBA, and PDCA and receive updates on issues that may affect their businesses, are the only ones I have seen working towards getting trained to comply with the rule.  There are estimates that about 50% of our housing stock built pre-1978 has lead based paint.  That’s a lot of homes which will be affected by this rule.

What does it mean for homeowners?  Homeowners should understand that it is important to verify if the contractor who they are thinking about hiring and who may be disturbing any painted surface as part of their scope of work, is certified as per the rule.  The EPA has written clear guidelines on protection, containment, cleanup, and documentation that trained certified contractors must adhere to.  Hiring a non-certified contractor may put your family or neighbors at risk by introducing lead dust into your home or an adjacent neighbors property.  Depending on the scope of the project, homeowners should anticipate costs for protective measures and barriers, pre and post lead base paint testing, cleanup with HEPA filter vacuums and wipe down products, protective clothing for workers entering and exiting the work zone, disposal, and administrative expenses associated with notification pamphlets, field documentation, and record management required by the EPA.

Contractors need to find trainers within their markets and get their field staff and firms certified.   As the effective date, any contractor performing work on any pre-1978 home is in violation of the rule and could suffer large fines.  The  EPA certified a number of trainers across the country last fall to provide training for certification.  The combination of obtaining firm certification with the EPA ($300) and individual certification as a Certified Renovator, may cost the contractor between $550 to $700 depending on the certification trainers fees.  Understand that if the contractor is working on multiple projects that fit the criteria for the rule, each project must have a Certified Renovator on site.  This means if the home where the contractor is replacing windows was built in 1968 and the home he or she is remodeling a bathroom in was built in 1973 and both have lead based paint, a Certified Renovator must be on site for each.  Contractors should begin adjusting their estimating programs to reflect the costs that will be associated with compliance of the rule.  Some of these should be the costs for:

• Rolls of poly and tape

• Zip doors and Zip Walls

• Protective booties

• Protective suits and head gear

• HEPA vacuum cleaners

• Filter replacements

• Wiping products recommended by trainers

• Test kits

• Signs, pamphlets, forms, log books, etc.

• Heavy duty garbage bags

• Grille and register covers

• Labor costs for installation of protection materials, clean up and break down

• Additional liability insurance costs

Additional materials and labor may be required depending on the final scope of the project.  Some challenges for contractors will be managing and training field employees, other trades, suppliers, and even their clients on lead safe work practices.

I believe this rule will be good for insuring the good health of homeowners, their children, and the contractors personnel as well as making the home a healthier environment.    The rule will only be effective in reducing exposure to lead dust if homeowners who live in pre-1978 homes hire Certified Renovators and contractors certify their firms and personnel.  Yes there will be costs associated with compliance of the rule but these costs will be far less than those associated with a family or employee who becomes ill from lead exposure.

Courtesy of http://www.renovationcoach.com/how-will-the-epas-lead-rule-affect-you/

* NOTE:  If area that is being remodeled has been tested by EPA approved practices and found to be LEAD free, LEAD safe remodeling practices to not apply.

For up-to-date information on this law visit EPA website at  http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm

In this issue:

- How Will the EPA’s Lead Rule Affect You?

- Simple accessory switches can lighten your decor for summer days

- Protect your home from natural disasters

- Many homeowners now staying put and remodeling

 - Planning an outdoor adventure? Tips to stay safe and have fun
 

- RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Sweet Cola Ribs

SAME THE DATE!

"2nd Annual Home Improvement

Surplus Sale"

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Location: 

Kohl Building Products, 5833 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD  21704

Board of Directors

President

Mark Pelletier, CGR, CAPS,.CGP

M.V. Pelletier , Inc.

mark@mvp-inc.com

1st Vice President

Ken Bullough

Stonemark Tile

kbullough@stonemarktile.com

2nd Vice President

Brock Merwin

Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling

bmerwin@pdr-usa.net

Treasurer

Steve Fennington

Sandy Spring Bank

SFennington@SandySpringBank.com

Secretary

Barry Stohlman

Stohlman Custom Cabinetry, LLC

barry@stwusa.com

Executive Director

Filomena M. Thompson

Events Made Simple, LLC

fthompson@eventsmade.com

NARI Mid-Maryland
P.O. Box 128, Monrovia, MD 21770
P 301-829-9866 / F 301-829-9868
www.MarylandNARI.org

info@marylandnari.org

Simple accessory switches can lighten your decor for summer days

(ARA) - Replacing dark accessories with brighter, lighter ones is a fast, easy way to lighten the mood in your home. Re-accessorize the right way - spend your redecorating dollars on items that will give you the most impact for the lowest monetary investment.

Here are a few ideas from the home decor experts at Montgomery Ward (www.wards.com) to get you started:

* If you're looking to create a brighter, lighter feeling with wall decor, forego heavy canvases or tapestries, dark colors and large, heavy frames. Opt for nature-inspired art in simple materials like metal, and simple styles like lightly framed floral prints.

* Doff the heavy winter drapes and give windows a light, airy and optimistic feeling with sheer, frothy fabrics in light hues.

* Clean the fireplace of ash and debris, and place a lush, green fern inside the fireplace. Or, incorporate the light-hearted feeling of running water by placing an electric-powered fountain inside the fireplace.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Protect your home from natural disasters

(ARA) - Given this year's big earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, smaller quakes closer to home and predictions of an active hurricane season approaching, many Americans may wonder how their dwellings would fare in a natural disaster.

"Building codes in the U.S. are designed to reduce death and injuries from natural hazards," says Daniel Cheney, director of codes and product acceptance for iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. One such code provision is for bracing that helps dissipate lateral forces from earthquakes and wind events. Modern home designs with high ceilings and many windows, however, can make this challenging. "Think of a house like a cardboard box with numerous holes punched in it; it's just not as strong unless you reinforce it," adds Cheney.

A solution is pre-fabricated "shear panels" as narrow as 12 inches, compared to the 4-foot widths typically required for wall bracing. One such product, the iLevel Shear Brace, is the first to be verified for compliance with the latest building codes (2009 IBC; 2009 IRC) in walls up to 20 feet high or stacked in two-story homes. (For more information, visit www.iLevel.com or call (888) 453-8358).
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Many homeowners now staying put and remodeling

(ARA) - Have you outgrown your home, but you're staying put for financial or economic reasons? Or maybe you recently bought a house in foreclosure that was a great deal, but needs fixing up.

If so, you're part of the re-energized remodeling market. For the first time since 2006, home-improvement spending is up, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Adding a new bathroom remains very popular with homeowners. But you may be wondering how you can get the most for your investment, since creating below-floor drainage for new plumbing fixtures is messy, costly and time-consuming.

One idea is to choose a Saniflo up flush toilet for your new bath project. Because this type of technology - macerating plumbing - doesn't require digging, a completely new, full bathroom can be installed quickly and for a lot less time and money than conventional plumbing. What's more, an "up toilet" can go anywhere in your home.

With up flush technology, there is no need for digging up cement floors. The technology pumps waste and water upward, through small-diameter piping, directly into your sewer or septic tank. And unlike sewage ejection systems, up flush toilet waste is removed with every flush, so there is no need for waste storage.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Courtesy of ARAcontent

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

SWEET COLA RIBS

Cook time:  2hr 55 min   Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Sweet Cola Barbecue Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 cups ketchup

• 1 can cola

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper

• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder

• 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard

• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Dry Rub:

• 2 tablespoons salt

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

2 racks pork spare ribs (about 3 pound each)

For the sauce:

In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add oil. Once heated, add the onion and garlic and saute until tender. Add all the remaining sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

For the dry rub:

Whisk all dry ingredients together in a small bowl. This can be stored up to 6 months in an airtight container.

For the ribs:

Rinse and dry ribs. Place on a clean cutting board, pull off the membrane and trim the ribs of excess fat. Liberally season both sides of the ribs with rub. Wrap ribs with plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 to 12 hours so flavors can permeate.

Preheat grill to 250 degrees F. using hickory and charcoal. Set up your grill for indirect heat.

Place ribs, meatier side down, on the grill away from the coals. Close grill cover. Cook the pork ribs for 1 hour 15 minutes; flipping several times for even cook. *Coat ribs with Sweet Cola Barbecue Sauce and cook for another 20 minutes.

*Reserve some of the sauce for dipping when the ribs are served.

Courtesy of: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/sweet-cola-ribs-recipe/index.html

About NARI Mid-Maryland

When you work with a NARI Professional you get.... A full-time, dedicated remodeling professional who has experience, and voluntarily adheres to NARI’s strict Code of Ethics. NARI’s screening process offers this assurance. NARI members have access to the latest information in the industry through publications, educational programs, educational seminars and conferences.

NARI is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 50 years of industry experience. NARI represents professional remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, trade publications, utilities and lending institutions. The association is committed to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry
and serving as an ally to you, the homeowner.

The statements or views expressed in the NARI Newsletter are those of the authors and may not necessarily reflect the official policy or views of the NARI Mid-Maryland Chapter. To receive this newsletter via e-mail please send an e-mail request to NARI at info@marylandnari.org – subject line – NARI Newsletter with your information.

MEMBER ADS

Visit us at www.MarylandNARI.org to contact our members.

Members of NARI Mid-Maryland Chapter

 * Accu-Build, Inc. * ADI Corporation * All Aspects Waterproofing * Artelye Marble & Granite

* Barrons Lumber/Barrons Custom Kitchens * Carriage Hill Cabinet Co. * Creative Concepts Remodeling, Inc.

* D. G. Liu Contractor, Inc. * Dertzbaugh Plumbing * Designer Surfaces Unlimited, Inc. * Dorman Builders, Inc.

* Downs & Associates, Inc. * Ferguson Enterprises * Frederick County Bank * Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, MD

* Homecrafters dba Atlantic Coast Remodeling, Inc. * Houseworks Unlimited, Inc. * J.Allen Smith Design Build, LLC 

*Jones Homes, LLC * Kitchen Solvers of Myersville * Lane & Sons Painting, Inc. * M & R Floors, Inc. * M.V. Pelletier, Inc.

* Mark Folsom Builders, Inc. * Mount Garage Doors, Inc.* Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling

* PC3 Limited, Inc. dba Innovative Homes * Perrine Design * Pleasant Hills Custom Builders * Preferred Construction, Inc.

* R.B. Hill Photography, LLC * Filomena Thompson, RE/MAX Results * Reico Kitchen & Bath * RJZ Home Improvements, LLC

 * Stohlman Custom Cabinetry, LLC * Stonemark Tile LLC * T. W. Perry, Inc. * Talon Construction, Inc. * Tomlinson Builders, Inc. * Trademark Remodeling, Inc. * Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. * Winchester Woodworking * Window Nation