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You’ve made the decision to finally remodel the outdated kitchen and living room of your home.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.
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Lead Safe Certified Firms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2010
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that renovations and repairs of pre-1978 housing must now be conducted using safe practices to protect children and pregnant women from exposure to lead-based paint. Almost a million children have elevated blood lead levels as a result of exposure to lead hazards, which can lead to lower intelligence, learning disabilities, and behavior issues. Adults exposed to lead hazards can suffer from high blood pressure and headaches. Children under six years old are most at risk.http://www.epa.gov/lead. EPA has an 800 number to respond to inquiries about the new requirements: 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
“Our lead-safe program will protect children and families from lead-based paint hazards associated with renovation and repair activities in houses built before 1978,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “This rule requires contractors to follow some simple and effective lead-safe work practices to prevent children’s exposure to dangerous levels of lead. Lead poisoning is completely preventable.”
EPA proposed the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which requires contractors to be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices, in 2006. In 2008, EPA finalized the rule and set April 22, 2010 as the implementation date. To date, EPA has certified 204 training providers who have conducted more than 6,900 courses, training an estimated 160,000 people in the construction and remodeling industries to use lead-safe work practices.
EPA will continue to provide support and assistance to states, industry and communities on all aspects of implementing this rule. Recognizing the large number of contractors and homes subject to the rule, EPA is increasing its outreach efforts and providing guidance to facilitate compliance and ease the transition period following the rule’s effective date. This guidance can be obtained at:
In addition to the rule becoming effective, EPA has issued three additional actions:
- A final rule to apply lead-safe work practices to all pre-1978 homes, effectively closing an exemption that was created in 2008. The rule will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
- A notice of proposed rulemaking to require dust-wipe testing after most renovations and provide the results of the testing to the owners and occupants of the building. For some of these renovations, the proposal would require that lead dust levels after the renovation be below the regulatory hazard standards. EPA will take comment on the proposal for 60 days. The agency expects to finalize the rule by July 2011.
- An advance notice of proposed rulemaking to announce EPA’s intention to apply lead-safe work practices to renovations on public and commercial buildings. The advance notice also announces EPA’s investigation into lead-based paint hazards that may be created by renovations on the interior of these public and commercial buildings. If EPA determines that lead-based paint hazards are created by interior renovations, EPA will propose regulations to address the hazards.
In addition, EPA is working with the Ad Council on a public-outreach campaign that will raise awareness among parents and caregivers of young children about the dangers of childhood lead poisoning from paint. EPA is jointly sponsoring the Ad Council campaign with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the non-profit Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. The campaign has developed a series of public service announcements in English and Spanish for use in radio, TV and print publications.
The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. If a home was built before 1978, there is a likelihood that it contains lead-based paint. The 2008 rule requires contractors working in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities to take the proper precautions to work lead-safe, including minimizing dust, containing the work area, and conducting a thorough cleanup to reduce the potential exposure associated with disturbing lead-based paint.http://www.epa.gov/lead
More information on the lead outreach campaign: http://www.leadfreekids.org
More information on the rule:
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Earth Day Celebration in Rochester, Michigan
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Get the Best Bang for Your Remodeling Buck
Filed under: Bathroom Remodeling, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling, Windows
Your home is your castle, but sometimes that castle may need a facelift. Remodeling is a great way to create a home environment that can meet your family’s changing needs and tastes without you having to spend a lot of money.
Before you spend your hard-earned dollars, however, make sure that the changes you make now will have longer-term benefits for you when you look to sell your home in the future.
You should find out what features are standard for homes in your neighborhood. If you only have one bathroom but most of the other homes average two or more, you will want to bring your house up to that standard. On the flipside, do not make changes to your house that are too extravagant or out-of-place for your neighborhood.
Make sure you are not making changes that will turn off prospective buyers. Keep in mind what future home buyers would like to see in their next home. It is often wiser to add an additional bathroom or bedroom rather than a sunroom or sauna, for example, which are costly and will not necessarily be a priority for anyone else.
The size and cost of your project matter as well. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University advises that smaller or midrange jobs overall will tend to recover a higher percentage of their cost than larger, higher-end projects.
For example, replacing old windows will generate a higher payback ratio than adding a high-end kitchen with all of the bells and whistles and it costs significantly less, according to Stephen Melman, an economist with the National Association of Home Builders.
Maintenance-related projects, such as siding and window replacement, are especially popular because they are repairs that are seen as needed, but can also help improve curb appeal at fairly low costs in relation to other projects.
The top-ten midrange projects cited in Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report” that provide the highest percentage return are:
- Deck Addition (wood) - 81.8 percent
- Siding Replacement (vinyl) – 80.7 percent
- Minor Kitchen Remodel - 79.5 percent
- Window Replacement (wood) – 77.7 percent
- Window Replacement (vinyl) – 77.2 percent
- Major Kitchen Remodel - 76.0 percent
- Bathroom Remodel - 74.6 percent
- Attic Bedroom - 73.8 percent
- Deck Addition (composite) – 73.7 percent
- Basement Remodel - 72.9 percent
These numbers represent the national average and percentages may vary in your region. To get information on projects that are the best investment for your area, check out the Remodeling magazine’s “2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report” published by Hanley Wood online at www.costvsvalue.com. If you would like a copy of the Detroit area Cost v Value report contact P & B Finishers and we will send you one.
Whether you are looking to sell your house soon, or are just looking to remodel for yourself, it makes sense to keep an eye on how the changes you make now will reflect on your biggest investment down the road.
To find a professional remodeler in southeast Michigan, contact your local home builders’ association at http://www.biaremodelor.org/ or visit www.nahb.org/remodel.
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Mobility Assistance from GMC
Since P & B is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) things like this always catch my eye. Our CAPS customers are always in need of resources to meet aging and/or physical challenges. GM Mobility offers up to $1,000 reimbursement for eligible adaptive mobility equipment, the protection and convenience of extended OnStar service, and other resources to improve vehicle accessibility and mobility for people with special needs or disabilities (people who may use a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility assistance product). Check it out here: http://www.gm.com/vehicles/services/gm_mobility/?seo=goo_|_2008_Mobility_Upfront_|_Mobility_General_|_Handicapped_|_handicapped
Contact P & B today for all your adaptive remodeling needs!
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Remodeling Dos and Don’ts
- Don’t neglect your home. Do maintain and enhance the value of your home with maintenance and remodeling projects.
- Don’t try complex remodels on your own. Do call a professional remodeler to get the job done right the first time and save yourself time and money.
- Don’t necessarily hire the cheapest remodeler. Do a thorough check on the remodeler’s experience, references, and qualifications, such as membership with NAHB Remodelers. Use these interview questions to identify the best remodeler for your needs.
- Don’t lose patience during the remodel. Do prepare yourself for challenges and realistically understand the time and money your remodel may require.
- Don’t try to remove or deal with lead paint on your own. Do call a professional remodeler or remediator to minimize exposure to lead paint.
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Lumber Prices Increasing
There’s no time like the present to remodel. I’ve been predicting price increases for labor and material for this year. Lumber prices have already started to climb.
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Window Replacement Choices
Filed under: Home Remodeling, Uncategorized, Windows
I’ve been doing window replacements since the late 70′s and have seen a lot of evolution in window manufacture and operation. Many of today’s windows are by far much better than anything manufactured prior to the previous decade.
Today we have a lot of choices from simple vinyl gliders to Smart Windows that can block out light automatically or at the flick of a switch. Your choice of replacements will depend on your taste, the quality you desire, the features you desire and your budget. Finding the balance can be tricky. Whatever window type you decide on, make sure they’re installed right.
At P & B we recommend and install Pella Brand windows more often than any other. We offer vinyl, fiberglass, wood and clad (maintenance free) along with numerous choices of interior wood and finishes and exterior colors. We also offer pocket replacements which leave your existing window frames undisturbed. And we can make most of them in any size.
We will recommend several installation choices to give you increased protection against air and moisture infiltration. The better way to do the job is not always the easiest or cheapest. Doing it right will protect your investment and your home, saving you money in the long run.
There has never been a better time to replace your old, drafty windows. The Energy Tax Credit will pay you 30% of the cost of your new windows (not including installation). But you’ll need to act soon. Time will soon run out.
Choose your window contractor carefully. There are many options and methods used. Some are not so good. Protect your investment by hiring a qualified, experienced and licensed remodeling contractor. Remember too, starting in April 2010, contractors who do window replacements in homes built prior to 1978 will be required to be certified through the EPA as a Lead Safe Certified Firm. Yes, it applies to windows!
Call (586) 254-7969 or fill out our online form for a free estimate.
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EIA: Cold January Temperatures Affected U.S. Use of Power and Natural Gas
Filed under: Air Sealing, Doors, Energy, Home Remodeling, Insulation, Windows
Colder-than-normal U.S. temperatures in January, particularly in the Southeast, drove up the use of electric power and natural gas, according to DOE’s Energy Information Administration (EIA). In the South Census Region, where about 60% of households use electricity as their primary space heating fuel, residential electricity sales increased by about 12% in January, relative to January 2009. Most of that increased power probably came from natural gas, and the cold further north also increased the use of natural gas for heating. That double-whammy caused natural gas spot prices to peak at $7.51 per million Btu on January 7, but as temperatures eased, the spot price fell to about $5.30 per million Btu by the end of the month. The spot price averaged $5.83 per million Btu for all of January, about 49 cents higher than December. Despite the potential for price spikes, natural gas spot prices are expected to average only $5.37 per million Btu in 2010. The nation should also see some energy cost relief this summer, as temperatures are expected to be about 2.5% cooler than last summer. See the EIA’s “Short-Term Energy Outlook,” published on February 10.
Reduce your energy costs! Call P & B today for windows, doors and insulation solutions.
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Michigan Appliance Rebate Program
Filed under: Energy, Home Remodeling, Kitchen Remodeling
The program will spur economic growth, save energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging appliance replacements. This program will create jobs in retailing and manufacturing and Michigan companies make many of the products included in this program. The Michigan strategy will have the following objectives:
- Complement existing utility energy optimization programs by providing rebates for appliances not covered by utility programs.
- Reach rural areas not served by utility natural gas programs.
- Push the marketplace by providing rebates for appliances that exceed the ENERGY STAR standards.
The program will start on February 10, 2010 and end when funds run out. Rebates are not retroactive. Only Michigan residents will be eligible to participate and rebates are limited to one per product per household. Appliances have to be replaced. Customers can go online or call a toll-free number to reserve a rebate. Participants will be required to mail in a rebate application and valid receipt for proof of purchase.
| Products to be Rebated | Rebate Level ($) | Targeted Quantity | Total Cost |
| Clothes Washers Tier 3* | $50 | 30,764 | $1,538,200 |
| Refrigerators ENERGY STAR | $50 | 30,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Refrigerators Tier 3 | $100 | 28,073 | $2,807,300 |
| Dishwashers ENERGY STAR | $25 | 10,601 | $265,025 |
| Dishwashers Tier 2 | $50 | 10,600 | $530,000 |
| Propane Furnaces –AFUE 95% | $300 | 4,280 | $1,284,000 |
| Propane Storage Water Heaters EF>=.67 | $100 | 1,280 | $128,000 |
| Propane Tankless Water Heaters EF>=.82 | $100 | 3,000 | $300,000 |
| Oil Furnaces ENERGY STAR | $300 | 770 | $231,000 |
| Solar Water Heaters ENERGY STAR | 20%, max $1200 | 200 | $240,000 |
| Total Rebates | 119,568 | $8,823,525 |
* Tiers refer to Consortium for Energy Efficiency standards.
Websites to reserve rebates:
http://www.MIrebates.com/ – Refrigerators, dishwashers, & clothes washers
http://www.michrebate.com/ – Furnaces & hot water heaters
Call-In Numbers for additional information or to reserve a rebate:
1-866-621-8782 – Refrigerators, dishwashers, & clothes washers
1-888-MICHNRG (1-888-642-4674) – Furnaces & hot water heaters
P & B Finishers is a Certified Green Professional
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