Seattle/Bellevue Home Renovator Rule – Seattle Remodeling

EPA LEAD PAINT RULE IS IN AFFECT FOR HOME RENOVATORS / Seattle Remodeling

For those of you that aren’t in the know the EPA has come out with a new rule that affects Seattle remodeling contractors that perform renovation projects on houses built on our before 1978.  In a nut shell the rule stipulates various methods that Seattle remodeling contractors need to follow for dealing with lead based paint in older homes when it is disturbed by construction activities.  It also requires that Seattle remodeling contractors engaging in renovation work of these older homes be certified and have EPA “Certified Renovator” personnel monitor and document the lead clean up.

Seattle Remodeling Contractors need to get EPA certified.

I recently became a “EPA Certified Renovator” by attending an 8 hour training class and passing a multiple choice exam.  The main message of the class is to underline to Seattle general contractors and Seattle remodeling contractors, the health risk lead dust has to children and how sloppy housekeeping by Seattle remodeling contractors can contribute to contamination and put families at risk of exposure to this harmful element.  The class also involves some hands on training setting up containment, testing for lead based paint, cleaning and verifying a clean site before allowing the general public to inhabit it again.

Most Seattle remodeling contractors already know the value of good house keeping and dust control.  With or without lead, nobody wants to live in a cloud of dust over the duration of their Seattle remodeling projects, and being a clean and conscientious Seattle remodeling contractor will get you referrals.  Most good Seattle remodeling contractors already do most of the things the EPA rule asks of the contractor as a matter of good business practice.  So it seems the EPA rule seeks to standardize the methods in which lead based paint is handled and punish the bad actors in our Seattle remodeling  industry that have not and will not deal with it properly.

The new rule will add cost toSeattle remodeling projects in homes older than 1978.  Even though many Seattle remodeling contractors already implement many of the techniques the EPA rule lays out as best practices for dealing with lead based paint in home renovation projects there is still the added cost of:  Seattle remodeling firm certification, employee certification, cost of documentation and document management and storage.  Not to mention the miles of plastic this rule requires Seattle remodeling contractors to use.  The rule is new enough that the insurance industry has not really come down on the cost to insure a EPA Certified Seattle remodeling  firms that will be coming in regular contact with lead based paint.  It’s quite possible that there will be insurance cost implications for Seattle remodeling as well.

The EPA rule is well intentioned in that it seeks to reduce exposure of lead in children where they are most at risk to its effects.  Unfortunately the same bad actors in the home renovation business that do not practice good housekeeping and dust control on their projects will likely not bother to get certified.  These unscrupulous home renovation contractors will ultimately gain an advantage by undercutting the pricing of the above board remodeling contractor.  That is why the only way for this rule to have its desired affect and be fair to the industry is to have rigorous enforcement to keep everyone on an even playing field.

Contact Keever and Associates for your Seattle Remodeling needs.

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