June 14, 2010
Nation's Building News

The Official Online Newspaper of NAHB

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Small Builders and Remodelers
EPA to Revoke Lead Paint Opt-Out Waiver on July 6, Include All Homes Built Before 1978

On July 6, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will expand the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule to include all homes built before 1978 by removing the “opt-out” provision, which had allowed home owners of residents where no pregnant women or children under the age of six live to waive the requirements of the rule.

The new mandate will increase the number of homes covered by the lead rules from an estimated 9.4 million to about 79 million, even though the EPA estimates that a significantly smaller number of homes — about 38 million — still contain lead paint.

NAHB vigorously opposed this change, arguing that the EPA was greatly and unnecessarily increasing the cost of the rule without providing additional health benefits or protecting children from potential lead exposure.

The lead rule change, published in the Federal Register on May 6, also requires remodelers to share a copy of the compliance records — such as the confirmation of customer lead education, checklist of followed practices and any lead testing results — with the home owners within 30 days of completion of the work.

For more information, e-mail Matt Watkins at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8327.


Learn How to Run a Successful Remodeling Company

“The Paper Trail: Systems and Forms for a Well-Run Remodeling Company,” available through BuilderBooks.com, shows how to use proven management systems to run a successful remodeling company.

The publication includes a CD containing 160 essential forms and documents — culled from successful remodelers across the country — that you can customize to suit your business needs.

To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.


'How to Find a Professional Remodeler' Brochures Available at BuilderBooks.com

"How to Find a Professional Remodeler," available at BuilderBooks.com, promotes the professionalism of your remodeling business by offering a wealth of valuable advice to customers on the process of selecting a remodeler. 

The newly updated brochure highlights the before and after photos of the most frequently remolded rooms in the house.

To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.

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