The problem is apparent. There have been no viable tests for lead-based paint for contractors since October 2023, when we all got the Email from the EPA on November 2nd, 2023. In it, they calmly said 3M is no longer making Lead Test Swabs, and nothing has changed...
As we step lightly into the future of remodeling pre-1978 homes in a post-3M lead test swab era, we find ourselves hoarding swabs and stretching the most out of them. If we could make them last, then we can avoid the inevitable disappointment of the Old Mother...
I Have A History With Lead-Based Paint It started about the time the EPA decided to get serious about enforcement of the RRP rule. I received a very official letter from the EPA saying that they would be at my office to inspect my documentation of a project that I was...
Although shear is something that every builder is aware of. Plan checkers are asking for a shear plan prior to permitting. Boise and the surrounding jurisdictions require a shear inspection for shear when necessary prior to covering the project in house wrap....
What is "Track-out?" Track out is just like it sounds, a situation where a vehicle in most cases travels into soft soil and tracks the soil out of the job site. Minor track-out: Usually dust or light gravel, often seen with heavy traffic over a period of days or more...
I am at odds with the remodeling industry' lobbyists. The remodelers association NARI and the NAHB are supporting H.R.2093. After reading the document here is what I get out of it. It is attempting to have the EPA's RRP rules relaxed to allow folks in certain...
Master Suite AdditionThe Challenge They came up with a plan drawn by others with several significant errors. One was the size of the addition, and the other was the angle of the trusses. The clients who work remotely turned out to be excellent communicators and...
Dining Room Addition and Kitchen RemodelThe Challenge The home had an odd entry room with a coat closet and partition wall in the way. This room was pretty useless and annoying to the client. Then, the kitchen was blocked from the activity in the living room, and the...
Primary Suite Remodel & DeckThe Challenge Inaccurate plans were provided that had to get updated over the course of the project. The project is on a creek so lots of precautions were needed to keep erosion out of it. The Idea Create a primary suite that is...
Whole House RemodelThe Challenge The home was in the hillside district and in the WUI which means that the home has some extra requirements as far as firesafe and extra structural requirements. There had been an addition done to the house years prior that was not...