Earth day

OK, say you live in a home built before 1978 and are interested in remodeling. You must first understand that “the home is completely painted with lead-based paint” according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) unless tested and proven otherwise. This was done on Earth Day 4,22,2010. The RRP rule is a federal law that requires contractors to lead safe work practices (LSWP) when renovating, repairing or painting pre-1978 homes throughout the country. The rationale for that date is because Lead Based Paint was outlawed ( reduced to a minimal amount allowable) for residential applications on 12/31/1977.

The EPA has been slow to educate and inform the public, but all indications are that noncompliance fines will propel the rule into the public eye.

Lead Safe Certified Firm

Idaho resides in EPA Region 10, which is administered out of Seattle, Washington. Many states have taken the responsibility of enforcing the RRP rule, as it is called, but Idaho remains a federally run program.

Lead Safe Contractor has taken the 8-hour classroom combination didactic and hands-on education and has demonstrated comprehension of the dangers involved with lead-based paint and how to work with it safely. The contractor also can document the proper processes and perform lead safe work practices. They have paid an additional $300 fee and are registered with the EPA. This is the insignia for identifying RRP certified contractors and Lead Safe Firms.

Renovate Right booklet

To avoid the stigma of lead-based paint altogether, owners are choosing noncertified contractors to do the work. Unfortunately, the contractor bears all the risk and, if caught, will be essentially put out of business once fined.

There are two schools of thought out there for contractors.

TO TEST or NOT TO TEST

If you do a test, you will know exactly what is and isn’t led, thus giving the owner knowledge in the form of a report. The downside is that the report must stay with the home.

If you don’t test, you won’t attach the stigma of knowing which components are leaded, thus rendering the home in a “everything is leaded” state, just like millions of other homes in the country. (Sadly this has caused unknowing homeowners to poison their children) Maybe lead testing should be a part of every home inspection.)

Dust wipe sampling

This may seem like a simple decision, but it is not. Testing is how Levco operates. Knowledge is power. Only providing super-duper dust protection when needed is 99.9% less expensive, and it addresses the rule’s intent.

Lead abatement involves removing leaded components from the home. Remodelers are prohibited from doing this work, so you must hire a lead abatement contractor.

Once the job is completed, verification of clean is done with a hokey card that is essentially worthless but we have to use it.  Do yourself, your family, and your contractor a big favor and get a lead test in your pre-78 home before you ask them to renovate, repair, or paint.

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261

If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.