Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renovating six square feet or more of painted surfaces in a room for interior projects or more than twenty square feet of painted surfaces for exterior projects in housing, child care facilities and schools built before 1978.
With the new lead paint law coming into effect on April 22, 2010, our dedicated construction team quickly responded and became certified in lead safe remodeling. The Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program will require specialized work of general contractors and painters for jobs completed in buildings built before 1978.
This new law has been put into place due to the negative impact that lead can have on the health of adults and children. In addition, homes built before 1978, when the use of lead-based paint was banned, have a higher likelihood of containing lead. Projects like home renovations that involve sanding, cutting, and demolition may cause a disturbance in lead-based paint, creating dust, which is the most common way people are exposed to lead.
Some of the new requirements include mandated EPA certification and training, as well as use of lead-safe work practices. These changes could increase costs for contractors, and as a result, many construction and remodeling companies have chosen to discontinue service for these homes.
Some remodelers are simply refusing to work on homes built before 1978 (click here to read article). Instead of taking this negative stance, Peak Construction, has promptly complied with the new requirements to bring you continued safe, reliable service, no matter what the age of your home is. Our team has become certified by the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry – the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. Also, as required by the new law, we will supply you with the information you should know on proper renovation practices.
Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools, the pamphlet required by the EPA to be distributed to owners and occupants prior to starting work in pre-1978 housing. Click here to download brochure.
The new lead-safe work practices include: containing the work area by covering floors and sealing off doors and vents, minimizing dust by using properly equipped power tools, and cleaning up thoroughly with special cleaning methods. With safety and comfort in mind, our professionals have always sealed the work area on our renovation sites to contain any dust that may be generated, and thoroughly cleaned the area daily for your comfort. Other practices that we will be initiating include equipping our power tools with HEPA vacuum attachments for proper clean up.