EPA Lead Rules Changes Impact Our Industry

I just read a great article by Katy Devlin, in Window and Door Magazine, regarding the potential impacts of the EPA changes in Lead Rules and the replacement industry.

The second phase goes into effect April 22, 2010 and mandates that contractors who complete work on pre-1978 properties be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.  Contractors who are caught in violation of the rules could receive a penalty of up to $37,500.00 per day per violation.

Highlights of the article include:

• In addition to these changes, the EPA issued a “ruled proposal” to expand requirements to require 3rd party inspections which would add $500-$700 to verify the space was cleaned properly. The EPA will issue a decision on the propoal by April 2010 before the new rules go into effect.
• Small jobs would be most affected-where one or two windows are installed-the homeowners may not be willing to pay the extra and concern they will either forgo the project altogether or use an unlicensed contractor to save the money.
• Some contractors may avoid homes that are pre-1978 leaving a potential market niche out there with decreased competition.

Both our local HBA and NARI are currently offering courses in lead-based practices.

To view the entire article please visit: EPA and the Replacement Industry

Congratulations Jim Carlson!

Please join us in congratulating Jim Carlson for receiving his LIFETIME DIRECTORSHIP in NAHB in Vegas!

Pacific Mutual Door Wants to Hear From You

Ah, the promise of a New Year, a fresh start—when ideas and plans begin to form and we shake off all the regrets of another year and look forward to the promises of a successful new year.

We started this blog to get feed-back from you, the contractor, and since this is our very first message to you, we hope we get your attention.

So here it is, our first question of the year:

What do you plan to do differently in 2010 versus 2009?

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