Reminder for Contractors

 
Effective April 22, 2010, non-exempt renovations conducted for compensation in target housing and child-occupied facilities must be performed by Certified Firms using Certified Renovators.  Target housing is defined as housing constructed prior to 1978, which contains one bedroom or more.  Renovators and maintenance workers must apply to the EPA and pay a fee in order to become certified.  The new rules are designed to minimize contamination from lead-laden dust that is kicked up during renovation or from construction work that disturbs lead-based paints. Such paints were banned from residential use in 1978, but still can be found in a large percentage of homes that pre-date the ban. Check the ruling before you begin work.