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Originally Posted by sfloriII
I don't think I'd mind paying 25% more for renovations if it prevents lead poisoning.
I received this from a realtor friend of mine today:
EPA May Soon Regulate Home Renovations
( February 2, 2006) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is on the brink of instituting the first regulations governing home remodels in an attempt to minimize lead poisoning in children.
The rules would govern owner-occupied and rental dwellings built prior to 1978, when lead paint was outlawed. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 65 percent of homes nationwide were erected prior to the ban.
Contractors — at least one of which per project would need EPA certification in lead-safe work practices — would be required to seal off the work area and purchase special vacuums and respirators.
Mike Nagel, president of Roselle, Ill.-based Remodel One, says most contractors do nothing to reduce lead-paint dust due to the absence of stringent regulations.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, home renovations could cost 25 percent more as a result of the new rule, as builders would have to pay for training, new equipment, and additional liability insurance. Other industry representatives are concerned that the rule is too broad and unnecessary.
The first phase of implementation would involve pre-1960 rentals, pre-1960 owner-occupied homes with residents under age 6, and dwellings built from 1960 to 1978 that house a child with high blood lead levels, with all rentals and owner-occupied homes with young children built between 1960 and 1978 covered by the second phase.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, Sara Schaefer (02/02/06)
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Completely absurd.
It would increase the cost of renovation work by significantly more than 25%. It's also a slippery slope, as someone already pointed out... What's next, pressure treated wood? Requiring hazardous materials disposal procedures for the scrapings of old lead-based paint, or plaster fragments that were painted with it?...
The potential for ridiculousness, and expensiveness, is VERY high with such legislation.
It would also make it even more difficult for "do-it-yourselfers" and independent contractors.... Local zoning laws and inspectors in many locales ALREADY make things very tough for DIY guys and small-time independent contractors.
More ridiculous knee-jerk legislation like this is the LAST thing we need right now.
Mike