Steps (Nov. 2011)

Celebrati ng 2 Years! 5

November Meeting November 2, 2011 • 11:30 a.m.

Published by the Remodelers Council of Lincoln • November 2011 • Vol. 14, No. 11 • Editor Jennie Korth

Chairperson’s Message

by Jenny Samek

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to go on vacation to lovely Spain. It was amazing to see so much of the country. We toured many churches and palaces. It was so unreal to me how old these structures are! Some dated back to the sixth century and were continually added onto and modified until the 17th century. The art, detail and size were spectacular. The vision of the architects and craftsmanship in an era with no power tools, cranes or electricity! I was so impressed with how well things have been preserved.

I’m always in awe of the big metropolitan cities. While in Spain, I visited Madrid and Barcelona. During my entire visit in Madrid, I did not see one house! There were apartment buildings and condominiums as far as the eye could see. Now I’m back to “home sweet home,” traveling always makes me appreciate home. I love having a home big enough for my family to sprawl out and a backyard for the kids to run and play. I like being able to walk across the streets without cars nipping at your ankles, feeling like they would not care if you got run over.

I’m so glad to be part of an organization that does it’s best to preserve our own existing buildings and treasures. My hope is in 300 years, people are still preserving the buildings and homes we all work so hard to create and preserve here in Lincoln.

Save the Date!

The 2012 Remodelers Council Golf Tournament is moving to Wilderness Ridge! Save the date for a 8:30 a.m. shot gun start on August 3, 2012.

EcoStores Nebraska Speakers: Christine Hunt & Craig Steward

Valentino’s 35th & Holdrege Street Cost: $10.00/person

(Lunch is included.)

Please send your RSVP to info@hbal.org or call 402-423-4225 by October 28.

Remodelers Council Christmas Party The Vault at Grand Manse 129 N 10th Street Wednesday, December 7 • 11:30 a.m.

Lunch by LaPaz Cost: $13 per person

Welcome New Member!

Becky Givens

Dynamic Roofing and Construction, LLC

EPA Stepping Up Lead Rule Inspections; Focusing on Certification, Paperwork The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stepped up its enforcement of the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule with inspections that focus on company certification and other records required under the rule governing the renovation of older homes, according to remodelers and contractors who have been subject to the inspections.

Under the EPA’s lead paint regulation, remodelers and other contractors working in homes built before 1978 must take precautions to contain lead dust — including using lead-safe work practices, establishing dust containment areas and containing dust during the renovation, cleaning up after the project and maintaining detailed records.

The regulation also requires that they obtain training and certification, and that they distribute the EPA’s “Renovate Right” lead-safe guide to their home owner clients.

“Although the EPA requires dust containment, lead-safe work practices and cleaning verification on job sites, they’re rarely inspecting renovation activities,” said Matt Watkins, environmental policy analyst at NAHB. “We’re hearing from the field that inspectors are reviewing records, and the most frequent lapses reported are a failure to obtain firm certification and a failure to get signatures from home owners when handing out the ‘Renovate Right’ pamphlet.”

Remodelers reported that they have been given a week’s notice about an impending inspection — either through a letter or a

phone call from their EPA regional office — requesting a meeting typically to review their business records for the last three years.

They also reported that inspectors have asked to see documents confirming their status as a certified renovator and certified firm under the lead rule. In addition, inspectors have asked to see the signatures of home owners verifying that they have received the “Renovate Right” pamphlet, as well as lead testing results and all documentation for following the lead rule’s work practices.

Be Prepared for Lead Rule Inspections

Prior to an inspection, remodelers should develop a system for keeping records on jobs applicable to the lead rule.

For example, they should note in their job record if the home they renovated was built before 1978 and keep copies of the following documents in their company records: • Copy of their certified renovator certificate • Copy of their certified firm certificate • Signed verification receipts of the “Renovate Right” pamphlet — by home owners or residents • Results of any lead testing, including EPA-recognized test kits • Work practice checklist for the job • Operation and maintenance records for HEPA vacuums Some EPA inspectors have also requested verification of worker training for individuals working under the supervision of a certified renovator.

However, the agency does not have guidance on what this documentation would entail, so some remodelers have considered creating a verification form to be signed by workers stating that they have received training on lead-safe work practices required under the rule from a certified renovator.

NAHB advises remodelers to review the compliance resources and samples for record keeping available at www.nahb.org/leadcompliance.

The members-only tool includes compliance and record-keeping checklists, the EPA’s “Renovate Right” pamphlet, sample home owner and tenant notification forms and more.

To prepare for the inspections, remodelers are encouraged to collect and have all pertinent records ready for the meeting with the EPA inspector. During the meeting, remodelers should allow the inspector to review all the records requested.

Remodelers should also consider contacting an attorney with experience in regulatory inspections to ensure that they have someone on hand for guidance during the process.

“Whatever you do, do not falsify records,” said Watkins. “This can lead to bigger fines and criminal prosecution. It’s best to share what you have and work with the EPA to rectify any gaps.”

Once the records have been reviewed, the EPA inspector will create a report — with possible enforcement action recommendations. The inspector’s report is then submitted for review, and remodelers and contractors may have 90 days or longer before they receive notice of any fines or other enforcement actions being taken.

EPA penalties range from as little as $130 to as much as $37,500 per violation, per day. The agency calculates fines according to its Consolidated Enforcement Response and Penalty Policy for RRP. For more information on the lead rule, visit www.nahb.org/leadpaint; or email Matt Watkins or call him at 800-368-5242 x8327.

EPA Opening Lines of Email Communication on Lead Paint Rule In an effort to keep certified renovators and certified firms informed and updated on its Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program for lead, the Environmental Protection Agency is using a new communication tool called GovDelivery.

By subscribing to the tool, remodelers can receive regulatory and technical RRP updates from the EPA. This may be the only way the agency reaches out directly to the regulated community.

Considering last month’s change to the "Renovate Right" brochure and the haphazard way in which it was communicated, this new tool is a welcome addition. (For a related story in the Aug. 8 Nation's Building News, click here.)

However, NAHB believes that communication with those affected

by RRP should extend beyond the GovDelivery channel, because not all businesses choose to participate in e-communications.

All certified firms and certified renovators have provided the agency with contact information, but that does not always include email and web addresses.

NAHB will continue its efforts through state and local home builders associations and NAHB Remodelers to keep members informed of any updates to the RRP. For more information, email Matt Watkins at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8327.

Remodelers Council Members enjoy a Brown Baggers lunch and listened to the latest in Social Media from The Minnow Project.

Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice.

- Anonymous

Forklift/Aerial Boom Lift Certification & Training HBAL and NCS Equipment invite you to get your mandated OSHA Aerial lift & Forklift certification and see demonstrations of NCS equipment.

Nebraska’s #1 Source for Equipment

NCS Equipment

5450 Alvo Road | Lincoln Nebraska

November 8th or 9th 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Greg Shinaut Phone: 402-437-1717 Cellular: 402-416-5067 Email: greg.shinaut@blackhillscorp.com Ruth Hietbrink Cellular: 402-430-7617 Email: ruth.hietbrink@blackhillscorp.com

www.BlackHillsEnergy.com

Forklift training: 8-12, Lunch: 12-1 & Aerial Lift training: 1-5 (both days)

Must Pre-Register and Pre-Pay to Attend!

$50 Per Person | All RSVP must be received with payment by November 4th Please send company information, contact information & payment along with individuals names to info@HBAL.org or 6100 S. 58th Street, Ste C, Lincoln, NE 68516. info@ncsequipment.info

Class space limited - Can only take first 150 RSVPs received.

Calendar of Events

Remodeling Permits: Alterations City of Lincoln - Detached Single Family - 8 - Year Table

Nov. 2

Remodelers Council Meeting: EcoStores Nebraska 11:30 a.m.

Lunch at Valentino’s • 35th & Holdrege Street Cost: $10.00 per person

Nov. 12

Santa Cop 9:00 a.m. until completion Lincoln Northeast High School Shop 2635 N. 63rd Street (west side of school)

Nov. 14

General Membership Meeting: Darin Erstad 6:00 p.m. Social • 7:00 p.m. Dinner Sesostris Shrine Center • 1050 Saltillo Road Cost: $20.00 per person

Nov. 22

Tuesday Training - Record Keeping & Logs 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

HBAL Office • 6100 S. 58th Street Cost: $25 for Members / $50 for Non-members

Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept.

Total Avg. Cost

#

89 87 100 87 120 97 94 44 92 810

2006 Cost 1,007,372 967,125 1,147,674 706,214 1,042,668 985,229 1,072,119 433,967 674,348 8,036,716 9,922

2007 Cost 88 1,163,863 78 909,207 107 1,280,089 88 1,031,776 115 1,578,971 97 736,760 117 1,258,848 110 1,138,598 94 1,070,733 894 10,168,845 11,375

#

#

81 76 89 82 79 76 77 92 83 735

2008 Cost 907,619 947,505 800,412 877,275 723,878 662,915 1,143,624 1,264,374 962,319 8,289,921 11,279

#

71 76 72 85 65 89 96 77 78 709

2009 2010 Cost # Cost 784,232 57 502,454 706,588 69 600,743 946,927 125 1,229,150 813,112 154 1,386,859 617,270 124 931,223 766,615 117 754,480 1,172,764 161 1,181,825 790,319 119 1,006,147 778,464 124 976,777 7,376,291 1,050 8,569,658 10,404 8,162

Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept.

Total Avg. Cost

fixtures.

appliances.

5001 S 19th St, Ste 101

Remodelers Council of Lincoln 6100 S. 58th Street, Suite C Lincoln, NE 68516 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

liGHtinG.

(402) 328-8589

FERGUSON.COM © 2011 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

2011 Cost 988,395 893,584 900,086 1,292,245 946,242 819,225 1,104,259 1,032,748 928,466 8,905,250 9,454

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 # Cost # Cost # Cost # Cost # Cost # Cost 19 333,000 7 87,400 9 1,364,460 2 52,000 6 152,980 3 80,100 13 426,676 4 314,300 9 141,600 5 125,240 3 99,500 7 178,700 34 613,750 33 1,283,155 36 589,154 10 206,900 11 317,000 18 452,005 52 560,472 56 539,511 62 1,208,366 10 198,413 19 706,474 15 908,366 57 907,924 55 818,301 52 809,323 9 183,000 9 148,500 20 340,080 59 520,942 62 481,374 19 543,997 14 297,872 12 460,740 16 603,388 49 645,103 46 728,615 11 212,984 17 554,070 15 697,500 9 248,618 44 433,967 56 807,215 13 583,602 8 244,470 11 219,300 12 478,200 43 585,123 32 558,017 14 556,083 15 407,066 15 375,278 16 1,011,333 370 5,026,957 351 5,617,888 225 6,009,569 90 2,269,031 101 3,177,272 116 4,300,790 13,586 16,005 26,709 25,211 31,458 37,076

COUNT ON US Lincoln:

69 79 104 133 111 112 99 129 106 942

Remodeling Permits: Additions City of Lincoln - Detached Single Family - 8 - Year Table

1,350 locations. All 50 states. 300 showrooms. 17,000 associates.

58 years in business.

faucets.

#

Nobody expects more from us than we do®