Quote:
Originally Posted by Broadsword2004
Has the EPA implemented a bunch of various new regulations to damage things (I was on a construction site awhile back and there was a thread about a bunch of new compliance costs or regulations contractors would now have to deal with from the EPA).
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Yes they have. Around here where I live, it is most notably evil LEAD and remodeling and renovation. States have embraced the Federal Tit once again through new EPA mandates on homes built prior to 1976.
The mandate requires that any company working on homes built prior to 1976 be certified by the EPA. To receive certification cost you $350 and 2 days of your time. In addition you will likely be required to purchase new equipment that is
EPA Approved...like a $450 vacuum and every person that works for you must be trained as well.
All at the Contractors expense
In theory that means that if your house was built before 1976,
every contractor working for you must have a Lead Certification to work on your house and follow proper testing and lead abatement procedures.
Home owners are largely unaware of the new regulations, but are one by one getting a rude awakening. Home owners of said homes are finding out, it cost them far more to maintenance their houses than it used to. And if they use companies that are not certified the homeowner can be fined up to $35k.
At present contractors such as painters, siding and window installers in our area are not required to have a license or pull a permit to perform work......which is how the EPA finds you.
If you are licensed the EPA will audit your records, if you are unlicensed they do not know you exist.
Many contractors have made the decision not to work on homes built prior to 1976.
There are rumors of mandatory home energy audits, where your home will essentially receive a Energy Star rating, penalties (Tiered Rates) for Heating and AC that have a benchmark of SEER 14 and 96.5 efficient. And in some areas it is now required to upgrade the Hot Water Tank if you are selling a home.
It is all so stimulating for the public bureaucracy, not so for the private sector.
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