CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- S+H Construction, one of the premier residential contractors in the Greater Boston area, announced today that both homeowners and commercial building owners should expect a jump of up to 1 to 5% in renovation costs if the building contains lead-based paint. Because of recent regulations put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), certain protective measures are now required to remove lead-based paint, including during the demolition of walls and surfaces.
The procedures – not unlike the removal of asbestos – require extra time, materials, and specific paperwork that must be completed on every project. These requirements add to the overall project costs. The actual increase to the bottom line depends on several factors including the size of the job and the amount of lead paint present.
"Clearly, there are good reasons for these laws," said Doug Hanna, Principal at S+H Construction. "Lead should not be allowed in the environment, and kids in particular should not be exposed to lead dust during renovations."
Hanna said that although S+H has always practiced safe building procedures including separating renovation areas with plastic dust barriers, the new regulations go much further and also require special training for all employees to make them "Repair, Renovate and Paint" (RRP) Certified. The training alone for 45 employees cost the company $13,000 to $14,000. Extra equipment, including special negative air machines and HEPA vacuums used to contain lead-paint dust, also adds significant cost.
"As a responsible company, there is no question we will put these regulations into practice and spend what we must to ensure that our customers and our employees are safe. That has always been our number one priority," Hanna said.
"However, that isn't always the case for all contractors," Hanna said. He added that S+H is always current on all certifications but "buyer beware" definitely holds true here. "The reality is that only a fraction of the licensed contractors and subcontractors in the Commonwealth have been trained, never mind the unlicensed people," he said.
So how can homeowners and commercial/retail owners protect themselves – and the people who live in or visit their spaces?
Homeowners should make sure when undertaking a renovation project, that the contractor:
- has a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor's license (CSL)
- is registered with the Mass. Home Improvement Contractor Registration Program
- is trained as a certified lead renovator
- hires subcontractors that are trained as certified lead renovators
- has a current certificate for General Liability Insurance
- has a current certificate for Worker's Compensation Insurance that also covers the owner of the company
"Check to see if proper containment and disposal of components with lead paint is part of your job estimate as well," Hanna said. "S+H Construction itemizes it separately so it's not hidden."
Hanna said that homeowners can contact S+H Construction directly for answers to any number of issues related to lead paint in their homes and its removal including:
- What houses or buildings could be affected
- How to find out if you have lead paint in your house or building
- The best ways to protect your family/employees/customers from lead poisoning during renovations
- Why the EPA doesn't directly enforce these rules in Massachusetts
Media inquiries are also welcome on this or any other residential construction topic.
"The bottom line here is consumers need to know that if they have several contractors bidding on their job and someone comes in much lower, then it is important to know why," Hanna adds. "The cost of lead removal and other such procedures have to be part of the total cost. If these costs are not in your estimate, then you need to get some answers."
S+H Construction is a premier residential contractor in the Greater Boston Area, devoted to high-quality craftsmanship since 1979. The multi-award winning firm most recently received the "Cambridge Historical Commission Award" in 2011 and was named "Best of Boston Home 2010 Classic Contractor" by Boston Magazine. The firm specializes in renewable energy, custom home building, residential renovations, historical restorations, landscaping, and site work. S+H Construction is located at 26 New Street in Cambridge, MA.
For more information on S+H Construction and their RRP Certified lead paint removal services, please call (617) 876-8286, or visit the company website at www.shconstruction.com. Follow S+H on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shconstruction.
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