Federal agencies issue guidelines on toxic drywall - Home Channel News

Finally - some much-needed guidance regarding the toxic drywall issue.


Federal agencies issue guidelines on toxic drywall - Home Channel News:
"Federal agencies issue guidelines on toxic drywall (Jan. 29)

Two federal agencies, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, have issued a joint set of guidelines to help homeowners and contractors identify so-called “toxic” drywall in homes. The process takes into account visual signs of metal corrosion, evidence of drywall installation in the relevant time period, and the identification of other corroborating evidence."

Read on for more . . .

EPA's Lead Paint Rule May Affect Government's Retrofit Programs

Here is an excellent article from the NAHB about the EPA's Lead Paint Rule that goes into effect on April 22, 2010 and how it will affect the government's energy efficiency retrofit programs. An example of one arm not in sinc with the other.


Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Threatened By Lead Paint Rule

Federal weatherization and energy efficiency retrofit programs being developed by Congress and the White House are likely to come to a crashing halt on April 22, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Paint: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule goes into effect.

Read on for more . . .

Home Remodeling Surges in Fourth Quarter - 2/16/2010 10:52:00 AM - Professional Remodeler

Home Remodeling Surges in Fourth Quarter - 2/16/2010 10:52:00 AM - Professional Remodeler:
"Home Remodeling Surges in Fourth Quarter
2010 to mark significant rebound in remodeling industry as foreclosure markets lead remodeling resurgence

News Release
February 16, 2010
HousingZone

GOLDEN, Colo. February 16, 2010 – In a recently released report, ServiceMagic.com found that during the fourth quarter of 2009, homeowners actually increased their number of home remodeling service requests by more than 37 percent over the same period in 2008. Furthermore, the report showed tremendous spikes in home improvement activity in the states with the highest foreclosure rates."

Read on . . .

Now that's good news!

5 Ways to Maintain a Work/Life Balance - 1/1/2010 - Professional Remodeler

Here is a great article. We can all benefit from the suggestions.

5 Ways to Maintain a Work/Life Balance - 1/1/2010 - Professional Remodeler:
"5 Ways to Maintain a Work/Life Balance
Leaving the office can make you a more effective remodeling executive
By Erin Erickson, Contributing Editor
January 1, 2010
Professional Remodeler

If you're reading this article between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. in your office or break room and are uninterrupted while doing so, then congratulations — you're ahead of the pack of most remodeling executives.

With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' recent report that there were at least 27,000 construction jobs cut in the month of November, it's easy to feel the pinch of an ever-growing workload."

Read on . . .

New Home Survey Reveals Top Consumer Priorities for 2010 - 1/25/2010 10:52:00 AM - Professional Remodeler

New Home Survey Reveals Top Consumer Priorities for 2010 - 1/25/2010 10:52:00 AM - Professional Remodeler: "New Home Survey Reveals Top Consumer Priorities for 2010
The survey found top priorities to include price, energy-efficiency, organization and comfort

News Release
January 25, 2010
HousingZone

Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 20, 2010 — Better Homes and Gardens revealed proprietary research and insights on what consumers are looking for in their next home and overall priorities guiding current and future home improvement projects." Read on . . .

Hiring the Right People for Your Construction Business

Hiring the Right People for Your Construction Business


Written by George Hedley

Steps to Take to Hire the Right People for Your Construction Business:
1. Make a list of all of your company positions.

Read on . . .



Hiring the Right People for Your Construction Business



From: ConstructionBusinessOwner.com

How to Build a Better Want Ad

How to Build a Better Want Ad



How to Build a Better Want Ad
Written by George Hedley

Follow these four steps:


1. Create an attention grabber.
Use themes like 'run your own job,' 'ready to move up?' or 'full charge.'


2. Be straight and honest.
Tell them exactly what you want like 'dirty, hours, hard work, etc.'


3. Include the human factor.
Use words like 'fun,' 'energetic company,' 'flexible' or 'great staff.'


4. Have a call to action.
Use incentives like 'Call today from 9 to 4 and leave a brief message to explain your interest in the job' or 'Apply at _____ M to F from 2 to 7' or 'E-mail or fax resume to ___.'"

From: ConstructionBusinessOwner.com

What to do today to comply with the Lead Based Paint Program

Two steps you must take right now to get ready for the EPA’s Lead Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Printing Program going into effect on April 22, 2010.

#1: Apply now to become a certified renovation firm. Fill out the EPA’s Renovator Firm application and submit it along with the fee (most likely $300) today. The EPA is very slow in processing these applications and you must have this certification back by April 22nd. Go to http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/firmapp.pdf for the form.

#2: Sign up for a lead safe work practices training class. Find classes in your area by searching the list of trainers or the list of classes and click on “Lead” under All Training Categories. Neither of these will give you an exact list of classes in your area but it’s a start.

Then go to the EPA’s website to find out more. It’s all there. Don’t wait! Start this process now.

Home Star: 5 answers about 'Cash for Caulkers' - 1/1/2010 - Professional Remodeler

Home Star: 5 answers about 'Cash for Caulkers' - 1/1/2010 - Professional Remodeler: "Home Star: 5 answers about 'Cash for Caulkers'
The low down on the program that's meant to boost energy efficiency and jobs

Jonathan Sweet, Editor in Chief
January 1, 2010
Professional Remodeler

The Home Star program — or 'Cash for Caulkers' as some have dubbed it — could provide a big boost to home energy efficiency through billions in tax credits and other incentives over two years" Read on . . .


The program sounds good on it's face, especially since the construction sector has been hit so hard by unemployment. But, remember that it will be paid for by cap and trade, which has not passed.