Memo's from The President of Superior Windows & Doors

We've been watching and waiting on the Environmental Protection Agency for the past year as they progressed further towards regulating the remodeling segment of the construction industry.  In order to protect "the kids" from the negative affects of lead based paint dust that is a by product of remodeling the EPA has developed a long list of rules that contractors must follow. 

If your home was built before 1978 you will be affected by this order starting on April 22nd.

As a father I concur with the basic premise:  Protect The Kids

It is the implimentation that bugs the heck out of me. 

First, I guess it is my natural inclination to follow news that affects me.  Most contractors had no idea this order was even coming.  Weeks after it took effect some of our local competitors did not know about it.  I found myself calling one of my friendly competitors to warn them that they were quoting a job incorrectly and could find themselves in trouble.

You must go through a training program and get "certified" by the EPA.  We were in the first class offered in Southern Oregon.  We brought our installers along to get them certified too.

Before doing any remodeling you should check to make sure your contractor is certified by the EPA.

Secondly, there was an opt-out provision in the original law that allowed homeowners with no kids to take a pass on the stringent, and costly, procedures.  That opt-out got dropped in the final order.  Why?  If it is in fact to "protect the kids" and there are no kids.....what's the problem?

I have a major aversion to government getting too involved in our lives.  They tend to get it wrong.  There are way too many people in government with more good intentions than common sense and brains.

All of that said, when we come to your home we will ask when it was built and if it is a pre-1978 home we will check it for lead based paint.  If it has none....it is business as usual.  If we do find lead in your paint we will take all precautions as prescribed by the EPA....most of which we would have done anyways.