Manassas Remodeling Contractor has a new blog site

Manassas Remodeling Contractor has a new blog site. The site has been changed to http://manassasremodelingcontractor.com. Check us out there.

New Window Replacement Idea

Our window supplier, Sunrise Windows, has come up with a really interesting new window. It's called the Projected Frame window. Basically, any window style can be installed in a wood frame up to 23" deep which is then installed in the window opening. This creates a window that projects out from the opening.

It's a way to get a deeper window ledge for plants and knick-knacks without going with a bulky garden window.

We are really excited about this new option and would be happy to tell you more about it. Just give us a call at 703-369-4446 or e-mail us at info@grecoremodelers.com.

Dishwasher Recall - Do You Have One In Your Kitchen?

Maytag Corporation is voluntarily recalling about 1.7 million Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, and Performa dishwashers made under both the Maytag and Crosley brands.

The dishwashers have plastic tubs and were made with black, bisque, white, silver and stainless steel front door panels. They were sold at department and appliance stores between February 2006 and April 2010 at a cost of between $250 and $900. These models have also been installed by homebuilders around the country.

The recall is due to an electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element that can pose a serious fire hazard. There have been 12 reports of heating element failure that caused fires. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

Maytag and the Consumer Products Safety Commission advise consumers to immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it, inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire and contact Maytag to verify if their dishwasher is included in the recall.

Both the CPSC and Maytag have posted detailed instructions on their websites to show consumers how to check if a dishwasher is included in the recall.

If the dishwasher is included in the recall, consumers can either schedule a free in-home repair or receive a rebate following the purchase of certain new Maytag brand stainless-steel tub dishwashers.

If you have a Maytag made dishwasher, check today to see if it is included in the recall and, if so, take the appropriate action immediately.

Kitchen Tile Design

How is a kitchen tile backsplash designed? There are many ways.

We thought we would show you a recent backsplash tile design by Mosaic Tile that we installed in a kitchen remodeling project. The homeowners loved the random sized tiles in the backsplash but wanted to add some punches of color. The tile, called Oracle Random Mosiac, comes pre-assembled in 12 X 12 sheets so we removed small 2 x 2 tiles in the original tile sheet and replaced them with 2 x 2 colored glass tiles in a variety of colors.

The result was stunning and the homeowners love their new kitchen along with the tile backsplash.

Small Kitchen Designs

Can anything be done for a small kitchen?

Our client came to us with a small kitchen in his condominium. He liked the condo's location and didn't want to move yet the kitchen was cramped and did not flow very well. He wanted to update the look, too.

Our solution: We designed and built a small U-shaped kitchen within the footprint of the original kitchen. The new design incorporates a taller bar area as well as new, up-dated appliances and a better traffic flow (see first photo above). The design provides better efficiency and more organization in a small space.

The client chose Kraftmaid Belmont cabinets in a toffee finish topped with laminate countertops in Willow Springs. The laminate has the look of granite but at a much lower price. Dal-tile's Ridgeview tile layed on a diagonal finished off the floor. The diagonal pattern of the 12" x 12" tile helps to elongate the feel of the area. And Denim Blue paint completes the walls.

The small, cramped kitchen is now open and functions better. And our client loves his new kitchen!

If you'd like to see what we can do for your kitchen, just give us a call at 703-369-4446 or e-mail us at info@grecoremodelers.com.

Take Advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday and Buy Emergency Preparedness Supplies

Between May 25th & May 31st, Virginia residents can purchase emergency supplies for their homes without paying sales tax. It's the May Sales Tax Holiday and it specifically targets Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness Equipment.

Items that qualify for the tax exemption include generators valued at under $1,000 and smaller items valued at less than $60 like ice packs, batteries, flashlights, two-way radios, tarps, and first aid kits. Check out the full list of qualifying items.

Want to learn more? Go to the Emergency Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines and Rules page.

This is a great time to stock up on supplies and get your home ready for any emergency.

Home Remodeling Contractors - How to Select One

In honor of National Home Improvement Month, here are some great tips from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Check out their brochure, How To Select A Remodeling Professional.

Kitchen Remodeling Made Easy

A kitchen remodel does not necessarily mean that everything must go and be replaced with new. Sometimes, one or two changes is all that is needed to re-fresh a tired kitchen into something much more exciting and workable.

Take, for example, our client who came to us with a request to update her kitchen cabinets. The existing wood cabinets were showing some wear. Everything else had been replaced over the past five or so years and she was happy with the kitchen's layout. She wanted to keep her existing appliances as well as the countertop. And she wanted to keep the cost lower. Could she do that?

Absolutely! We replaced her old wood cabinets (see "before" second photo above) with brand new Merillat Spring Valley oak cabinets (see "after" first photo above). We re-installed her existing dishwasher, oven, microwave, sink, faucet and countertop. She was thrilled with the outcome!

It's not always necessary to completely tear out the old and start over in order to remodel a kitchen or bath. If some of the room's elements are still serviceable and fit into the scope, we can easily incorporate them back into the project. This can be an environmentally responsible solution as well as a cost-saving way to remodel.

If you would like to discuss what can be done in your kitchen, just give us a call at 703-369-4446 or shoot us an e-mail at info@grecoremodelers.com. We would love to show you what we can do for you.

Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Here is an excellent choice for a bathroom countertop when the budget is a bit tight - the two-tone cultured marble top. The color is almond granite with a solid white oval bowl.

The one-piece construction is perfect for easy cleaning and the two tones come in a variety of color combinations.

May is National Home Improvement Month

If you are thinking about remodeling your home, May is a great time to begin the process. But how do you find the right contractor?

Outside of buying your home, remodeling it may be the single biggest investment you make. You need to know that the remodeling contractor you choose is a full-time, dedicated remodeling professional.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry can help. NARI's screening process offers this assurance, and what's more, NARI Members voluntarily follow a strict Code of Ethics. You can be assured that when you hire a NARI Member, you are hiring an individual who has made a strong commitment to the professionalism of the remodeling industry and to his or her business.

As long-time NARI members, Greco Remodelers has made this commitment to our industry, our business and our clients.

NARI has some quick tips to get you started on your next project.

Bathroom Remodeling Pictures

Our client wished to remodel a master bathroom in their home in South Riding. They liked the layout but wanted to update the materials and get rid of that "builder white" look.

Because the existing tub and vanity were in great shape, we kept both intact and in position. This helped to keep some of the remodeling costs down.

The client chose a white fiberglass shower pan to match the white tub and vanity. Dal-Tile's Castle de Verre tile in 10 x 13 on the walls and tub and 13 x 13 on the floors added some color and depth to the room along with the beautiful coordinating decorative border on the tub skirt and in the shower.

We built a niche into the shower area so that the client had a place to store shampoos and such. The faucets and hand-held shower units are brushed nickel, a very popular color right now. Notice the hand-held shower head in the tub - a great idea for aging in place. All glass shower doors and fixed panels finished off the room.

Our client is very pleased with their new bathroom.

Interested in a bathroom remodel in your home? Just give us a call at 703-369-4446 or e-mail us at info@grecoremodelers.com to set up your free, no obligation, no pressure appointment.

Do-It-Yourself Electrical Dangers

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and Greco Remodelers is teaming up with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) in warning homeowners about the dangers of attempting to perform home electrical improvement and repair projects without hiring a qualified electrician.

“Working with electricity requires thorough planning and extreme care, and cutting corners can be a costly mistake,” cautions ESFI president Brett Brenner. “Whether you are a first-time do-it-yourselfer or a ‘weekend warrior,’ practicing safe habits can prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities when it comes to home electrical projects.”

The U.S. home improvement market nearly doubled in size between 1995 and 2005, reaching a high of $280 billion a year, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. Over the same period of time, emergency rooms reported ever increasing numbers of visits due to injuries from home workshop equipment. Many of these homeowners were critically injured while attempting to perform home electrical work themselves.

“May is National Electrical Safety Month, and a great time to review electrical safety practices,” says Brenner. “Many electrocutions and home electrical fires can be prevented simply by understanding basic electrical safety principles and adhering to safe practices.”

The best way to protect your family and your home against the risk of electrical fires or electrocution is to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work in your home.

If you do decide to undertake a home electrical project yourself, consider the following important safety tips to help ensure your safety and the safety of those around you:

• Never attempt a project that is beyond your skill level. Knowing when to call a professional may help prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities.

• Always turn off the power to the circuit that you plan to work on by switching off the circuit breaker in the main service panel.

• Make an effort to learn about your home electrical system so that you are able to safely navigate and maintain it.

• Test the wires before you touch them to make sure that the power has been turned off.

• Use a GFCI with every power tool to protect against electrical shock hazards.

• Be sure to unplug any lamp or appliance before working on it.

• Never stand in a puddle or on a damp floor when working directly on or near electricity.

• Always have your work inspected upon completion to ensure that it has been done correctly.

For more information about ESFI and National Electrical Safety Month, visit www.electrical-safety.org.

Do You Need Our Handyman Services?

We can handle those pesky little jobs that you’d like to get to but just haven’t had the time to tackle. Or those nagging little repairs that need attention now before they turn into a full blown problem.

Here’s what we can do:

Maintenance:
Install lock or deadbolt
Hardware
Caulking
Replace light switch
Replace tub and shower caulking
Grout and tile repair

Repairs:
Drywall repair
Wall tile replacement
Stained ceiling & wall repair
Door repair
Leaky toilet repair
Window repair
Wood rot repair

Carpentry and odd jobs:
Shelving
Ramp
Closet
Pet door
Painting
Hang interior door
Molding
Install grab bar
Install storm door
Install shower door

. . . and more . . .

Give us a call today at 703-369-4446 or shoot us an e-mail at info@grecoremodelers.com to schedule your handyman work.

Sharing The Love

We are so excited when our customers send some love our way - like this very nice note we received this past week - from a repeat customer:

"I just want to thank you for a superb remodeling job at my new
property. The quality of the work was outstanding and the completion of the effort was in a very timely manner."

J.B., Manassas, Va.

This project was a whole house remodel of an investment property. Time was of the essence as our customer wanted to get it on the rental market asap.

Thanks for the love . . .

A Kitchen Remodel Means New Kitchen Towels, Too

What do you do once your kitchen remodel project is complete? You've replaced the cabinets, the countertops, the appliances, the sink. Now it's time to buy new kitchen towels, of course. A new kitchen just about demands new linens.

And to help you decide which towels will work best for you, there is a fantastic article in today's Washington Post entitled All kitchen towels are not created equal.

Act Fast To Get Your Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate

Virginia's Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is officially open today. If you are planning to replace your heat pump, gas furnace, tankless gas water heater, clothes washer, refrigerator, or storage gas water heater, now is the time to reserve your rebate. You will have 60 days to purchase the appliance. It's first come, first served so act fast!

For more information, visit Virginia Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.

Countertop Trends Focus on Sustainability and Durability

Sustainability is one of the hottest trends in countertops today. Homeowners are looking for stylish, durable products that incorporate recycled materials. While performance is key, today's countertops are still expected to be beautiful, with a growing demand for surfaces that offer a greater sense of depth and dimension. Kitchen & Bath Design News recently listed some of the hottest trends in countertops:

Eco-friendly is the buzzword. Countertops are made "green" by incorporating recycled materials. There's also an increasing interest in countertop products with green certifications, such as the certification offered by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, which tests products for off-gassing of volatile organic compounds in a number of different product categories.

Granite, quartz and solid surface products are popular with homeowners for their durability, easy maintenance and wide variety of color and pattern choices.

Custom and specialized countertop materials can be everything from hand-painted glass and metal to bamboo. It's only limited by your imagination. You can even create a countertop that reflects your own personality.

Another trend is to mix and match countertop surfaces to maximize function and define different areas of the kitchen .

Color trends range from rich and warm to bright and bold.

(From Kitchen & Bath Design News)

Environmentally friendly home improvement projects

Happy Earth Day! Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day is a day to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment.

If you are thinking about remodeling your home, you may want to consider earth-friendly materials such as sustainable natural products, reclaimed materials, low-VOC paints, and materials made from recycled products. You may also want to keep energy efficiency uppermost in mind.

With planning and foresight, home improvements can help the environment.

We Are Prepared For the New Lead Safe Laws

The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule goes into effect this week. Rest assured that Greco Remodelers is certified, trained and in compliance with all aspects of this new ruling.

The EPA rule requires contracting firms be certfied in the use of lead-safe work practices to keep occupants of homes built prior to 1978 safe from lead-paint dust hazards. The law applies to contractors, painters, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and even residential rental property owners and managers. Any activity that disturbs painted surfaces in a home built before 1978 is subject to the program. This includes remodeling, repairs and maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry and window replacement.

To comply with the program, Greco Remodelers will provide customers of homes built before 1978 with a pamphlet entitled "Renovate Right" which details the dangers of lead exposure. In addition, one of our EPA Certified Renovators will manage the project and ensure that proper lead safe work practices are used during any disturbance of painted surfaces. These lead safe work practices require that we minimize dust, prepare and clean the work area, and contain lead dust. We will also prepare and keep records documenting the lead safe activities used.

To read more about the new law, check out an article in the Washinton Post entitled Lead Paint Gets the Big Brushoff that explores how the new ruling will effect homeowners.

Virginia’s Appliance Rebate Program

If you are in the market for a new home appliance like a washing machine or refrigerator, you are in luck. Virginia’s Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program is about to begin and you could be eligible for a rebate on that new appliance. But you better act fast!

Beginning on April 28th at 11 a.m. you will be able to reserve your Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate by visiting the website, http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/DE/ARRA-Public/ARRA.shtml. All rebates are on a first-come, first served basis. Reserve your rebate first, then you will have 60 days to actually purchase the equipment and apply for the rebate.

The rebate program is Virginia’s $7.45 million portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The goal of Virginia’s program is to increase residential energy conservation through more efficient appliances and stimulate the Commonwealth’s economy and job growth through additional retail sales of ENERGY STAR products.

To qualify, you must be a Virginia homeowner purchasing one of the approved items for a residence. The purchase must be made at a store in the state of Virginia or on-line from a retailer with a store in Virginia (that’s the part about stimulating the Virginia economy). You will need to sign a statement that you will no longer be using the old appliance in the home (no moving that old fridge to the basement or garage to use it as a second fridge).

Here’s what will be covered and the federal rebate available:

Energy Star washing machine - $75
Energy Star refrigerator - $60
Energy Star air source heat pump - $300
Energy Star storage gas water heater - $35
Energy Star tankless gas water heater - $225
Energy Star gas furnace - $250

In addition, you may qualify for additional rebates from your natural gas company.

If you act quick, you can take advantage of these government incentives and make your home more energy efficent. For more information, check out the website.

National Window Safety Week

April 4 – 10 is National Window Safety Week. Here are some tips for staying safe in your home and enjoying your windows:

Tip #1 – Practice fire safety drills regularly so that everyone is familiar with escape routes and knows how to operate the windows.

Tip #2 – Safety escape chain ladders should be in every second floor bedroom. Practice how to use the ladders safely.

Tip #3 - Window screens are only designed to keep insects outside and will not support the weight of a child or family pet. Do not leave windows open in rooms with unattended children and pets.

Tip #4 – If it is out of reach, the top half of a double hung window can be opened for ventilation in order to keep small children safe from falls.

Tip #5 – Keep furniture away from windows so that children do not climb up and fall out a window.

Tip #6 – Low E glass will help to protect your furniture and carpet from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

Tip #7 –Multi-point locks on new windows can provide more protection against intruders.

Thinking of remodeling your bathroom? Visit our bathroom showroom for ideas

You may be thinking about remodeling your bathroom. Maybe it needs a bit of sprucing up. Or maybe you’ve had a leak in the shower for awhile and want to get it fixed. Or maybe the fixtures are old and out-dated.

Whatever the reason, we are happy to invite you to our bathroom showroom where you can see tile, granite, cabinets and more. It’s easy to pick out just the right style for your new bathroom.

Or we can bring the samples to you! Our bathroom showroom in your home. What could be simpler?

Give us a call today at 703-369-4446 and make an appointment.

Updates to the Virginia Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

If you have purchased replacement windows, doors or skylights and are taking advantage of the Virginia Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, it appears that some of the forms have been updated. The original Checklist for Cost Documentation required the contractor give a cost savings estimate and an explanation of how the savings benefits were calculated. The new Checklist does not require this information. The Energy Efficiency Measures Requirements state that estimates are not mandatory for these items.

The Virginia Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program allows Virginia residents to claim up to $2,000 towards the costs of making residential improvements such as more energy efficient central air conditioning, heat pumps and furnaces, boilers, water heaters, windows, insulation and programmable thermostats. Virginia set aside $7 million for the program which began taking reservations for the available rebates on November 4, 2009 and stopped on November 18th after the funding was exhausted.

A second round of rebate funding will be available some time in the future.

Greco Remodelers is a Lead-Safe Certified Firm

We are happy to report that Greco Remodelers received our Lead-Safe Certification from the EPA to conduct lead-based paint renovation, repair, and painting activities in homes built prior to 1978. This certification, along with our two EPA Certified Renovators on staff, makes Greco Remodelers compliant with the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule that goes into effect on April 22, 2010.

The EPA rule requires contracting firms be certfied in the use of lead-safe work practices to keep occupants of homes built prior to 1978 safe from lead-paint dust hazards. The law applies to contractors, painters, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and even residential rental property owners and managers. Any activity that disturbs painted surfaces in a home built before 1978 is subject to the program. This includes remodeling, repairs and maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry and window replacement.

To comply with the program, Greco Remodelers will provide customers of homes built before 1978 with a pamphlet entitled "Renovate Right" which details the dangers of lead exposure. In addition, one of our EPA Certified Renovators will manage the project and ensure that proper lead safe work practices are used during any disturbance of painted surfaces. These lead safe work practices require that we minimize dust, prepare and clean the work area, and contain lead dust. We will also prepare and keep records documenting the lead safe activities used.

Lead exposure is a health hazard, especially in children under 6 and pregnant women. Because of the seriousness, we have committed to the training and education required to ensure lead-safe work practices are followed when required.

To become a Lead-Safe Certified Firm, we submitted an application to the EPA. In addition, two employees completed an 8 hour training program. We have adjusted our operating procedures to identify homes built before 1978 and to incorporate lead safe work practices into our normal procedures when required.

If you have any questions about the EPA's new Lead Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program or about lead safe work practices, just give us a call. We'll be happy to discuss it with you.

The "Cash for Caulkers" Program

President Obama released more details about his "Cash for Caulkers" program, called HOMESTAR, that he hopes will soon become law.

The program will use rebates direct to consumers to help with the purchase of energy-saving investments for the home such as insulation, duct sealing, water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing and doors. Under the Silver Star Rebate, consumers can choose a combination of upgrades for rebates up to $3000 per home. The Gold Star Rebate program would be for homeowners interested in a whole home energy audit and retrofits that would achieve a 20% energy savings. The program will call for using products primarily made in the US and will require installation by certified contractors. Field audits by independent quality assurance providers would ensure that the installation was done properly.

The administration says that the program will create “tens of thousands of jobs,” save consumers between $200 and $500 each year in energy costs, and reduce energy use equivalent to three coal-fired power plants each year.

It’s estimated that the program would cost about $6 billion and would see participation by about 3 million households.

Of course, the details are still being worked out and Congress has not signed the bill into law although a similar proposal has been included in the Senate Democrats’ Jobs Agenda.

For more information, see the White House’s press release about the program.

Five More Famous Plumbers

Some of our work is performed by licensed, experienced plumbers. And it's taken us years to find just the right ones. We consider them pretty darn good.

Here is a light-hearted look at some past plumbers that didn't quite make it in the world of pipes but made a splash elsewhere. Enjoy!

Five More Famous Plumbers

20 Design Ideas For a Small Bathroom Remodel

Through careful planning and creative design, a small bathroom can look and feel larger. Here are some elements to consider when remodeling a small bathroom.


Remodeling a small bathroom can be a huge challenge. There are so many elements that must be included. And even more on the wish list. But with careful planning, creative design, and attention to detail, a functional small bathroom that looks and feels larger than it actually is can be created.

Click here for our newest article, 20 Design Ideas For a Small Bathroom Remodel.

Remodeling a Small Bathroom? Choose Fixtures Wisely

A small bathroom remodel project can be a challenge because of the necessary fixtures required within a compact space. The sink, tub, shower and toilet are the large elements that must be fitted into a tiny bathroom. Start by choosing smaller versions of these fixtures in order to minimize the space they can take up in the bathroom.

Check out our newest article to read more about How to Remodel a Small Bathroom.

Bathroom Ideas: Vessel Sink

Vessel Sink: "Vessel Sink
By Tim Carter
©1993-2010 Tim Carter
Summary: A vessel sink can add character to your bathroom. There are certain features to check before installing bathroom vessel sinks. Even an old pot can make a great copper vessel."

DEAR TIM: I saw a vessel sink in a powder room over the weekend while attending a party. I can see now why they are so popular. How do vessel sinks differ from traditional sinks that drop below the surface of the countertop? Are there special plumbing connections that are required for a vessel sink that will cost more money? Would you install one in your home, as I don’t want to make a mistake? Susan M., Clarkston, MI

DEAR SUSAN: Bathroom vessel sinks or even in a powder room are indeed the rage. I remember when they first started to get attention about ten years ago. My oldest daughter and I were attending a national kitchen and bath convention and we saw a gorgeous solid-glass vessel sinks in a specialty booth.

Read on for more . . .

If you are interested in more bathroom ideas, please visit our website.

Ice Dams Are Coming

Just when you thought things were returning to normal, another snow-related issue emerges . . . Ice Dams. Here is a great illustration of how ice dams occur (from The Washington Post, 2/14/2010.)

One of the first warning sign of possible ice dams is icicles hanging from the gutters. Don't try to knock these down as they can be extremely dangerous.

Properly removing ice dams is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by anyone other than a professional with the correct safety equipment. Do not attempt to get on your roof and remove the snow. In addition to the potential for a very dangerous fall, you could also damage the roof as you are shoveling the snow. Better to call a professional roofing contractor.

Get Ready For a Snow Storm

A potentially large snow storm is heading our way and it's a good idea to be prepared. Check out the Winter Weather page on Virginia.gov. Great tips for getting you, your family and your home ready for winter.

We've Got Certified Renovators and We're Ready to Remodel

We now have two Certified Renovators on staff! John and Ray successfully completed an 8 hour Lead Safe Training Class. They learned the specialized procedures necessary to work in homes built before 1978 which could have lead paint.

The EPA’s Lead Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program takes effect April 22, 2010. It affects contractors, painters, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and even residential rental property owners and managers.

Basically, any activity that disturbs paint in a home built before 1978 is subject to the program. This includes remodeling, repairs and maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry and window replacement.

If lead paint is found in the work area, then the contractor must use specialized lead safe work practices in performing the remodeling project. And only Certified Renovators and specially trained crews can perform lead-safe work practices.

Greco Remodelers is ready to remodel Manassas homes built before 1978.

Good Kitchen Lighting Means Layers of Light

According to Kraftmaid Cabinetry, "A good lighting scheme contains a mixture of various types of fixtures to enhance the room. Adding layers of lighting creates contrast, which increases drama and functionality within a space."

This Kraftmaid kitchen features task lighting over the cooktop and workspace to make food preparation easier. Decorative fixtures illuminate the island to provide ambient light. And interior and below-cabinet lighting showcase items to add visual interest.

We can show you which lighting will look best in your new kitchen. Manassas kitchen remodeling specialists.

The EPA’s Lead Safe Work Practices Could Affect Remodeling Projects in Your Home

Starting on April 22, 2010, new provisions will go into effect from the EPA which will affect remodeling and renovation of homes built before 1978.

A little background
In 1976, the EPA passed a law called the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This law was enacted to control substances determined to cause unreasonable public health or environmental risks. In 1999, an amendment was added to reduce exposure to lead contamination which can cause health risks and impacts the environment.

Current changes
The EPA passed changes to the TSCA in 2008 that require contractors to be trained and certified in the use of lead safe work practices and to use lead safe work practices on any job involving lead paint. These changes go into effect in 2010. Lead safe work practices would require the remodeler to minimize dust, prepare and clean the work area, and contain lead dust. Since lead paint was banned in the US in 1977, these provisions apply only to homes built before 1978.

What does this mean for you?
If your house was built in 1978 or after, it means nothing. Due to the federal government’s ban of lead paint in 1977, you are assumed to have no lead paint in your home.

However, if your home was built in 1977 or before, it means a lot. First, not all homes built before 1978 have lead paint and the only way to find out is to test. Only you can decide if you want to test.

After April 22, 2010, you will need to select an EPA Certified Renovator if you are hiring a remodeling contractor in your home. The Certified Renovator will be responsible for properly planning and executing the job using lead safe work practices. And, because of the increased costs of compliance, you are probably going to pay more for your remodeling projects.

Of course, as with most regulations, there are some exceptions. There may be an opt-out option if the home is owner occupied and there is no child under the age of 6 living on the premises. However, there is talk that this opt-out option may be thrown out. Another exception is if the home has been tested and found to be free of lead paint. Third, any minor work that disturbs no more than 2 square feet of painted wall space would not fall under the new law. And finally, emergency renovations would not be covered under the law.

To learn more, visit the EPA’s website.