NAHB: Remodelers Who Lack Lead-Safety Certification Threaten Energy Retrofit Program

A highly anticipated program that would make homes more energy efficient and provide a significant boost to the nation’s struggling economy could get derailed before it even starts because of a new regulation affecting contractors working on older homes, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
 
The Senate is considering legislation that includes the proposed Home Star program, designed to provide home owner incentives for insulation and other weatherization projects. NAHB economists estimate that every $1 billion in remodeling and home improvement activity generates 11,000 jobs, $527 million in wages and salaries, and $300 million in business income.

However, rules effective April 22 governing contractors in homes where lead paint may be present will prevent meaningful retrofit work from being done because there won’t be enough certified renovation contractors trained in the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Lead Safe Work Practices.

• Roughly 79 million homes constructed before 1978 are subject to the Lead Renovation, Repair and Repainting Rule.
• EPA has estimated that more than 236,000 remodelers, window installers, painters, heating and air-conditioning specialists and other trade contractors must be trained to ensure compliance with the rule.
• Only about 14,000 people have been certified to date.
• Just 135 firms throughout the country are approved to offer the training courses.
• In some states there are still no approved trainers.

According to NAHB, many of its members will have to avoid working in older homes to avoid breaking the law, which is in direct conflict to an today's business environment where improving energy efficiency and creating jobs are national priorities.