Lead Paint Laws in MA (RRP Contractor)
At this time, Mahar Contracting will not be pursuing the Lead Paint Renovation Contractor License (RRP).
I fully endorse any proactive, safe, health-conscious, sanitary and eco-friendly practices (this is our planet and our lives, after all)…but for the EPA to attempt to suck an entire industry (and consumers) through a 1/2″ pipe, while being empowered to fine for the friction it creates is a total abandonment of sanity and common sense.
“I don’t love money enough to steal it, let alone to have my pursuit of it open an invition for the EPA to audit my world. I have often been accused of (and thanked for) having a tendency towards documentation, minutia, legal compliance, etc… (and I’m still not interested). No, thanks.”
1. If you own a home built before 1978 and you are looking for a contractor who is willing to do remodeling work, you can visit: http://www.mass.gov/leadsafe (there is a list of certifed/licensed contractors for ”RRP” [Renovate, Repair, Paint] and “RRP+MOD” [Moderate Deleading, Renovate, Repair Paint]).
2. Don’t buy a home built before 1978 unless you have done your homework (and I’m happy to help with homework). My rates are $90/hour for valuation, feasibility and/or advice on how to appropriately navigate and budget for the reality of owning a non-compliant home (specific to each property).
3. If you have a Total Remodeling Budget of over $150k and share my mission of pursuing a formal “Letter of Compliance” (a final and forever ”get out of jail free” card). My normal rates apply – I’ll courteously introduce you to the solutions you seek and assist you in controlling the costs associated with compliance/independence.
I’ll only remodel or consult on a pre-1978 home when the homeowner is interested in FOREVER taking the EPA out of the equation with regard to all future work (and eliminating this problem for all future contractors). You shouldn’t have to hire a haz-mat crew every time you want something done to your home – we will make the problem go away or I won’t touch it.
RRP CONTRACTORS:
The decision to ”subscribe” to the new practices will impact every business differently. I applaud any of my competitors, clients and associates who are making an effort to absorb the cost and logistics of compliance (through licensure instead of contract management), but I have personally found it to be cost-prohibitive as a matter of licensure (carrying with it the burden of more liability than I’m interested in having in my business, particularly on any project under $150k, and placing me in direct communications with my least favorite regulatory entity).
Congratulations on your efforts – There is a chance I may hire or refer your business (but most likely not – I would much rather have a certified deleader who has much more invested in training, equipment, insurance and possesses a truer sense of the liability associated with their presence on my client’s jobsite).