A Dumpster wrapped in 4-mil plastic awaits another load of lead paint demolition. Better World Builders is certified for lead paint removal as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection agency.

Lead paint — ugh. The reaction is common to homeowners and contractors alike — homeowners, facing uncertainty about expense and health, may decide a remodeling project isn’t worth it. Contractors share similar concerns from the other side of the building contract.

Their reaction is justified, because lead is an environmental toxin. A new law was set to go into effect last fall requiring all contractors to be certified in safe lead paint removal practices or be fined $37,500 per violation. After complaints from contractors that there wasn’t enough time to get the training, the dealine was extended: to Dec. 31, 2010.

Anticipating this law, Better World Builders got certified last year, before the summer construction season, and even completed a major project last summer employing the latest lead-safe practices. There’s an article on our webiste about the project that focuses on its comfort and energy-saving aspects. But before the fiber cement siding and rigid foam insulation went on outside, the 100-year-old siding (with a dozen or more coats of paint) had to go first. And go it did — into Dumpsters wrapped in 4-mil plastic and duct tape.

Better World Builders' demolition crew donned Tyek suits and draped the grounds in plastic sheeting to contain lead dust.

The job site had to be posted with required signs and the demolition crew had to wear Tyvek suits and masks on days where the temperature was approaching 90 degrees.

It’s not what every contractor would have done, but Better World Builders got certified and follows lead-safe practices. Why? because it protects the health and safety of the customer, crew and the public. And, of course, because it’s the law.

Sealing attic air leaks is the single most important way to prevent ice dams, according to a brochure from the State of Minnesota’s Office of Energy Security. The full text of the brochure is available here.

Does your insulation contractor even mention a blower door test or air-sealing  in their services? Or if they do, do they downplay the importance?

If so, consider another contractor. Call Better World Builders and ask about getting a home energy audit. We use our blower door equipment, smoke pencil and infra-red camera to pinpoint the worst air leaks and then we attack them with a systematic plan. Call 340-9930.

How can you make sure your contractor will perform according to the contract you both signed? Who’s responsible for what?

As of January 1, Minnesota law (Statute 326B.809) requires all licensed contractors to present their customers with performance guidelines for your project. What does does this mean to you? Performance guidelines spell out the responsibility of the contractor and the homeowner in terms of materials and workmanship. The guidelines must state that your project will follow all building codes and that the builder will provide a warranty for their work.

Better World Builders has just finished training on this subject with the Builders Association of Minnesota and is using the BAM-approved building performance guidelines.

Make sure your Duluth contractor offers the trust and reliability that comes with using these important quality standards.