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Winter / Spring 2010
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New Lead Certification Requirements
The EPA has published a new rule called the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RR&P) Rule. The rule applies to renovation projects in housing, child care and school facilities built before 1978 and occupied by children under age 6. The rule requires that a renovation contractor MUST be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices. This rule will affect many people who never before thought about lead hazards or lead poisoning.
Until now, remodelers have been able to sidestep most of the EPA’s lead paint rules — including the pre-renovation education provision in effect since 1999 — as long as they weren’t “abating,” or permanently eliminating, lead-based paint hazards. But now, projects that disturb more than 6 square feet of potentially contaminated surface inside a building or 20 square feet outside will be subject to the EPA’s 2008 Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule. Most of the provisions of the new rule take effect April 22, 2010, when remodelers who work on homes or “child-occupied” businesses (such as schools or daycare centers) built before 1978 will need to be registered with the EPA and undergo certified lead-safety training. Work-practice and record- keeping procedures will also fall under the EPA’s jurisdiction, though the program may actually be run by state agencies. Phase-in of the new rule was launched back in December 2008, when renovators had to start giving property owners and occupants the updated EPA pamphlet “Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools” before beginning. Contractors also have to get signatures from owners or occupants acknowledging receipt of the pamphlet, and notify them in writing of the scope, location, and expected starting and ending dates of the planned project. The new rule is the result of a four-year long EPA study showing that renovation work — including weatherization, window replacement, HVAC modifications, demolition of interior plaster walls, and drilling and sawing into painted wood and plaster — exposes both occupants and workers to the same kind of hazards as lead-paint abatement. And even though painting isn’t considered a renovation or remodeling activity, it too is subject to the new regulations if the surface to be painted is disturbed by sanding, scraping, or other activities that cause dust.
Due to the lack of detail in the law, training programs and lack of agency support to contractors at both the Federal and State levels, Granite Bluff will not be participating in this program at this time. The law currently leaves contractors wide open to frivilous law suits and offers no protection or recourse for contractors.
Please contact us to discuss wether your house meets the guidlines for needing a Certified Contractor to handle your project.
Click here for more info about this law
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Does Your Deck Need a Facelift?
Spring is right around the corner and before you know it we'll all be planning our summer holidays and family BBQ... is your deck ready? Now is the time to start thinking about what your deck needs to be looking its best for all those summer memories!
And lets not forget about the maintenance aspect. A good-looking deck is also a well maintained deck, which means years of trouble free enjoyment. That nasty sliver, stumble over a loose step or fall from a neglected railing is not the time to think about doing something with that deck. Plus, its money-smart! According to the 2010 Remodeling Cost vs. Value report, a report prepared annually by Hanley Wood of the average percentage of cost recouped for 33 projects in 80 cities nationwide, decks rank near the top in our region with a return of over 70%.
We can meet nearly any budget to make your deck the entertainment capital of the neighborhood. For those on a budget, we offer basic maintenance that can include securing loose decking, steps and handrails; pressure cleaning; staining and sealing; and more! Looking to take that next step? We can give your deck a new surface without replacing the entire deck! It starts with removing the existing deck boards, installing new hardware as needed to make things structurally sound again, and then installing the new decking of your choice. Or for the ultimate backyard experience, we can design a whole new deck that can include amenities such as built-in hot-tubs, pergolas, bench seating, raised flower beds and more!
Give us call today at 608.963.5609 to start planning and have your deck ready so you can relax all summer!
Visit our Evergrain page for more deck ideas!
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We feature EverGrain composite decking
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Time for Spring Chores!
Spring is upon us and its time for those Spring chores. Here is a checklist of things to get ready for and tips to make those chores a little easier.
Exterior:
-Schedule a family garage clean-out. Shelves and hooks are inexpensive and efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment, recreational vehicles, and garden tools. You'll have the jump on summer fun!
-Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture. Many cleaners are as simple as spraying them on and hosing them off!
-Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles.
-Arrange for any needed repairs early; roofing contractors can be hard to find during summer's construction season.
-Use a sunny Saturday to scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on trim or woodwork. You'll protect wood against Summer's heat and moisture--and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.
-Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn. New growth will be protected from damage or disease.
-Begin major Spring landscaping projects. Spring's the time to put in shrubs and trees, but check with your local garden center for specific planting recommendations for your area.
Inside:
-Changing seasons means changing clothes. Hold a family wardrobe check as you bring out warm-weather clothing. Sort winter clothing for discards and donations before you store.
-Hold a garage sale! Declutter house and garage to turn trash into cash.
Pick a weekend and enlist the family for Spring cleaning. Many hands make light work! Reward the team with dinner at a pizza parlor.
-Wash windows inside and out. Old newspapers work great for streakfree windows….plus your re-using!!
-While at the window area, check drapes and window treatments. Vacuum any dust; send dirtier drapes to the cleaners.
-Move furniture and vacuum beneath it.
-Arrange for a spring inspection of cooling systems. Don't wait for the first hot day! Air conditioning contractors will give better service when they're not busy.
When the weather warms, deactivate heat system humidifiers. Check the system manual for instructions on how to power down for the summer.
-Drain sediment from hot water heaters.
We can handle your Spring checklists for you!
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Join us on Facebook
Granite Bluff is now on Facebook. Stop by and join us, we are making changes all the time. We'd love to feature your project in our gallery. Drop us a note and we'll add your project right away... and if we don't have photos of it we'll arrange to stop by and take some.
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Visit us here!
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Are You Ready for Spring Break?
Spring Break is near and we want everyone to celebrate the end of winter! Here are some tips to keep it safe and have fun.
Planning
- Pack Smart – Pack light and simple, bringing as few valuables as possible. Nobody in Aruba cares about your Prada flip-flops, so why bring them? Consider packing inexpensive alternatives to your daily items (sunglasses, clothes, jewelry, bags) so that if you do happen to lose them, it’s no great loss. Must bring items include: cell phone, identification, health insurance information, contact numbers, medication and for Spring Break beach trips, sunscreen (and lots of it). You might also consider packing a simple first aid kit.
- Broadcast Your Whereabouts – Short of implanting a tracking device, you should do as much as you can to let people know where you are at all times. Make sure someone back home has your contact information, contact information for every place your going to be, and as much of your itinerary as you can pre-plan. Also provide contact information for others in your group.
- Money Safety – Preplan your expenses, and don’t bring more than you think you need. Traveler’s checks are smarter than cash, and all plastic should be locked up whenever you don’t plan to use it in the immediate future.
- Customs – If traveling to a foreign country, familiarize yourself with the customs laws, including necessary identification and other border crossing-regulations.
- Home Security – If you’re leaving your home completely empty, practice some basic safety. Turn off all appliances, unplug everything (saves you on your electric bill, too), lock it up tight, and only give someone you completely trust the responsibility of feeding your pets.
Health Safety
- Sunscreen – The sun is an unfeeling monster that knows only suffering. Avoid it with the regular and ample application of sunscreen, SPF 15 is a bare minimum. If swimming, be sure to use water-resistant sun block, reapplied often. Remember that you can get sunburned even while over it’s overcast, so there’s no excuse not to use sunscreen. It’s not just for Spring Break beach vacations either. The sun is everywhere, so lather up before going out.
- Drink Lots of Water – Many Americans, especially those from northern states, tend to underestimate the danger of dehydration, but it can sneak up on you fast. Force yourself to hydrate regularly, even when you don’t feel thirsty. Also be sure to…
- …Drink Bottled Water – When traveling out of the country, never drink local water.
- Take It Slow with the Alcohol – According to a report by the Department of Public Safety, 98% of people injured during Spring Break activities are intoxicated. If you’re of age, then you have every right, but please proceed responsibly for the safety of yourself and others.
Behavior
- Water Safety – Riptides can condemn you to the briny deep faster than cement shoes, so never swim alone. If possible, only swim when a life guard is on duty. Never swim under the influence of alcohol. Obey all beach advisory warnings. Also, never pilot a boat while intoxicated.
- Club/Bar Etiquette – Always be aware of your surroundings, police your drink carefully and never accept a drink from a stranger lest there be dragons lurking in the glass. Be mindful of your possessions at all times. Most crimes against young adult Spring Breakers originate at the club.
- The Airport Rule – Never leave your bags unattended in a public place, and never try to transport something into the country for someone else, whether you think it is illegal or not.
- Have Fun – And that’s not an option!
Follow these Spring Break safety tips and we’re sure you’ll come back home with a full supply of valuable memories and not an insurance claim.
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Free Credit Card Processing*
Any project less than $10,000 and contracted before March 30, 2010 will have all credit card processing fees waived!
Only amounts less than $10,000 qualify. See website for credit card policy.
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