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SAWHORSE
Pay attention to green building code, new lead paint laws
By Rose Meily, for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers
Posted: 05/09/2011 07:34:27 PM PDT
Updated: 05/09/2011 07:34:29 PM PDT
As green building becomes a popular trend in housing, Iris Harrell and Ciro Giammona from Harrell Remodeling have been educating local realty professionals about California's first-in-the-nation green building code (CalGreen), which became law on Jan. 1, and the new lead paint laws, which went into effect April 22, 2010. Realtors can best serve their clients by being knowledgeable about the Green Building Standards Code and its requirements, the CEO and founder of the Mountain View-based company told members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
The Green Building Standards Code requires construction of public and privately-constructed commercial and residential buildings to meet high green and energy-efficient standards, such as reducing water consumption, increasing buildings' efficiencies and diverting construction waste from landfills. Cities can elect to incorporate into their local building standards optional provisions "CALGreen Tier 1" and "CALGreen Tier 2," which include more stringent building practices and features. Giammona, who is president of the remodeling company, said it is important to check with your city requirements before undertaking any construction or remodeling project because the code is different for each town.
"Most of our local communities have adopted checklists to guide homeowners, designers and builders on what measures apply for their projects. While the CalGreen code has its own
checklist, other checklists have been created by the organization Build It Green (Green Point Rated) and the U.S. Green Building Council (LEED--Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)," said Giammona.
Mandatory requirements include reducing indoor potable water use by at least 20 percent below current standards, which affect shower heads, plumbing fixtures, flow restrictions, moisture-sensing irrigation systems for larger landscape areas. Harrell said one homeowner who had purchased plumbing fixtures overseas later found out he could not use the fixtures because they did not meet the code.
Builders are required to recycle or salvage at least 50 percent of construction waste; use low or no volatile organic compound (VOC)-emitting paint, stains or other finish materials and flooring systems; duct openings need to be covered; bath exhaust fans or Energy Star fans and humidistats are required; guard rails need to meet a 42-inch height requirement; Afc1 outlets are required in all additional rooms in the home, not just bedrooms; framing exceeding 19 percent moisture cannot be enclosed, which could cause delay in remodeling or construction.
The new lead paint laws were put into effect to safeguard children from lead exposure. Any remodeling or demolition in housing, childcare facilities or schools constructed in or before 1978 must be done by a contractor who has U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-accredited training and certification as a renovator. In addition, contractors must provide the EPA's Renovate Right pamphlet to residents or facility operators before a remodeling or demolition begins.
Harrell said the new regulations are designed to minimize and contain dust. Contractors are required to perform a lead-safety test on the home and cover the workspace with thick layers of plastic. Harrell said sanding and sawing releases lead, which is not only inhaled, but can also be absorbed in the skin.
The new green building code and lead paint laws will mean higher costs and longer waits for approval, Harrell said. "It may be tempting to take short cuts, but it will cost you in court," she warned.
Violations of the requirements could mean a fine of $37,500 per day. Harrell advised homeowners to pay attention to the green code in their town and observe the federal lead paint law requirements.
http://www.mercurynews.com/saratoga/ci_18028598?nclick_check=1
By Rose Meily, for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers
Posted: 05/09/2011 07:34:27 PM PDT
Updated: 05/09/2011 07:34:29 PM PDT
As green building becomes a popular trend in housing, Iris Harrell and Ciro Giammona from Harrell Remodeling have been educating local realty professionals about California's first-in-the-nation green building code (CalGreen), which became law on Jan. 1, and the new lead paint laws, which went into effect April 22, 2010. Realtors can best serve their clients by being knowledgeable about the Green Building Standards Code and its requirements, the CEO and founder of the Mountain View-based company told members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
The Green Building Standards Code requires construction of public and privately-constructed commercial and residential buildings to meet high green and energy-efficient standards, such as reducing water consumption, increasing buildings' efficiencies and diverting construction waste from landfills. Cities can elect to incorporate into their local building standards optional provisions "CALGreen Tier 1" and "CALGreen Tier 2," which include more stringent building practices and features. Giammona, who is president of the remodeling company, said it is important to check with your city requirements before undertaking any construction or remodeling project because the code is different for each town.
"Most of our local communities have adopted checklists to guide homeowners, designers and builders on what measures apply for their projects. While the CalGreen code has its own
checklist, other checklists have been created by the organization Build It Green (Green Point Rated) and the U.S. Green Building Council (LEED--Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)," said Giammona.
Mandatory requirements include reducing indoor potable water use by at least 20 percent below current standards, which affect shower heads, plumbing fixtures, flow restrictions, moisture-sensing irrigation systems for larger landscape areas. Harrell said one homeowner who had purchased plumbing fixtures overseas later found out he could not use the fixtures because they did not meet the code.
Builders are required to recycle or salvage at least 50 percent of construction waste; use low or no volatile organic compound (VOC)-emitting paint, stains or other finish materials and flooring systems; duct openings need to be covered; bath exhaust fans or Energy Star fans and humidistats are required; guard rails need to meet a 42-inch height requirement; Afc1 outlets are required in all additional rooms in the home, not just bedrooms; framing exceeding 19 percent moisture cannot be enclosed, which could cause delay in remodeling or construction.
The new lead paint laws were put into effect to safeguard children from lead exposure. Any remodeling or demolition in housing, childcare facilities or schools constructed in or before 1978 must be done by a contractor who has U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-accredited training and certification as a renovator. In addition, contractors must provide the EPA's Renovate Right pamphlet to residents or facility operators before a remodeling or demolition begins.
Harrell said the new regulations are designed to minimize and contain dust. Contractors are required to perform a lead-safety test on the home and cover the workspace with thick layers of plastic. Harrell said sanding and sawing releases lead, which is not only inhaled, but can also be absorbed in the skin.
The new green building code and lead paint laws will mean higher costs and longer waits for approval, Harrell said. "It may be tempting to take short cuts, but it will cost you in court," she warned.
Violations of the requirements could mean a fine of $37,500 per day. Harrell advised homeowners to pay attention to the green code in their town and observe the federal lead paint law requirements.
http://www.mercurynews.com/saratoga/ci_18028598?nclick_check=1