Last week we received 6 calls from homeowners in Mass regarding contractors' RRP License and Certification. Five calls were women and one was a man. The callers asked a lot of questions about the Mass RRP License and then asked us to look up their certification. We referred them to the state lead license list so they could confirm the information officially. In addition we gave the number to call a DOS RRP official just in case they needed to talk to someone from the state.
Unlicensed (RRP) Mass Contractor Loses $60,000 kitchen project.
Three weeks ago a contractor called me freaking out that he needed his Mass Lead Safe Renovation Contractor License as a condition to win a $60,000.00 kitchen job. He was RRP trained last spring and like many contractors did not send in his EPA Certified Firm Application. He has employees and needs to send in an OSHA Written Respirator and Worker Safety Plan to qualify for the Mass Lead license. Since he was not listed on the Mass License list he lost the kitchen job. Ouch!
Homeowners, looking for the cheapest price are hiring illegal contractors at an alarming rate. Homeowners read and listen to the news and think that they can beat up any contractor to get a cheap price. Consumers are more inclined today to take a chance on the lowest price (which comes with the risk that the contractor is not playing by the rules) due to our current economic climate. They are willing to believe the cheap price will still get them a great job from desperate contractors.
Will the increased costs of remodeling, due to the EPA RRP Lead Rule, lead to lower real estate values for homes with lead?
This weekend, The Contractor Coaching Partnership will be conducting two seminars on the EPA RRP Lead Rule for homeowners at the Worcester, Massachusetts DCU Spring Home Show. I am scheduled to present these seminars at 12:30 PM on Saturday 12/13 and Sunday 12/14.