A client recently reported that he has clogged his prep sink and asked for advice. Personally, I find clogs to be rare if you use your garbage disposal properly while running water through it. ... Read More

The EPA has proposed changes to the Renovation Repair & Painting (RRP) rule. If you think remodeling is expensive now, just wait to find out wh... Read More

The Madison Fire department recently called into questions new building materials saying they can accelerate fire damage after a fire on the far East Side of Madison. See this ... Read More

ban on multiple shower heads as reported by the NAHB. Good or bad? Most of you know us as proponents of wise energy use and Green Building techniques, but it co... Read More

A friend asked me about choosing a replacement air conditioner. He wonders about what SEER rating to choose in order to get best payback ... Read More

... Read More

I am a little late in telling you this, for most of your 2009 taxes. But in case you forgot to claim your ARRA federal tax credit, here is a link that will tell you how. You can always file an amended tax return, or, you may be able to claim credit on your 2010 taxes.Remember the tax... Read More

opt out from Lead Safe Work Practices lead me to post clarification: You need to... Read More

This is the last in our series on Lead-Safe Renovation Practices FAQs. We hope you found these FAQs informative. Q. I want to have some remodeling done on my pre-1978 home. What do I have to do first?A. Give us a call @ 608-84... Read More

What does a general contractor need to know when working with sub‐contractors?A. The person/firm who has the contract with the homeowner to conduct renovation work must be a certified firm and is responsible for all reporting requirements. While it is strongly recommended that all companies involv... Read More

Degnan Design ... Read More

Who can do the testing?A. We work with local testing consultants who are certified to conduct the proper testing for the presence of lead. We can arrange for the testing to be done for you.Please ... Read More

What if I don’t know when my home was built?A. In this case, we must assume that lead-based coatings are present and proceed as though they are. The homeowner can assist us by providing a copy of public records documenting the age of the home such as an Abstract available from the Register ... Read More

Do I need to have my house tested?A. If you are remodeling and your home was built before 1978, test to prove. In 1960’s and 70’s houses, it is beneficial to test because there’s a low chance of having lead present. The hazard of lead is creating dust through disturbing surfaces by means of... Read More

How do I know where the lead problems are in my home?A. Statistics show that from 25% to 86% of pre-1978 homes, depending on when they were built, contain lead-based coatings. In Wisconsin we currently need to use EPA recognized test kits, an XRF (x-ray fluorescence instruments), or paint c... Read More

What if the required work is minor?A. The rule applies to any remodeling done in a pre-1978 home where the work will disturb 6 square feet or more of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or more on the exterior of a home or building.Please ... Read More

They continue to find amazing families with heart-wrenching stories: Kathleen Lutz has an inoperable brain tumor and is the adoptive mother of 6 children with Down Syndrome.I can only wait to see this episode air.... Read More

Will old lead coatings be covered up or removed completely?A. Again, it depends. Items that are being disposed of or that exhibit flaking, chipping, or peeling of the paint or other finish are removed completely from your home. However, if you have lead paint on your walls that is in good c... Read More

Will all lead coatings be removed from my home during the lead-based renovation project?A. Depends on the scope of the project and the degree of lead found in the home. Under the lead-safe renovation rules, we, as lead-Safe Renovators, are required to address only the specific areas within ... Read More

What about my pets, children?A. Pets must be confined to non-containment areas of the house during the renovation period. If pets gained access to the containment area, they could get lead dust on their feet and coats and track it to other areas of the home and yard exposing you and your ch... Read More

What about heavy furniture or other things that cannot be removed from the work area?A. Immovable objects are covered in protective sheeting. This includes such items as furniture, floor/carpet, lamps, televisions, etc.Please ... Read More

What is a containment area?A. Containment is the process of blocking off an area where work is conducted to keep lead-contaminated dust confined to the work area where it can easily be cleaned. Proper containment of the work area helps to limit the area to be cleaned after the job is comple... Read More

Can I have access to the renovation area during the project?A. Unfortunately, that is not an option. The renovation area must be completely contained (closed off) during the renovation work period. The Rules prohibit any person (other than certified lead-safe renovation workers) or animal f... Read More

Will I be able to live in my home while the lead-based renovation work is being done?A. Depends on the scope of the renovation. Basically, follow these guidelines during the renovation project to protect your family or the children (and pets) in your care:Stay out of work area... Read More

Who is considered to be a contractor under the new rule?a. In general, anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, this may include, but is not limited to:– Residential rental property owners/managers– General contr... Read More