Thursday, April 08, 2010

Home Improvement Time

Spring is often the time homeowners embark on home improvement projects. Here are a few new regulations to keep in mind when you start that project:
  • 40 CFR 745. Lead Paint. Under new federal regulations effective April 1, 2010,  "contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination."
  • 527 CMR 10.15  Floor refinishing. Effective June 1, 2010, provides strict new guidelines for floor refinishing.
And if you are preparing your home for sale,
  • 527 CMR 32  Smoke Detectors. Effective April 5, 2010, details new requirements for smoke detectors with which you must comply in order to sell your home.
The Attorney General has a useful consumer guide to home improvement, and we have links to the home improvement contractor law and regulations, as well as helpful forms and websites, at Law About Home Improvement.