Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Lake Home Construction Photos: Near Mt. Sunapee NH


Construction is ongoing on our lakefront vacation home being built in Blodgett’s Landing, Newbury, NH, right near Mt. Sunapee, a tear down project replacing a small, worn-out cottage.


It sure is cold after our nor’easter (Newbury received 14” of new snow), but the crew has a weather-tight shell and temporary heat to help. The site is very tight, with neighboring houses on either side, which can hamper snow removal efforts, but so far has not been an issue.


Interior framing, plumbing, and electrical is ongoing.  Check back for progress photos!




Thursday, December 16, 2010

Ten Reasons for Shopping Locally - New London, NH

Here is a re-print an article by Jessie Levine, New London NH’s town administrator on the benefits of shopping locally. To read Levine’s entire article (12/7/2010) titled “Budget Update & Shopping Locally,” visit the New London town website.

By Jessie Levine

You may have noticed that we have some new residents in New London, as the nutcracker soldiers began showing up around town early last week. The nutcrackers are the brainchildren of Destination New London, a group of local businesses working together to encourage people to shop locally this holiday season (and always). I thought I’d take this opportunity to remind everyone why I think shopping locally is important to New London.

Protect Local Character and Prosperity: By supporting locally-owned businesses, you maintain our unique and wonderful community. Our local businesses are here for us – let’s shop here for them!
  1. Enhance Community Well-Being: Locally-owned businesses are good neighbors and contribute to local causes. If we don’t support our local businesses, they will not be here to support our special events, golf tournaments, raffle fundraisers, etc.
  2. Encourage Local Decision Making: Local ownership means that decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions. Local businesses are caring and responsive to our needs.
  3. Keep Dollars in the Local Economy: Dollars spent in locally-owned businesses have three times the impact on the community as dollars spent at national chains. Money spent in catalogs, on-line or in destination shopping centers does not come back to support our local economy.
  4. Create Jobs and Improve Wages: Shopping locally creates jobs and promotes community development. Locally-owned businesses create local jobs with better wages and benefits.
  5. Support Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship fuels our economy and elevates our families. Empty store fronts do not.
  6. Reduce Public Costs: Local stores in town centers require less infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services than big box stores and shopping malls do.
  7. Advance Environmental Sustainability: Local stores help sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers, which reduce sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution. Save gas – shop here!
  8. Increase Competition: A competitive marketplace of small businesses ensures innovation and low prices. A rising tide raises all ships.
  9. Encourage Product Diversity: A multitude of small businesses selecting products based on the needs of local customers guarantees a broader range of product choices.
Why would you want to deal with Route 12A traffic, anyway? West Lebanon could really use a few roundabouts…

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Remodeling a House with Fire Damage


One of our projects is for a new two-story addition and remodel to a home damaged by fire last year in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Thankfully the fire was contained and only one wing was lost.  


Our architects are working directly with our clients to design the addition to closely match the existing house while taking advantage of the opportunity to make updates to the floor plan.



The ground floor in the new wing has an open kitchen and generous pantry, as well as a breakfast nook overlooking a three season porch.  A new two-story tower will conveniently house a stairway to the second floor Master Bedroom and a sitting area above the porch below.


To see other work by our residential architects, visit our online portfolio.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Vermont Custom Cabinetry

Are you building a new home?  If so, you know the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house.  Picking cabinetry is one of the bigger decisions you'll make.  We’ve been introduced to Vermont Custom Cabinetry – and if you haven’t seen their beautiful cabinetry, you should plan to visit one of their showrooms.

As you would expect, Vermont Custom Cabinetry hand-selects their woods for color and quality, then cuts and assembles each component to meet the specific requirements of your project. Each piece is hand-finished to your taste and carefully blanket-wrapped for delivery and installation in your home.

Let’s face it:  you want your cabinetry to be as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.  Vermont Custom Cabinetry creates exciting designs with specialty features and accessories to make your life easier and to complement any room, style or décor. They have a wide array of racks, dividers, pull-outs, shelves, lazy susans and more to accommodate all your work and storage needs.


Beaded Inset
Flush Inset
Frameless














Of course you want quality. One of Vermont Custom Cabinetry’s most important assets is their reputation.  They continually upgrade their materials and construction to ensure quality both in aesthetics and construction.


Talk to Bonin Architects about your new home design.  Our staff can guide you through the process of designing a custom home and design each interior space – kitchen, living areas, and private areas such as bedrooms and baths – around your site and your lifestyle.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Marvin Windows Lunch & Learn

Here’s some great information we heard today from AW Hastings representative, Joe Orsino, about Marvin:

Design flexibility and custom options:  Choose from seven interior wood species, nineteen clad colors, multiple glass and hardware options.  They also have limitless divided lite patterns.


Performance:  Marvin windows and doors resist the most extreme elements.  Each window is crafted with real wood throughout, and the exteriors feature extruded aluminum cladding, which is stronger than roll-form aluminum. 

Energy Efficiency:  All Marvin products meet or exceed federal ENERGY STAR® guidelines and a variety of energy-efficient glass options to meet any need.

Delivery details:  They pay attention to builders’ suggestions in packing and delivering their windows and doors.  For instance, doors are delivered with handles on the side, making it easy for builders to unload.  Another detail you will appreciate:  window hardware mechanisms come attached to the windows so they don’t get lost on site!

Green homes start with green home design.  Call Bonin Architects to see how we can help you design an energy efficient home that will reduce your heating and cooling costs!

Friday, October 22, 2010

NH Lakefront Cottage Renovation

One of our recently completed projects is the renovation of a lakefront cottage on Pleasant Lake, New London, New Hampshire.


The property was subdivided and had originally had two cabins on it. A cabin on “The Point” was torn down to open up the lake view from the other cottage. Some of its materials were salvaged for use in the main cottage renovation.


The new cottage serves as a three-season entertainment area for family and friends with lakeside access and wonderful seasonal views.


Master Planning of the lot for a future primary residence was also completed, accounting for CSPA lot coverage, setbacks and storm water management.



Photos by Great Island Photography, LLC

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Lake Sunapee Home

One of our latest designs is a Lake Sunapee home  for an older couple, their children, and grandchildren.  The cottage style home fits in nicely with the architecture around the lake.


Goals of the home are energy efficiency, one floor living for the parents, and well-designed common and private areas for each family.


The project is in the design development stage, where we determine spatial requirements and accurate dimensions for rooms and areas, as well as outdoor space for entertaining.  Broad material choices are being made in this stage of the home design.  One or more meetings will be dedicated solely to the kitchen design to choose appliances and their location, cabinets, flooring, counters, and special requirements for the owners.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Kim Bonin, Bonin Architects, Receives BNI Award

September 16, 2010:

Kimberly Bonin, of Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC, New London, was named the Member of the Year of the Lake Sunapee Region Business Network International Chapter.



The Member of the Year Award recognizes a BNI member for their attitude, attendance, quality of referrals, and contribution to the growth of the chapter. Bonin was presented with the award at the BNI Regional Conference awards dinner in Portsmouth. Almost 200 members were present to honor directors and members from New Hampshire, Maine, and Western Massachusetts at the Regional Conference.


"Kim was selected unanimously by the members for this recognition and we congratulate her on this most deserved honor. By developing meaningful relationships with our local quality business professionals, she has earned the distinction of passing the most referrals which generated much valuable business to chapter members in a stalled economy. These relationships have proven to be a real asset to us all as she has successfully matched the wants and needs of her clients and friends with skilled professional vendors who have excellent reputations in the community,” said Deane Geddes, of Country Houses Real Estate and President of the Lake Sunapee Region BNI Chapter.


About Kimberly Bonin:


Kimberly Bonin is a Principal Partner and Project Manager of Bonin Architects & Associates, a national architectural firm licensed in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. In addition to the Lake Sunapee Region BNI where she serves as a Visitor Host, Kim is a member of the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce, the Timber Framers Guild, and ParentLinks, a support group for parents who have children with Autism or Social Cognitive Issues.


About BNI


Started in January 1985 by Dr. Ivan R. Misner, Founder & CEO of Business Network International., BNI provides a positive, supportive, and structured environment for men and women to further their business through word of mouth marketing.


Photo: Deb Johnson, Ledyard National Bank; Jeremy Bonin & Kimberly Bonin, Bonin Architects; Cathy Murray, Ledyard National Bank; Jackie Lampiasi, Bonin Architects





Wednesday, September 8, 2010

The Future of Green Building

For leaders of the green building industry, standards are weaved throughout the mission of the company. The leaders in green building and sustainable construction have been incorporating green components into their designs for years, before the green building movement emerged on the scene.

Construction Digital spoke with experts from McCarthy Building Companies, GreenStreet and Bonin Architects and Associates to discover the latest trends in green building, the factors driving sustainability and the effect that green building has on the overall construction industry in an article titled "The Leaders Shaping the Expansion of Green Building".



Look for the full article at Construction Digital online.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Architect Services: Site Assessment

Site assessments by an architect are useful for many reasons: The architect:

     1. Reviews the condition and characteristics of the site;
 
     2. Analyzes the site location, driveway access, and makes notes about views;


     3. Studies and notes the solar access, prevailing winds, vegetation and natural features;


     4. Considers any special considerations (Shoreland Protection, land use, etc.)

If you own land and are planning to build a home in the Dartmouth Lake Sunapee region, contact Bonin Architects for a free one-hour consultation in our office or at your site to answer any questions your might have about the design and building process.

Or, attend our next Open House and Q&A with local green building experts on Saturday, September 18th at a Lake Sunapee custom home. For more details, look for our upcoming events.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Construction & Demolition Materials

If you are planning a construction or remodeling project, there are a number of things you can do before you start:



     1.  Contact your local builder's association, your county solid waste department, or your state environmental agency. They will provide information on recyclers and waste haulers in your area.


     2.  Consider whether deconstruction techniques can be used to prepare your site for renovation or construction. In some communities, deconstruction auctions are being effectively used to move building materials into the reuse market.


     3.  Check with local salvagers before purchasing new products. You might be surprised to find that many of them offer cabinets, doors, windows, and flooring that are in good condition for greatly reduced prices.


     4.  Reuse, and Recycling of Demolition Waste (PDF). This document can assist users in determining the most feasible methods for reducing C&D debris being disposed of in landfills.


     5.  Donate the C&D materials that you are not planning to use to a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.

     6.  Consult the Field Guide for Residential Remodelers. This field guide prepared by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center provides remodelers with information on cost-effective and voluntary construction waste management. The Remodeler's Field Guide addresses the unique aspects of remodeling, including differences in waste generation and site and work characteristics.

          Introduction (PDF)
          Remodeler's Field Guide (PDF)

  7.  To reduce lead hazards check EPA resources on Remodeling or Renovating a Home with Lead-Based Paint.


Source: www.epa.gov


Tuesday, July 27, 2010

ENERGY STAR Home

Any home three stories or less can earn the ENERGY STAR label if it has been verified to meet EPA's guidelines.

Energy Star Homes are typically 20-30% more energy efficient than standard homes – why?  Energy Star homes incorporate these eco friendly features:

1. Effective Insulation
2. High-Performance Windows
3. Tight Construction and Ducts
4. Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
5. Efficient Products
6. Third-Party Verification

The benefits of building an energy efficient home are plenty:

LOWER OWNERSHIP COST
Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating-delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings.

Over the average 7 to 8 years you may live in your home, this adds up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Additional savings on maintenance can also be substantial. Financing your home purchase using an energy efficient mortgage can also lead to savings.

BETTER PERFORMANCE
Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. An energy-efficient home helps ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.

SMART INVESTMENT
To date, more than 8,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct more than 1 million ENERGY STAR qualified homes. The trend is clear. By choosing a home with the ENERGY STAR label, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Did you know that your home can be a greater source of pollution than your car? In fact, 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide.

Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. Simply put, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.

Source:  energystar.gov

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Events: Things To Do

Don't miss the 3rd Annual Lakeside Living Expo this weekend at the Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, New Hampshire.  Gilford is located on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, less than 90 minutes away from Boston and the seacoast!



This is the largest Lifestyle Show in New England with over 250 exhibitors in lodges and tents!  Bonin Architects will be exhibiting in Booth #75 in the Lake Winnipesaukee Tent.  Be sure to stop by to say hello! 

Lakeside Living Expo
Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford, NH
July 16-18, 2010
Friday 11-7; Saturday 10-6; Sunday 10-4
Seminars: 1:00 PM each day

While you're there, be sure to sit in on a Seminar on Green Home Design Considerations by NH Architect Jeremy Bonin.  Seminars will be presented all three days at 1:00 PM in the Seminar Room.

The Lakeside Living Expo celebrates lake homes, adirondack furniture & decor, boats and outdoor water sports adventure.  There is something for everyone at this show!






If you are planning to build a new lakefront home or cottage, remodel your existing home on the lake, or add living space with a home addition, one of your first stops should be Bonin Architects' booth!  Kimberly and Jeremy Bonin will answer your questions regarding the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act, building costs, renewable energy (solar and geothermal), and more!

See you there!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Lake Sunapee Open House with Q&A July 10th

It's not too late to register to attend our Free Open House Tour at a custom home near Sunapee Harbor on Lake Sunapee, NH!  Here are the particulars:

Saturday, July 10, 2010
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Custom Home near Lake Sunapee



Whether you're a local or are visiting and thinking of owning a summer home on the Lake, if you are building a new home, adding square footage with an addition, or remodeling a lakefront home or cottage, get answers to your specific questions at this unique Open House! 

Q&A with Green Building Experts
Ask your questions to a local green architect, builder, and realtor!

NH Architect Jeremy Bonin, Custom Homebuilder Everett Pollard, and Local Realtor Dan O'Halloran answer your questions about the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act guidelines (CSPA) and how they may impact your anticipated home design, green building products and cost, reasonable time frames for designing and building a custom home, and more!  Your questions direct the discussion.



Directions to the Custom Home are given to registrants only!
To register, call 603-504-6009

The heat wave will take a break just in time for the weekend!  Sunapee weather for Saturday predicts a high of 79* and a 50% chance of a scattered thunderstorm or two - the perfect weather for being inside enjoying a home tour!  You'll have plenty of time to catch the fireworks in Newbury at the town's Old Home Day after the Open House!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Sustainable Roofing

Sustainable roofing products have come a long way. EcoStar is a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly roofing products, including synthetic slate and synthetic wood shakes. EcoStar’s products fit virtually any steep-slope roofing application, and provide protection against fire, hail, wind and rain.


EcoStar manufactures roofing tiles that are composed of up to 80% recycled post-industrial rubber and plastic. These post-industrial materials consist of waste that includes car bumpers and baby diaper production remnants, preventing these materials from ending up in landfills. Their recycled content creates incredible strength and flexibility, as well as provide long-lasting performance.


EcoStar products come in a variety of colors such as some pictured here, and are also available with extended warranty protection, including a 100 mph warranty and a 50-year transferable Gold Star warranty.


Because of their eco-friendly efficiency, EcoStar products can also significantly contribute toward LEED® credit requirements for your new home.

Photos courtesy of EcoStar.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Composite Decking: Stone Deck

If you are building a new home or adding outdoor living space to your home, here’s an alternative in composite decking you may not have considered: a low maintenance natural stone deck.


With no mortar or grout, StoneDeck combines premium-quality natural slates, granites and quartzite with a high strength composite backing. A fastening matrix connects to the deck frame while interlocking all structural panels in place. The panels and matrix form a structure that is flexible, yet strong enough to support 4,000 pounds per square foot.


StoneDeck can be installed by carpenters, deck or dock builders, and landscape contractors. An homeowner can also install the system with instructions and guidance.


Cracking is not an issue - the surface of the StoneDeck system will not crack. And unlike traditional wood decks, StoneDeck is a permanent surface that does not have the maintenance and deterioration issues associated with wood surfaces. The long-lasting components can handle the harshest climate conditions.

Our builder friend, Everett Pollard of Northcape Design in Sunapee, NH, installed it at his house and absolutely loves it!  Want more information?  Check out their website at http://www.stonedeckwest.com/index.htm.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Home Addition Remodel

Here's one of our latest projects for an addition and renovation of a 1970's contemporary home in New London, NH.



The addition will house a new garage on the basement level and Master Bedroom suite above.



A spiral stair in the Master Bedroom will access the third floor studio.  The renovation includes replacing all of the old glazing with Eagle Windows with Douglas fir frames.  Check back for progress!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Open House: Custom Home, Sunapee NH

Custom Open House with Q&A with Green Building Experts
near Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire
Saturday, July 10, 2010
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The Dartmouth - Lake Sunapee region in New Hampshire is a great four-season resort area to live, work, and raise a family!  Whether you like swimming or skiing, hiking or biking, or any other outdoor hobby, you can find it here. 

If you are thinking of building a home or are purchasing a home in Sunapee, New London, Newbury, or another surrounding town that needs a renovation, call to register to attend our next Open House near Sunapee Harbor on scenic Lake Sunapee!

Not only will you be able to tour a beautiful custom home, you'll be able to interview area green building experts at a Q&A discussion.  Gather your questions and ideas for Green Architect Jeremy Bonin of Bonin Architects & Associates, Custom Builder Everett Pollard of Northcape Design / Build, and Dan O'Halloran of Colby Real Estate!  Ask about:

Green building materials
Local construction costs
Green home design & why it is important
Solar and geothermal heating
Metal roofs vs. asphalt shingles
Shoreland Protection Act guidelines
and more!

Registration for the Open House is required, and the address & directions to the home will be given to registrants only.  Register today by calling Bonin Architects at 603-526-6200!

Looking to relocate here? Watch a video tour of the Lake Sunapee - New London area, created by realtor Dan O'Halloran:

Friday, May 21, 2010

Checklist for Hiring a Builder or Remodeler


You have a home design you love - now it's time to find a builder. Here is great information from the National Association of Home Builders we want to pass on. If you are building a new home or addition, or remodeling your home, use this checklist to help you select a builder to perform the work.
  • Does the builder or remodeler have a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers? 
  • How long have they been in the building business? It usually takes three to five years to establish a financially sound business. Will they be around after the construction is complete to service any warranties?
  • Have you called your local Better Business Bureau? They can alert you to any complaints.
  • Does the builder/remodeler have sufficient workers compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accidents on your premises.
  • Will the builder/remodeler provide you with names of previous customers? Ask them if they would hire the builder/remodeler again.
  • Have you seen the builder/remodelers work, both completed and in progress? Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
  • Are you able to communicate with the builder/remodeler? Remember you will be in close contact with them throughout the construction process and afterward as you live in your new home.
  • Will the builder/remodeler provide you with a complete and clearly written contract? The contract will benefit both of you. Review it carefully.
  • Be cautious of unusually low-priced bids. If the builder/remodeler is unable to pay for the materials and labor as the project proceeds, this may indicate a potential problem.

 Your architect can also refer builders in your area and set up interviews to match you with the best builder for can also refer builders in your area and set up interviews to match you with the best builder for your project.

  
Source: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=125965

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Solar Technology: Solar Shingles

Solar Energy is often incorporated into our residential architecture.  Leading the pack in new solar technology is the Dow Chemical Company.


Dow has been developing Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) building materials that enable solar energy cells to be incorporated directly into the design of commercial and residential building materials such as roofing systems, exterior sidings, fascias and more. Dow’s BIPVs make solar power accessible and affordable for homeowners.


From solar product to an experienced solar support team, Dow offers an integrated, seamless solar solution that's intuitive to set up, install, use and maintain. Most importantly, it's backed by decades of innovation and on-the-ground R&D knowledge.

The Dow POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle delivers true building-integrated aesthetics by integrating PV functionality into an asphalt roof-shingle form factor. It utilizes high-efficiency, CIGS-based, PV cells manufactured on a flexible substrate. These cells are laminated and subsequently over-molded into the final shingle design using conventional materials and polymer processing methods. Dow's groundbreaking technology integrates low-cost thin-film photovoltaic cells into a roofing shingle design, which represents a multi-functional solar module. The innovative product design reduces installation costs because the conventional roofing shingles and solar generating shingles are installed simultaneously.


The DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle was named one of the "50 Best Inventions of 2009" by Time magazine, and is expected to be available in 2011.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Protect the Environment: Pick 5

Being green architects, we are very concerned about our ecosystem as a whole.  All of us working together can make a huge difference in protecting the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a new “Pick 5” program designed to identify areas of improvement and take action. The object is to look at the list and pick five things you can implement in your daily life.

1. Use less water! Take showers instead of baths, fix leaks, and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. And buy efficient fixtures by looking for the WaterSense label.

2. Commute without polluting! Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs.

3. Save electricity! Do a home energy audit, get programmable thermostats, buy Energy Star products, turn stuff off when you’re done, and change your bulbs to compact fluorescents.

4. Reduce, reuse, recycle! Try to find products with less packaging, take reusable bags on shopping trips, creatively reuse other products, and recycle what's left.

5. Test your home for radon! Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless gas that can seep into your home and cause lung cancer.

6. Check your local air quality! When you exercise outdoors, use your local air quality forecast to help plan the best time for a workout or run.

7. Use chemicals safely! Read pesticide labels carefully. Lock up pesticides, paints, and cleaners where kids can't reach them.

8. eCycle! Take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to a recycling center. This helps keep hazardous substances out of the landfill.

9. Enjoy the outdoors safely! Find out the quality of beach water from your state office and get the UV Index to protect yourself from the sun.

10. Spread the word! Teach others where you work or go to school. Encourage people to Pick 5 for the Environment!


Of course, this is a short list, feel free to add items you feel you can tackle to improve your local community and personal environment.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Things To Do in NH This Weekend

Planning to build or remodel a home in the Lake Sunapee, NH area?  If so, make plans to attend a special Open House this weekend!  Not only can you tour a beautiful custom home but you can get all of your questions answered about building a home from local green building experts Bonin Architects & Associates, Northcape Design Build, and Colby Real Estate!


Open House with QA
Saturday, May 1st   4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Call for Directions!
Bonin Architects & Associates  603-526-6200

Ask questions about eco friendly homes, green technology, sustainable design, green materials, smart building, and more!  A question-and-answer session will be guided by what you want to know, so bring your ideas and questions!  See you there!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

House renovation: Lead Paint

Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is enforcing new regulations to prevent lead poisoning, and if you are considering a home renovation, this might pertain to you.

By requiring states to administer and enforce Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) programs, the government is taking the lead to remove the dangers of lead in paint, the soil around your home, dust, drinking water, and other places you come in contact with in your daily life. Lead poisoning is nothing to fool around with and can lead to serious health problems in your family and community. For instance:

If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
Damage to the brain and nervous system
Behavior and learning problems, such as hyperactivity
Slowed growth
Hearing problems
Headaches

Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from:
Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
High blood pressure and hypertension
Nerve disorders
Memory and concentration problems
Muscle and joint pain

If you are planning to buy a home built before 1978 and renovate it, read on:

Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.


Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before buying a pre-1978 housing.  Sellers have to disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to ten days to check for lead hazards.

Make sure you hire a Qualified Lead Professional to remodel your home, and be sure to read the EPA’s pamphlet on Renovating a Home Built Before 1978.

Following the guidelines is in your family’s best interest!