Further, “tile” unless painted, does not constitute a “painted surface” and would not be part of this rule either.

Who taught your class?

At the least the lead rule will be a challenge. Its already proven to be a divisive subject.

The reporting of non compliant contractors is tricky business and something that should be discussed as a group, my feelings about that are too strong to see clear on whether I can do that or not.

Last night I talked to a friend from the Remodelers Council, his daughter and mine are best friends, he also said he will not comply, citing government bull**** and blah, blah. I couldn’t turn this guy in, so how could I turn in JoeBob who I don’t know and not turn in JimBob who I do know.

I don’t like having this as a choice.

Our company is prepping for LEAD certification shortly. While we want to comply with any mandated licensing and safety laws, I agree with your conclusions that many if not most homeowners will try to get around them by hiring an uncertified contractor. We see it all the time in our market, Philadelphia. I even get calls from buyers who want us to skip permits or similar. Imagine!

The only way to avoid this is with enforcement from the city and state. Personally I will be putting my phone on speed dial to our local L&I to report noncompliant projects I may see when I am driving around to our many projects. I hope other compliant contractors do to.

We have seen that when the city and real estate agents get behind efficiency standards for city sale homes, the market is interested in these “cafe’ standard” properties. They will even pay a little more for a home thats safer and cheaper to run.

The same can happen for lead safety standards and licensing IF the state, professionals like realtors and big box outlets, city etc. all support these new standards we are meant to comply with.

Keep sending these tales from the front lines and thanks again.