Case Offers a Warning For Potential Lead Paint

Bethesda, MD – April 14, 2010 – Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. warns that if you're doing a home renovation project on a house built before 1978, you need to watch out for lead paint on your walls, windows, or doors. Deteriorating lead paint can be hazardous to adults and children who swallow or inhale it, particularly for children under six. Home remodeling activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can disturb existing lead-based paint and create hazardous lead dust and chips.

In 2008, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule requiring certification for contractors performing renovation, repair, and painting projects in homes built before 1978. Starting in April 2010, these contractors, including remodelers, painters, and other specialists, must receive training and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

According to Bruce Case, President of Case Design/Remodeling, "if you are hiring a professional to do work on your pre-1978 home, ask if he or she is trained to perform lead-safe work practices and ask to see a copy of his or her training certificate". "At Case we have taken significant measures including certification training of key team members and purchasing all necessary materials and equipment in anticipation of the April 22nd start date", adds Case. "The safety of our clients and our team is of utmost importance to us".

Before starting work, renovators must also give homeowners an EPA pamphlet explaining the dangers of lead paint. The EPA requirements do not apply to minor maintenance when less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed inside a house or less than 20 square feet outside. However, window replacement is not considered minor maintenance.

If you plan to do your own renovation work on a pre-1978 home, be sure to visit the EPA's website to learn about safe lead practices.

About Case

Founded in 1961 and with offices in Bethesda, MD and Falls Church, VA, Case is the area's largest full-service residential remodeling organization. The multiple award-winning firm continues a long tradition of industry innovation, superior design and excellent remodeling service by offering every client, set-time consultation appointments, security-cleared personnel and an industry-leading 5-year warranty. For more information on Case Design/Remodeling, Inc., please visit www.casedesign.com or call 800-513-2250.