It is clear that the new RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) rules from the EPA that went into effect on April 22 are going to add more to your estimate costs than many contractors have thought.
The reality is that the cost of remodeling or repairing any home built before 1978 will increase. I doubt anyone will dispute that fact. Right now, it looks like cost increases of at least $300 to $500 per job. That is the likely reality but reality. The bigger the job, the more it is going to cost.
There are claims by some that too much is being made of the rules, that the jobs won’t change that much so we shouldn’t be going crazy and worrying about the costs. Just keep stuff covered up, bag it, label it and you should be OK. Maybe yes, maybe no.
If you have that mindset, be careful. Go through the required training so you are certified, follow the rules, do what you are supposed to do. Provide the required documentation to all building owners, and document everything you do. It’s going to take time, but consider this.
When the enforcement begins: There will be three agencies enforcing the rules. The EPA, OSHA and the FBI. The fines for non-compliance are substantial ($37,500 for each violation, with an additional $37,500 per violation, or imprisonment, or both, for willful or knowingly violating the law). Don’t take the chance of becoming a target. governmental bureaucrat.
If you want more insight on the RRP rule, the Construction Business Owners group on LinkedIn has had a number of discussions and many of the members are well-trained in the issues. Connect using my LinkedIn profile on the right, we’ll get you into the group.
waynepope