The new EPA regulation on lead paint is now said to be more expensive and more cumbersome to comply with than they envisioned. it is described by the Chair of the NAHB Remodelers as "a classic case of good intentions resulting in unintended consequences." Doesn't that summarize most everything the government tries to do. They don't look at the bigger picture. They don't look at all the ramifications. They don't run out the scenarios. Are we surprised?
Then, it is thought that the intent of the rule will be largely circumvented as homeowners opt to not employ EPA-certified contractors because of the cost and do the work themeselves or not do it at all.
This was a bad rule from the moment it was first considered. NAHB is lobbying to have the opt-out provision put back in - again effectively bypassing the rule by having everyone opt out of it. By the way, where is NAR on this since new homes are not impacted anyway?
Whenever government dreams up another rule we can be sure that it will have unintended consequences, that it will be more expensive that they project, and that it will be unnecessary in the first place.
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Steve Hoffacker - Consultant, Coach, Author, Blogger, Photographer, Motivator, Teacher, & Strategist - for Realtors, Real Estate Sales Professionals, Home Builders, New Home Salespeople, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, and Independent Sales Representatives.
© Steve Hoffacker, 2010. All Rights Reserved.
HA HA HA this is funny . . . they should have read our posts about this very thing when the new and improved rules came out. We could have told them how stupid and expensive it was going to be. No one bothers to ask us. And you know how many articles I've read about a homeowners being poisoined by lead? ZERO!! How many articles have I read about the "fear" of lead based paint -- and there hasn't been lead in paint for over 30 years -- DOZENS!
We are SO conformist, and we allow the hyperbole and alarmists to control our SANITY!! Chicken Little -- the Sky is Falling. That sickens me more than lead based paint does, or will ever! We allow government to enforce . . . rules on removing paint from a home built in 1978 or prior solely based on a non-issue?!?!? GET THEM OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!
Carla,
Fabulous response. Thank you! :)
Steve
Steve I am glad I stopped by - now I understand how Carla really feels, but I'm not surprised - she's a businesswoman
These clowns need to actually talk to people that know what they are talking about rather than the people that give them the most blood money.
Steve
With all the priorities in the country today were should lead paint be on the list. Washington is out of step with the real needs of the country.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Steve.. I knew this was coming. I know a contractor that went to a class for this. He just shook his head at the end in disbelieve it has gotten this bad.
Karen,
Thank you. We are all businesspeople and excessive and meaningless regulations impact all of us. :)
Steve
Lane,
Nice idea but don't look for it to happen anytime soon. :)
Steve
Lou,
Since you put it that way, I'd say it doesn't even make the list. Thanks. :)
Steve
Valerie,
And it can and will only get worse. This rule needs to be repealed. :)
Steve
Steve classic. Big government only works in fantasy land once again. Aren't you tired of academia getting in the way of people who actually live it?
NOoooooo * I've got my white suit, spent my $350 and a DAY OF MY LIFE, got the book and my cleaning guide - I want to go CERTIFY some LEAD RENNOVATION WORK!!!
Everybody talks about Swiffer being recommended. THEY should have underwritten the course. Glad I have not put in to the EPA for my co certification!
I think, especially in a down economy, that this is one of the stupidist rules I have ever seen any government/administration put into place.
John,
I'm tired of bureaucrats writing rules withour any basis in reality. :)
Steve
Wallace,
I immediately thought of you as I wrote this post. :)
Steve
Steve,
There will be more until we change horses and get real conservative leadership. :)
Steve