Friday, November 20, 2009

Lead Paint- Was Your Home Built Before 1978?

The EPA is in the process of enacting new regulations regarding lead paint and the remodeling of homes bulit before 1978. It has long been known that young children should not be exposed to lead paint. Paint in older homes is a common source of lead paint exposure.

In about six months, new lead paint regulations will be going into effect. Grand Bay Building & Remodeling is following this issue very closely as it will effect remodeling work that we do on pre 1978 homes. This new regulation will apply to disturbed areas of more than 6 square feet of interior painted surface or 20 square feet of exterior surface- pretty much any remodeling project done on a pre 1978 home.

We know that remodelers will be required to use lead-safe work practices as defined by the Lead Renovation,Repair and Painting Program Rule. So,in the next few months,Grand Bay Building & Remodeling will have someone on staff becoming certified by an EPA-certified trainer.

Estimates for how much this will add to the cost of the average project are not yet determined. We in the industry will have a better understanding of the requirements once we are certified. Then, the remodelers and trade associates will be able to determine the economic impact of the regulation for the consumer.

Once the rules are proposed, they will be posted at www.epa.gov and open for public comment before becoming final.

I'm sure we will be hearing more about the lead paint issue in the coming months,
Nancy Lisabeth, Grand Bay Building & Remodeling in Traverse City, MI 231 995 9057

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Tax Credits For Nearly 70% of New Home Buyers With New Law

What great news for both new home buyers and the construction industry. When the President signed the tax credit extension on Nov 6th, he certainly gave the housing industry a shot in the arm.

It's been estimated that nearly 70% of all potential home buyers should qualify for some type of credit. It's now available for move-up buyers, move-down buyers and those who have previously owned a home.

As recently stated in an erelease by the NAHB: "A leading source of consumer information on the tax credit is NAHB's Web site at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com, which saw a huge increase in visits in the days after the new law was signed. It provides basic information about the first-time and repeat buyer credits, detailed question and answer sections, and links to additional home-buying resources for consumers.

NAHB estimates that the home buyer tax credit will create 211,000 jobs and generate 180,000 additional home sales in the coming year. It is also expected to generate $9.6 billion in wage income and $6.9 billion in federal, state and local taxes."

I think that this recreation of jobs which have been lost will be a strong beginning for the resurgence of an industry which means so much to the national economy.
Nancy Lisabeth - Grand Bay Building and Remodeling LLC

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Update on Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension

Good news! The extension has passed 2 votes by a huge margin and will now face a final vote- late Thursday Nov 5th. Then- it's on its way to the House and the President's desk.

This extension appears to be an expanded version of the first credit. The proposal will provide the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and up to $6500 for move-up buyers who have been in their current principal residence at least 5 years. Incomes should be adjusted as well increasing to $125,000 for an individual and $225,000 for couples filing jointly.

This would be great news for the home construction industry as it begins to recover. As we have come to know- HOUSING equals JOBS!! and the country could sure use more of those.

Contact your Senator to voice your support of the Tax Credit Extension- by Nancy Lisabeth, Grand Bay Builders ph. 231 995 9057