New York Construction Firm Explains How Co-ops & Condos Can Protect Themselves under the New Lead Paint Rule

Arc III Construction Corp., a Brooklyn-based construction firm offering high-end renovation services in the New York area, says that a new federal regulation regarding lead paint has just taken effect for every building built before 1978 and co-ops and condos should take notice.

“Unlike an earlier law regarding lead paint, this one includes apartments and not just common areas,” says Alex Chiesi, president and founder of Arc III Construction Corp. (http://arc3construction.com/), a full service design, remodeling, and construction firm with expertise in the renovation of both condos and co-ops throughout the tri-state region. “Under the new guidelines, any hired professional, from outside contractor to a co-op or condo's super, must have U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead-paint-removal training and certification for any painting, window/door replacement or anything else that disturbs more than six square feet of paint in an apartment.”

According to Chiesi, this doesn’t mean too much trouble for co-op boards, condo boards, and managing agents.

“It really comes down to some small but critical changes in alteration agreements,” says Chiesi, “and sending professionals to an eight-hour class that costs less than $500.”

According to Chiesi, the EPA rule applies to housing constructed before 1978 and excludes housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities, unless any child under age 6 lives there or is expected to. It establishes requirements for training, certifying, and accrediting renovators, renovation firms and dust-sampling technicians. It also addresses renovation work practices and record keeping.

“In this case, renovation is defined as even the simple act of scraping paint or removing carpets if it involves pulling up painted baseboards,” says Chiesi, “but that's only if a professional contractor or handyman is doing the work. The new rule doesn't apply to co-op shareholders or condo unit-owners doing their own renovation, repair or painting.”

Chiesi notes, however, that if a condo or co-op board requires an alteration agreement, then the building could be held liable.

Arc III Construction is a multi-disciplined New York construction management and engineering firm specializing in project planning, risk management, program management, project due diligence, construction management, critical path method scheduling, schedule delay analysis, construction cost estimating, construction claims, quantification of damages, defect evaluation & analysis, and construction training. Incorporated in 1995 as a residential contractor, ARC III Construction has grown to become one of New York City's finest general and finish contractors offering custom furniture, millwork, and high-end renovation services. For more information call 917-547-1728 or visit www. arc3construction.com.

Copyright 2010 dzine it, inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.