EPA Certified Renovator
Beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule is widely considered a “game changer” for the residential remodeling industry. Any company working in a home or child-occupied facility built prior to 1978 must pay to be registered with EPA as a renovation firm. In addition, at least one employee from that company must receive eight hours of training from an EPA-accredited provider, and then pass a test, in order to be a Certified Renovator (CR). A CR will assume responsibility for on-site job supervision, training of other employees, and overseeing work practices, cleaning and cleaning verification of all work in pre-1978 properties. The rules apply with some exceptions to interior work that disturbs 6 square feet of lead-painted surfaces, and 20 square feet or less for exterior surfaces. Consequences for not complying with the RRP can include penalties of up to $32,500 per violation, per day. In addition, EPA may suspend, revoke, or modify a company’s certification. For more information please visit www.EPA.Gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.
Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)
The NAHB Remodelers Council in collaboration with the AARP, NAHB Research Center, and NAHB Seniors Housing Council, developed this program to provide comprehensive, practical, market-specific information about working with older and maturing adults to remodel their homes for aging-in-place. Aging in Place means remaining in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It’s the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years and the ability to enjoy the familiar daily rituals and the special events that enrich all our lives. It means the reassurance of being able to call a house a “home” for a lifetime.
Certified Green Professional
The National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Green Professional™ designation recognizes builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who incorporate green building principles into homes— without driving up the cost of construction. Classwork leading to the designation provides a solid background in green building methods, as well as the tools to reach consumers, from the organization leading the charge to provide market-driven green building solutions to the home building industry.
Certified Graduate Builder
This is the industry’s premier professional designation earned by a select group of 2,000 professional builders nationwide and developed by NAHB. This designation is given to professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence through continued training on a range of topics, including business management, emerging technologies and market trends. When you hire a Certified Graduate Builder you can expect an experienced builder committed to delivering a quality product.