On The Beam Remodeling Newsletter
www.onthebeamremodeling.com

July 2008
lisandsteveattownhousesmall   Members of NARI

   National Association of the Remodeling Industry,
   an organization dedicated to becoming the voice of
   the remodeling industry and upholding the highest
   standards and ethics of business and craftsmanship.

   Visit:  www.nari.org. for national information
   Visit:  www.sfbanari.org for local information

  
Lisa and Steve Schliff
Owners, G.C. License #484793  Fully licensed, insured and bonded
*This Newsletter is rated "R" for read.......*
 
Who is important in your life?   What are their plans for the future?  In this issue are some ideas for bringing concepts of the future into your present life.  Remember to e-mail us with your home design and construction questions.

Is My Floor Covering Eco-Friendly?

When it comes to protecting the environment, it appears increasingly difficult and complex to find a purely good product.  Let's take floor coverings as an example.  Cork is drawing attention as a renewable resource that leaves forests intact.  It is soft, warm and quiet, and can be installed with a non-formaldehyde adhesive.  However, it doesn't grow very well in the U.S. and must be shipped across the Atlantic.  Result:  this plucky, resilient material leaves a carbon footprint.

Wool carpeting is another natural fiber floor covering that has minimum impact on the environment.  It is very crush resistant and beautiful.  However, it too must be imported, making it another carbon footprint-producer.

Let's consider one other example:  Recycled Content Synthetic carpeting.  It is made of plastic water bottles, a local material, which diverts billions of pounds from the landfill: Hurray!  It is durable, colorfast, and cleans easily.  However, it has high emissions (emanates gases over time in your home). 

So how do you choose a floor covering?  There are many more than listed above.  Rely on a combination of function and usage in the room; aesthetic appeal; your own commitment to the environment; and your budgetary considerations.

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Getting the Lead Out

We now have a standard for lead-safe work practices when dealing with lead-based paint.   On March 31 of this year, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) issued its final rule to comply with  the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.  Rather than bore you with legalese, we'll share the three key operative words here:  "reliable, effective, and safe."

The rule goes into effect April 22, 2010. One other key date is December 22, 2008. That's when contractors will be required to provide a copy of the EPA's new lead information pamphlet - "Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools" - to owners and tenants of buildings that will undergo renovations that disturb lead-based paint.

Please note:  if your home was built in 1978 or later, you do not need to worry about lead paint.  That is the year lead was taken out of all manufactured paints by law.
 
                                  

 

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In This Issue
Is My Floor Covering Eco-Friendly?
Getting The Lead Out
Free Trip To Our Website
Free Trip To Our Website Here!
Allen Romano
....and take a tour of Remodel Dreamland in our Photo Gallery. 
...experience our PR adventures in Press...
...Get some remodeling  savvy in Free Tips For Homeowner.

On The Beam
 
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Steve and Lisa Schliff
On The Beam Remodeling, Inc.
855 Marina Bay Parkway, Suite 28
Richmond, California  94804
phone: (510) 412-9964
fax:      (510) 412-4750
General Contractor's License # 484793
[email protected]

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