Archive for the ‘Recent News’ Category

Worcester Named One of Top 5 Housing Markets

We all need to hear good news these days when it comes to the economy, and this is the type of thing we need to be spreading the news on!  Worcester was named one of the 5 best housing markets for 2012 by MSN Real Estate. Check out this link to read the full article:  http://realestate.msn.com/january-buying-advice-best-and-worst-markets

With all of us losing value in our homes over the past few years, its good to see the region where we work and live be recognized as a smart place to buy a home.  Only an hour west of Boston, Worcester offers a more affordable housing market than those communities located inside 128 and closer to Boston.  There are many great communities in the Worcester and Central MA area that offer tremendous upside. Such as less traffic and more land/house for your money!

Worcester is the Hub of New England, with easy access to Providence, Boston, Hartford as well as New Hampshire and Vermont.  More and more people will be looking to call this region home. Great communities, great location, and affordability.

Lets go find that nice piece of land to build the house of your dreams!

EPA RRP Certification

Effective April 2010, The EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Law goes into effect.  This law effects any painting, renovation or repair work in homes or child-occupied facilities that disturbs more the 6 square feet of lead-based paint on an interior surface and 20 square feet on the exterior.  Contractors, maintenance professionals, and their employees, must be certified and trained in lead-safe work practices.

As a certified firm, we are required to post warning signs, restrict access to the work areas, prevent dust and debris from spreading to the rest of the home or facility, perform a thorough final clean of the renovated area, and verify that the cleaning was effective.

Barnes Building and Remodeling has been certified to conduct lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting activities in accordance with this new law.

EPA RRP Rule – Effects Remodeling work on Pre-1978 Homes

Effective 4/22/2010, the EPA has issued a new rule related to lead paint called the RRP Rule (Remodel, Renovate and Paint).  This law effects any work being performed on homes built prior to 1978.  It states that any work being performed on a pre-1978 home must be done by a certified renovator – this means that the company hired to do work must be registered with the EPA, and there must be a Certified Renovator (an individual certification) on site performing the work.  For more information on this law, here’s a link to the EPA’s website:

 EPA RRP Website

And for more information to read up on this new rule, check out the following site:

 More about the EPA RRP Rule

This rule is going to have a major impact on the industry.  Homeowners need to be aware of this rule and ensure that any companies hired to perform work on their homes is in compliance.