I wanted to quickly point out an article I wrote this week over at HCI. Next month new Lead Paint laws going into effect that will make a major impact on home renovations and remodeling. The new Lead Paint Law for 2010 will require extra scrutiny for homes that were built prior to 1978.
Home built prior to 1978 are at a high risk for lead paint contamination. Because of that the government has decided to require that any remodeling or renovation project that disturbs more than 6 square feet on the interior or 20 square feet on the exterior be tested for lead paint. If the house tests positive you must hire a certified contractor for the work. There are a few exceptions and you can read more about them on our other site on our Lead Paint Law 2010 article.
Contractors will definitely want to make sure to protect themselves in their contracts(as much as possible anyways). A litagation attorney suggested making clauses that address the lead law and prove your certifications to the company or homeowner. General contractors may want to have clauses to ensure their subs would be the ones paying for their defense, should any claims be made due to their work on a project.