Deck & Porch Safety Tips

As summer approaches, we are urging homeowners to take the time to check outdoor areas for potential safety hazards. Proper inspections now can help to keep you family and friends safe in the future.


Porches can be at risk of collapsing if they are not properly constructed or if they are old. Your community has building codes in place that homeowners must follow when building or repairing porches. 

A common safety hazard occurs when porches are nailed to buildings rather than being attached with the proper anchors or bolts. Nails are a poor method for attaching porches to buildings because they work their way loose over time.
 
Other safety hazards to look for include:

• Split or rotting wood
• Wobbly handrails or guardrails
• Loose, missing, or rusting anchors, nails and screws
• Poor end support of the porch deck, joists or girders
• Excessive movement of the porch when walked on and swaying or unstable porches.
  

Building or repairing to your communities codes, which requires a building permit and an inspection, will help ensure that the porch is safe.
 

Your local building code officials, along with the New River Valley Home Builders Association work hard every day to ensure that your homes are sound and secure. Taking some time now to make sure the outside of your home is safe will make a more enjoyable summer for everyone.

Outdoor Safety Tips

As summer approaches, homeowners need to take the time to check their outdoor areas for potential safety hazards. While most people know that pools are a safety hazard for kids, there are lot more things to watch out for in your back yard, like barbecues and grills, lawn equipment and toys. Find out whether local building codes require childproof fences and gates around pools and plan accordingly.

Check out this list of zero to low cost steps that can help to keep your loved ones safe outdoors this summer:

• Practice constant, adult supervision around any body of water, including pools and spas.
• If you’re considering a swimming pool purchase, contact your local Building Department first to determine exactly what permits are needed and what requirements you must follow.
• In-ground and above-ground pools, including inflatable pools holding more than 24 inches of water, must be surrounded by a fence or other barrier at least four feet high. Any gates in the fence must be self-closing and self-latching.
• Designate the grilling area a "No Play Zone" and keep kids and pets well away until grill equipment is completely cool.
• Check propane cylinder hoses for leaks before use. (Source: USFA)
• Do not move hot grills.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going. (Source: USFA)
• Dispose of charcoal properly, keeping ash containers outside and away from combustible construction.
• Place the grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Your jurisdiction Fire Code prohibits the use of charcoal and gas grills and other open burning devices on combustible porches or within 10 feet of combustible construction. There are exceptions for one- and two-family homes and where buildings and porches are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
• Don't leave toys, tools and equipment in the yard.
• Reserve a spot on a wall or fence near the pool for lifesaving devices.
• Keep steps, sidewalks and patios in good repair.
• A common safety hazard occurs when porches are nailed to buildings rather than being attached with the proper anchors or bolts. Nails are a poor method for attaching porches to buildings because they work their way loose over time.
• Check all swings, slides, playhouses and other structures for sharp objects, rusty metal pieces, breaks or weakened support pieces.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

Courtesy of the International Code Council

Pool Safety Tips

Summer is right around the corner, and that means time for some fun in the sun, pool-side. Did you know that pool accidents are the second leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of 5? Check out our list of zero to low cost pool safety measures to help keep your loved ones safe this summer.

Fire Safety 101

Each year, fires take lives and burn numerous structures resulting in mounting costs that have enormous impact on families, communities and businesses. Fires also have devastating impacts on the environment and wildlife. Below is a list of zero and low cost safety precaution measures you can take to protect your home and workplace:

Candles

• Ensure candles are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down. Most importantly, keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. (Source: USFA)
• Never leave the house with candles burning and never leave burning candles unattended. (Source: USFA)

Electrical

• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring. (Source: USFA)
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord. (Source: USFA)
• When buying electrical appliances look for products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). (Source: USFA)

 Gas

• When lighting a gas fireplace or gas space heater, strike your match first, then turn on the gas. (Source: NFPA)
• Never use a gas range as a substitute for a furnace or space heater. (Source: NFPA)

 Install

• Purchase an ABC type extinguisher for extinguishing all types of fires. Fire extinguishers should be mounted in the kitchen, garage, and workshop and should only be used on small fires. If there is a large fire, get out immediately and call 911. (Source: NFPA)
• Smoke alarms should be installed in each sleeping room/bedroom, outside of sleeping rooms/bedrooms and on each level of your house. Make sure to test your smoke alarms each month and change the batteries at least once a year.

Additional Tips

• Cooking equipment is also the leading cause of unreported fires and associated injuries. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. (Source: USFA)
• Plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire. (USFA)
• Over half (55%) of home candle fires start because the candle is too close to some combustible material. If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down. (USFA)

Courtesy of the International Code Council

May is National Building Safety Month!

Three decades ago a group of building officials started raising safety code awareness after a series of tragedies caused needless deaths and injuries. Countless accidents still occur in homes across the country and around the world where codes are poorly understood and used improperly. This year, four core themes will be highlighted throughout the month of May to mark the 30th anniversary of the International Code Council's (ICC) National Building Safety Month.

Week One: Energy and Green Building. Spotlighting the latest advancements in sustainable design and greed building

Week Two: Disaster Safety and Mitigation. Raising awareness about how to prepare for a natural disaster and take action when one strikes

Week Three: Fire Safety and Awareness. Protecting our homes and workplaces with essential safety precaution measures

Week Four: Backyard Safety. Keeping kids safe at play

Update Your Home Safely with a Certified Remodeler

You’ve made the decision to finally remodel the outdated kitchen and living room of your home. But if you live in a house built before 1978, a new federal law regulating the removal of lead paint may affect your home remodeling project.  
 
In 1978, the use of lead paint was officially banned from residential construction. Before that, however, lead paint was used in more than 38 million homes, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

What are the Dangers of Lead Paint?
During a renovation or remodel, dust from lead paint removal can fill the air and be breathed in or small children could ingest lead paint chips that fall from the wall. For young children, lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, hearing loss and behavior problems. In adults, lead poisoning can lead to hypertension and high blood pressure. Pregnant women run the risk of passing the poison on to their unborn child.

It is important that you find a remodeler who is trained in lead-safe work practices rather than try to do the work yourself. To ensure the safety of the home’s occupants, the EPA’s new regulation requires that any major renovation to homes built before 1978 must be performed by a certified remodeler or renovator.
 
What are Lead-Safe Work Practices?
EPA has a free brochure on its website called “Renovate Right” that provides guidance to home owners and contractors about the safe removal of lead paint. Your contractor should follow specific work practices, including these three simple procedures: 

• Contain the work area so that dust and debris do not escape. Warning signs should be put up and heavy-duty plastic and tape should be used to seal off doors and heating and cooling system vents and to cover the floors and any furniture that cannot be moved.
• Minimize dust. There is no way to eliminate dust, but some paint removal methods create less dust than others. For example, using water to mist areas before sanding or scraping; scoring paint before separating components; and prying and pulling apart components instead of breaking them. Methods that generate large amounts of dust and should not be used include open flame burning or torching; sanding, grinding, planing, needle gunning, or blasting with power tools and equipment not equipped with a shroud and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum attachment; or using a heat gun at temperatures greater than 1100°F.
• Clean up thoroughly. When all the work is done, and before taking down any plastic that isolates the work area from the rest of the home, the area should be cleaned up using special cleaning methods. These include using a HEPA vacuum to clean up dust and debris on all surfaces, followed by wet mopping with plenty of water.

How Do I Find a Certified Remodeler?
To become lead-safe certified, a firm, and a contractor within that firm, must submit an application to the EPA and complete a federal or state-administered eight-hour class with two hours of hands-on training. To find a lead-safe certified contractor or firm near you, visit www.epa.gov/lead.
 
For more information on this and other building issues, contact the New River Valley Home Builders Association at 381-0180 or info@nrvhba.com.

The "Better Building. Safer Homes" Campaign Raises the Profile

The "Better Building. Safer Homes." Campaign received the International Code Council's (ICC) 2010 Raising the Profile Award for outstanding commitment to building safety. This is the first time that a partnership between two organizations has been awarded this honor. 

The award is given to an individual or organization whose acts or contributions have raised public awareness of the work accomplished by code enforcement personnel to improve public safety in the built environment. 

Representatives for the campaign, Cathy Cook and Chris Pfohl, will accept the award at the ICC's national reception in Washington D.C. on May 4. 

Building vs Buying

Finally, all your hard work has paid off! You are financially ready for a new home. But now you’ve got to make a big decision - To build or to buy, that is the question. This year, lots of Virginians just like you have been asking that very same question. We’re here to guide you through the building and buying process and how the recession has changed the game, so you know the facts before you make that decision.

It may seem like a risky time to make such a huge investment, but in actuality, there has never been a better time to build. Fixed mortgage and construction loan interest rates are at historic lows and can only go up from here. The recession has created less demand for building lots, which means more choices, so you can find the perfect location to fit your families lifestyle and needs. That also means that prices have reached a plateau and are starting to actually decrease. 


While prices and interest rates are on the decline, innovative technology seems to be growing exponentially. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of improvements in the design and construction of new houses as well as the use of green building materials that contribute to cleaner air, noise reduction and energy-efficiency. That means your home is more comfortable, healthy and you save more money on your utility bills every month.

Pros of Building:

• Maximum choices
• Customize your home to fit your lifestyle
• You can ensure maximum energy-efficiency
• Less maintenance from the get-go

Cons of Building:

• More expensive
• Fewer location choices
• More time before you can enjoy your new home
• Financing can be complicated

Pros of Buying:

• You don’t have to wait
• Easier to finance
• More options for less money
• Flexibility of price

Cons of Buying:

• Settling for other people’s choices
• There could be problems with the foundation, electrical wiring, or pluming that you may not know about before you buy
• Repair and maintenance costs can add up fast

Visit Our How-To Clinic at the Home Expo

The 2010 NRVHBA Home Expo is right around the corner. We're kicking off our how-to classes on Sat. March 13 at 1 p.m. at the Christiansburg Rec. Center! Come by our FREE How-To Clinic at the Home Expo to learn the first thing you should do when you're thinking about a new building project and what things you should look for in a building contractor.

Can't make it to our How-To Clinic at the Home Expo? No worries! We've got two more how-to classes scheduled in March:

How-To Clinic

March 15 & 24, 7-9 p.m.

Blacksburg Motor Company

400 South Main St., Blacksburg

Call 540.961.1125 to RSVP

The real deal on building permits

What is a building permit?
A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved plans and drawings. They are required in the state of Virginia to ensure that you meet building standards for your safety and the safety of future property owners and occupants.

When do I need a permit?
The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call your local building code department. Even if you don’t need one for your project, your code official can answer questions and offer advice.

Permits are usually required for:
    •    New buildings
    •    Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms)
    •    Small projects (decks, garages, fences)
    •    Renovations (basements, kitchens, roofing)
    •    Electrical and plumbing systems
    •    HVAC systems

Can I get my own permit?
Anyone who tries to talk you into getting your own building permit isn’t doing you any favors. The permit holder becomes the general contractor and assumes all responsibility for the job, including taxes, workers’ comp, and other legal liabilities. Unless you are very experienced in construction, it is always best to leave permits to the professionals.

The contractor should obtain any necessary building permits before construction begins. This should be spelled out in your contract; otherwise, you may be held legally responsible for failure to obtain any required permits. If something goes wrong and you don’t have a permit, drastic steps can be taken such as demolition of all the construction that was done sans permit.

Consider your permit your insurance policy
Almost everyone knows someone who has a horror story to tell about a new construction or remodeling job that went terribly wrong, ending up in wasted time, money and headaches. Your building permit is like an insurance policy that protects your investment and can keep you out of trouble down the road.

How do I find the good guys?

We have dedicated this post to giving you the 411 on what kind of contractor you need, how to verify the license and references, get comprehensive proposals, and seal the deal.

10 tips for making sure that your contractor measures up.

1) Hire only a licensed contractor:

• Check with the Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to ensure you are hiring a licensed contractor at www.dpor.virginia.gov or (804) 367-8511
• Check with the Better Business Bureau for unanswered complaints.
• Do a credit check. Visit Dunn & Bradstreet.
• Check to see if the builder is a member of the New River Valley Home Builders Association, all of these members are licensed and in good standing.

2) Request current insurance certificates showing proof of coverage and the policy limits for:

• General liability and workman's compensation
• Ask about other types of coverage like key employee insurance, auto and umbrella coverage, and coverage on tools and equipment.

3) Ask to see a sample contract, specifications and warranty. Consider having your attorney review before approving.

4) Ask about regular deposit amounts.

5) Get references from current and past customers, banks, vendors and local building officials.

6) View examples of their work by touring current projects or looking at their portfolio.

7) Evaluate their professionalism.

• Customer service
• Awards, certifications and special recognitions
• Determine your comfort level with key personnel

8) Get three proposals from your short list and look beyond price.

• Are you comparing the same materials and services? 
• Ask about their process and ability to stay on time.
• Remember you get what you pay for, but you NEVER get what you DON'T pay for.

9) You've selected a contractor, now what?

• Get a written contact and don’t sign anything until you completely understand the terms.
• Pay 10% down, or $1,000, whichever is less.
• Get a detailed set of specifications and a pre-set budget.

10) Stay on top of your project:

• Stick to pre-set budgets, don’t pay cash, keep records of your payments and don't make the final payment until satisfied.
• Keep a job file of all paperwork and regularly ask for schedule and punch list updates.
• Do walk-through inspections throughout construction and document everything. Limit and make sure all change orders are in writing and signed by all parties.

10 tips courtesy of DPOR, Blue Ridge Home Improvement and Highlander Construction & Development.

How common is bad contracting?

You’ve worked for months with contractors to build your dream home and just as you begin to marvel over the brilliant wood floors and marble kitchen counter, the worst happens. It has to be torn down. Why? Because you, like hundreds of other Virginians, unknowingly hired an unlicensed contractor. Believe it or not, this happens to people just like you every year. It’s contractor fraud, but you can avoid it really easily.

First things first, ask yourself “What do I want done?” Sounds like a silly question, but it’s truly far from it. It is crucial to carefully itemize exactly what you want done and how you want your home to look when it’s finished. Carefully prepared plans will be helpful in getting accurate proposals from contractors. Make sure you consider what you realistically expect to spend and what kind of professionals should be brought in to do the job.

Then stop by your local building and code officials office to show them your plans, get a list of licensed contractors, and ask initial questions about your project. They can help point you in the right direction and hook you up with members of the New River Valley Home Builders Association.

Check out our new commercial!

We're kicking off the "Better Building. Safer Homes." campaign on a TV near you! Check out our new commercial here or on your local WDBJ station for the next several weeks. A special thank you to our homeowner, Cory Donovan, and Horse Archer Productions for producing the spot.

Changing a Stereotype into Better Building and Safer Homes

When people think of builders and building code officials, they often think of a bitter rivalry where two sides simply can’t get along. But here in the New River Valley, the two groups have decided it’s time to change that.

The New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA) and the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association, Region II chapter (VBCOA) are working together to show their joint commitment to better construction practices and safer homes for all those who live in the New River Valley. 

“Our goal is to work together with citizens, contractors, and local government to ensure that our buildings and communities are as safe as possible,” said Cathy Cook, VBCOA Region II Chair. “In a nutshell, we’re promoting better building and safer homes.”

The goal of the “Better Building. Safer Homes.” is to create a more informed general public when it comes building safety and protection from contractor fraud. Through community outreach, the campaign will educate the general public on issues involved in new construction, remodeling and home improvement, and how to locate professionals that can guide and protect them during the process.
 
“By partnering together, our two organizations can fill in the gaps for anyone who is building, remodeling or in the beginning stages of planning,” said Chris Pfohl, NRVHBA president. “Together, we’re building homes that are safe, healthy and will grow in value.”

The two organizations will be airing public service announcements on local media throughout the month of March, as well as kicking off their How-to classes at the New River Valley Home Expo on Saturday, March 13 at 1 p.m. at the Christiansburg Recreation Center.

Photo Caption: Cathy Cook, VBCOA Region II Chair, and Chris Pfohl, NRVHBA President, sign a partnership agreement for the "Better Building. Safer Homes." campaign.