Beginning April 22, 2010, paid contractors, maintenance workers, painters and others performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in housing and other child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified. (Child-occupied facilities are those where children under age six are present on a regular basis.) The rule applies to all interior projects involving more than 6 square feet, exterior projects of more than 20 square feet and all window replacement, maintenance or repair.

All firms that perform renovation, repair or painting work are required to be EPA certified for Section 402 of the TSCA. Firms must also have at least one “certified renovator” on the job site where lead-based paint is disturbed. To become a certified renovator, an individual must successfully complete the eight hour Lead Certified Renovator Training course conducted by an EPA-accredited provider and pass the certification exam. Also the company must apply and obtain a certification form the EPA.

All Employees of McKean Building & Remodeling have received their certifications.

The Big50 is a remodeling business excellence award for best practices. "Every year Remodeling magazine selects 50 remodelers who represent the very best service and quality in the country. The Remodeling Big 50 has become the most prestigious acknowledgment professional remodelers can receive. These companies have set the standard for professionalism and integrity through exemplary business practices, unique design, and extraordinary impact on their community or the industry at large. Big50 remodelers run successful companies of various sizes that have taken the lead in raising the standards of the industry.

Mike McKean of McKean Building & Remodeling recently became one of the select group of professional builders, remodelers, and other industry professionals nationwide who have earned the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation, identifying him as someone with knowledge of the best strategies for incorporating green building principles into homes. The CGP program is administered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) University of Housing .

In the required course work, the CGP curriculum incorporates a variety of information tailored to green building and business practices. The CGP curriculum incorporates training by leading building industry practitioners and academics on a range of topics, including strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes using cost-effective methods of construction, and how green homes provide buyers with lower maintenance and good indoor air quality. Techniques are also discussed for competitively differentiating your home products with increased indoor environmental quality as well as energy and resource efficiency.

Mike McKean of McKean Building & Remodeling has earned the designation of Certified Graduate Remodeler™ (CGR) from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelors™ Council. Mike is one of only 1,000 professional remodelers nationwide who have attained or are in the process of earning the CGR designation. CGR recognizes those remodelers who demonstrate exceptional business integrity, technical competence and a solid track record of customer satisfaction. To earn the CGR designation, a remodeler must complete a series of industry-specific education courses, provide letters of recommendation, proof of licensing and insurance and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. CGR stands for professionalism, experience and a commitment to quality.

ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 175,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct 80 percent of the more new housing units projected for 2010, making housing one of the largest engines of economic growth in the country.

ABOUT THE REMODELERS™ COUNCIL: The NAHB Remodelers™ Council is the department of the National Association of Home Builders that represents and serves the interests of its 10,000 remodeler members as well as other NAHB members involved in the remodeling industry. Through a federation of 150 local Remodelers Councils nationwide, and the national office, the Council provides information, education and certification to improve the business and construction expertise of its members and to enhance the professional image of the industry. "Remodeler" is the trademarked identifier of NAHB members active in the remodeling industry.