Temple Area Builders Association

It is time for the Home and Garden Show and I hope everyone has the opportunity to attend the event.  If you have not purchased tickets to the Preview Party do not hesitate any longer.  The Home and Garden committee has revamped the Preview Party and it's guaranteed to please.   Ticket prices have been lowered from $25 to $15 and we are working hard to make sure the event is enjoyable for all.  I look forward to seeing everyone at our largest event of the year.

With spring around the corner we are in our busy time of the year at TABA.  We have many advertising opportunities to help market your business to our members.    Now is the time to be supportive of your fellow members and your association.   When you consider new bids on projects also consider whether companies you are supporting are members of our Association.  Members doing business with members will benefit us all in the long run and keep our local economy moving.   Thanks for looking out for your community.

Upcoming TABA events include the Parade of Homes, fishing tournament, and golf tournament.   Check here for dates.  I hope you'll plan now to join us.  If interested, please contact me or Cheryl Hunka. 

Required Lead Based Paint Class Coming Soon

Under the new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule, beginning 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.

The rule, which was issued by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2008, applies to any pre-1978 project that disturbs more than 6 square feet of interior painted surface or 20 square feet of exterior surface.

In addition to a company certification, firms must have at least one person on staff who is trained in lead-safe work practices as a Certified Renovator.  This requires an eight-hour course provided by an EPA certified trainer.  It includes two hours of hands on training.  The certified employee will be responsible for training other employees and overseeing work practices and cleaning.

The full rule and brochures for consumers and renovators can be downloaded from the EPA's web site at www.epa.gov/lead/ . 

The EPA estimates that the new guidelines will add only about $35 to each project.  However, remodelers and organizations such as the NAHB have estimated much higher costs ranging from hundreds of dollars, to thousands.  It will have a bigger impact on smaller projects percentage-wise.

See the flyer in our newsletter for information on lead certification training taking place at TABA on March 3rd.

(Excerpted from "The Home Builder" of Greater Dallas)

Temple Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance Under Review

In response to an invitation to review a proposed ordinance for erosion and sedimentation control in the City of Temple, TABA assembled a group that included a local engineer (Vic Turley), builder (Pat Patterson), developer (Gary Freitag – Omega), and contractor (Mike Pilkington – Bell Contractors).  John Howe, Chairman of TABA Government Affairs Committee, and other members of the GAC were also involved in the process.  TABA submitted more than 30 questions and comments for City of Temple consideration.

Once Mr. Newman, Temple City Engineer, has had a chance to consider our comments, he will schedule a meeting with me so we begin our discussions on this matter.  As always, we will keep our members up to date on the discussions as they progress.

The 2010 Home & Garden Show is here!  If haven't booked a booth, there is still time to participate.  We are almost out of booths on the domed room floor, but we still have plenty of space left in the Assembly Hall.  Don't delay - call NOW to get the prime locations that are still available as they are going fast.  To book a booth please call the TABA office and have the show layout in hand when you do so.  The layout can be printed from the TABA website by clicking on the Home & Garden Show tab.  A booth price guide can be found there as well. 

If you do not want to have a booth in the show but really don't want to miss such a great marketing opportunity, we urge you to consider becoming one of our Banner Sponsors.  For only $250, we will hang your banner (provided by you) in the main arena of the Bell County Expo Center.  Along with your banner, your company will be announced throughout the Show and the Preview Party as one of the Home & Garden Show sponsors.  This is a great, affordable way to keep your name in front of the public.  If you are interested, please call the TABA office for details. 

The show is scheduled for February 27th and 28th - book now if you want to be a part of the LARGEST HOME & GARDEN SHOW IN CENTRAL TEXAS!!