Starting new business will need serious consideration especially if you are about to build serious business like architect firms. For some people, being entrepreneur can become a very hard task to do, but if you know the basic things about it, every process may run so smoothly. If you are interested in building a business like a landscape architect firm, below are valuable steps you can follow that show you the way to become success entrepreneur.

First thing you should do is by taking a little time and looking over competitors. It is important for you to take a look at your area especially about the competitive market of landscape architect firms. By getting needed information about the situation of this business, you can decide how to fit it. Through the internet you can seek details and find the list of local competitors in your city only by entering the city, state, and zip code.

Also, you should be really careful in digging affiliate information and make sure that you learn the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors because it will be very helpful for your preparation in starting the business.

Secondly, it is also advantageous for you to take information by learning from other entrepreneurs of landscape architect firms who you meet in internet.

By making conversation or starting discussion with people who are already in the business in a longer time, you would get valuable details. Commonly, they will be willing to tell you everything about this business since their purpose is to make you a better competitor.

But you can take greater benefits if you question the entrepreneurs from the other side of the country because they consider that your business is out of their coverage area.

This way, the will never think you stealing their customers. Even you can have good relationship with them because they will be more willing to share startup advice with you. still, to find the one who is willing to discuss everything with you is not easy but you should always try.

Perhaps, you can start to take a look at the list you get from internet, the list of your local landscape architect firms or those from other countries. Take one or two from the list and try to make contact and build connection. Although it takes time, the result can be so worthy and you can have someone with more experiences you can discuss with regarding how to build the business of architect firm. Again, throughout the internet, you can as well try to find the affiliated business randomly and start dialing for advice as an effort to gain success.

Honestly, there is another way you can select which gives you so much easiness rather than building similar architect firms. Only by picking the franchising option, you can as well become a successful entrepreneur. It means you don’t have to go alone from the start, you can make use of already-famous firm as your new business.

However, although opting for franchising is much easier, you will still need to make serious consideration about opening landscape architect firms. Thus, make sure you already conduct investigation to seek information whether or not the franchising brings you realistic business. For further information about this franchising option is already available in internet, you can check out the franchise directory out there and find out if there is opportunity for you.

Before we could begin with our construction project, we have to make sure that we have the most knowledgeable and talented house architects. Our dream house design will be reached if we have a house architect. Our house is one of our most expensive properties, and for this we have to give the best design. Although we already have plans and designs for our house, it is best that we have an expert on our side, to make sure that everything is in a suitable place and in good balance. The outcome of our house will depend solely on house architect.

As a fruit of our labor, we deserve only the best. A House architect gives you the chance to take control of your own living space. This gives you enough room for savings for other things that you need. Whatever it is that you do, in order to gain a successful and efficient qualitative result, you need not just hard work but also a smart and practical attitude.

When new challenges come our way, there is no better option to counter it than, to make some innovations on some of the existing facts that we are being used .House architects has been successful with regards to it.

Consider costs and quality, consider using the house architect in your construction project. We all love to have an elegant place to live. We all want to have unique designs for our home and for this consider the talent of house architects. They will make sure that your design will be followed accordingly, and they will perfectly fit in whatever space you may have. The construction project will be difficult if we don’t have proper planning and designs.

The most difficult and time consuming is by finding the most talented house architects. It is our responsibility to find the best one who will become our partner for our future home. In the architectural industry, we have a lot of options, but, we must be careful with our choices. We have to maximize our resources to make sure that we have the best home designs. House architects will be the one to provide you designs that can be tailored to your taste. Indeed house architect is your way to a most promising elegant home design. No doubt, you will have the most stunning home because of house architect. For your construction project, trust it to house architect.

Children with autism thrive in an environment that has been specifically designed and built for their unique needs.  In addition to their specialized education, children with ASD can significantly improve the way that they communicate, learn and work through environmental changes.  A group home architect has the skill, research and ability to design a living environment that takes into consideration sensory concerns including auditory processing and visual perception challenges as well as personal space needs into consideration.  These environmental changes will benefit the child with autism as well as benefit their family and caregivers.  
The Benefits of a Group Home Architect for the Design of a Special Needs Environment

1.Auditory Processing

Studies have shown that children with autism typically display signs of auditory impairments related to the perception of linguistic and social auditory stimuli when compared to neurotypical controls.  An architect that specializes in designing spaces for children with autism will build a home with auditory processing challenges in mind.  This includes features such as controlling echoes, acoustics and noise pollution, which could be a distraction or upset children that are hypersensitive to sound.  Some of the strategies involved in minimizing auditory discomforts can range from the choice of flooring (tiles, carpet etc), wall covering (wallpaper/soundproof paints and or heavy drapes) and the location and types of mechanical equipment.

2.Visual Perception and Spatial Skills

Another design consideration for children with autism is their visual perception and spatial skills.  Children with autism perceive and process visual information differently than neurotypical children. This can result in abnormal perceptual integration which can have an effect on cognitive skills.  An example of this is a skill such as facial recognition.  Studies suggest that children with autism experience deficits processing face-specific regions and higher activations in regions in areas of the brain involving visual search.  

Children with perception issues benefit from a design strategy with a focus on the perceptual integration of lighting, light and reflective surfaces.  Some children with autism are sensitive to bright lights and intricate patterns.  This could cause a sensory overload.  The design techniques involve eliminating fluorescent lighting, and understanding acceptable colors and patterns while implementing space planning layouts to help children maintain their personal space boundaries.

The group home architect designs a space that minimizes strain, distraction and a distorted environment by integrating proven techniques into the building to enhance the lives of children with autism. This assists with sensory response functions including auditory processing and visual perception and spatial skills.  

Architects for Children with Special Needs

Purple Cherry is an architectural firm with a specialty as a group home architect for children with special needs.  The architectural design firm has a purposeful mission to enhance the lives of children with autism and to serve the community.  Visit, purplecherry. or www.purposefularchitecture.com.

A4ARCHITECT Lead-Paint Hazard Bill 2010 Posted on October 4, 2010

by frank

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Bill of 2010

—A4ARCHITECT Lead-Paint Hazard Bill

10th Parliament, Republic of Kenya October 2010 SEC. 1001.

SHORT TITLE.

This title may be cited as the “Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010.” SEC. 1002.

FINDINGS.

Scientific Research finds that – (1) low-level lead poisoning is widespread among Kenyan children under age 6,with minority and low-income communities disproportionatelyaffected; (2) at low levels, lead poisoning in children causes intelligence quotient deficiencies, reading and learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, and behavior problems; (3) pre-1990 Kenyan housing stock contains high levels of lead in the form of lead-based paint.

(4) the ingestion of household dust containing lead from deteriorating or abraded lead-based paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning in children; (5) the health and development of children living in thousands of Kenyan homes is endangered by chipping or peeling lead paint, or excessive amounts of lead-contaminated dust in their homes; (6) the danger posed by lead-based paint hazards can be reduced by abating lead-based paint or by taking interim measures to prevent paint deterioration and limit children’s exposure to lead dust and chips; (8) the Kenyan Government must take a leadership role in building the infrastructure — including an informed public, County and local delivery systems, certified inspectors, contractors, and laboratories, trained workers, and available financing and insurance — necessary to ensure that the national goal of eliminating lead-based paint hazards in housing can be achieved as expeditiously as possible.

SEC.

1003.

PURPOSES.

The purposes of this Act are – (1) to develop a national strategy to build the infrastructure necessary to eliminate lead-based paint hazards in all housing as expeditiously as possible; (2) to reorient the national approach to the presence of lead- based paint in housing to implement, on a priority basis, a broad program to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards in the Nation’s housing stock; (3) to encourage effective action to prevent childhood lead poisoning by establishing a workable framework for lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction and by ending the current confusion over reasonable standards of care; (4) to ensure that the existence of lead-based paint hazards is taken into account in the development of Government housing policies and in the sale, rental, and renovation of homes and apartments; (5) to mobilize national resources expeditiously, through a partnership among all levels of government and the private sector, to develop the most promising, cost-effective methods for evaluating and reducing lead-based paint hazards; (6) to reduce the threat of childhood lead poisoning in housing owned, assisted, or transferred by the Kenya Government; and (7) to educate the public concerning the hazards and sources of lead-based paint poisoning and steps to reduce and eliminate such hazards.

SEC. 1004. DEFINITIONS.

For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Abatement. The term “abatement” means any set of measures designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards in accordance with standards established by appropriate Government agencies. Such term includes – (A) the removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, the permanent containment or encapsulation of lead-based paint, the replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures, and the removal or covering of lead contaminated soil; and (B) all preparation, cleanup, disposal, and postabatement clearance testing activities associated with such measures. (2) Accessible surface. The term “accessible surface” means an interior or exterior surface painted with lead-based paint that is accessible for a young child to mouth or chew. (3) Certified contractor. The term “certified contractor” means – (A) a contractor, inspector, or supervisor who has completed a training program certified by the Ministry of Public Works and has met any other requirements for certification or licensure established by such agency and (B) workers or designers who have fully met training requirements established by the Ministry of Public Works. (4) Contract for the purchase and sale of residential real property. The term “contract for the purchase and sale of residential real property” means any contract or agreement in which one party agrees to purchase an interest in real property on which there is situated 1 or more residential dwellings used or occupied, or intended to be used or occupied, or intended to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, as the home or residence of 1 or more persons. (5) Deteriorated paint. The term “deteriorated paint” means any interior or exterior paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking or any paint located on an interior or exterior surface or fixture that is damaged or deteriorated. (6) Evaluation. The term “evaluation” means a risk assessment, inspection, or risk assessment and inspection. (7) Government assisted housing. The term “Government assisted housing” means residential dwellings receiving project-based assistance from the Government of Kenya. (8) Government owned housing. The term “Government owned housing” means residential dwellings owned or managed by a Kenyan Governemnt agency, or for which a Government agency is a trustee or conservator. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term “Governemnt agency” includes the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Local Authorities, the Ministry of State of Defense, the Ministry of Transportation, and any other Governemnt agency. (9) Government supported work. The term “Government supported work” means any lead hazard evaluation or reduction activities conducted in Government owned or assisted housing or funded in whole or in part through any financial assistance program of the Ministry of Housing. (10) Friction surface. The term “friction surface” means an interior or exterior surface that is subject to abrasion or friction, including certain window, floor, and stair surfaces. (11) Impact surface. The term “impact surface” means an interior or exterior surface that is subject to damage by repeated impacts, for example, certain parts of door frames. (12) Inspection. The term “inspection” means a surface-by- surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint as provided in the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act and the provision of a report explaining the results of the investigation. (13) Interim controls. The term “interim controls” means a set of measures designed to reduce temporarily human exposure or likely exposure to lead-based paint hazards, including specialized cleaning, repairs, maintenance, painting, temporary containment, ongoing monitoring of lead-based paint hazards or potential hazards, and the establishment and operation of management and resident education programs. (14) Lead-based paint. The term “lead-based paint” means paint or other surface coatings that contain lead in excess of limits established under the Kenyan Law on the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act. (15) Lead-based paint hazard. The term “lead-based paint hazard” means any condition that causes exposure to lead from lead- contaminated dust, lead-contaminated soil, lead-contaminated paint that is deteriorated or present in accessible surfaces, friction surfaces, or impact surfaces that would result in adverse human health effects as established by the appropriate Government agency. (16) Lead-contaminated dust. The term “lead-contaminated dust” means surface dust in residential dwellings that contains an area or mass concentration of lead in excess of levels determined by the appropriate Government agency to pose a threat of adverse health effects in pregnant women or young children. (17) Lead-contaminated soil. The term “lead-contaminated soil” means bare soil on residential real property that contains lead at or in excess of the levels determined to be hazardous to human health by the appropriate Government agency. (18) Mortgage loan. The term “mortgage loan” includes any loan (other than temporary financing such as a construction loan) that – (A) is secured by a first lien on any interest in residential real property; and (B) either – (i) is insured, guaranteed, made, or assisted by the Ministry of Housing , or by any other agency of the Kenya Government; or (ii) is intended to be sold by each originating mortgage institution to any Government chartered secondary mortgage market institution. (19) Originating mortgage institution. The term “originating mortgage institution” means a lender that provides mortgage loans. (20) Priority housing. The term “priority housing” means target housing that qualifies as affordable housing under Kenyan Law including housing that receives assistance under Kenyan Law. (21) Public housing. The term “public housing” has the same meaning given the term in the relevant section of Kenyan Law. (22) Reduction. The term “reduction” means measures designed to reduce or eliminate human exposure to lead-based paint hazards through methods including interim controls and abatement. (23) Residential dwelling. The term “residential dwelling” means – (A) a single-family dwelling, including attached structures such as porches and stoops; or (B) a single-family dwelling unit in a structure that contains more than 1 separate residential dwelling unit, and in which each such unit is used or occupied, or intended to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, as the home or residence of 1 or more persons. (24) Residential real property. The term “residential real property” means real property on which there is situated 1 or more residential dwellings used or occupied, or intended to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, as the home or residence of 1 or more persons. (25) Risk assessment. The term “risk assessment” means an on-site investigation to determine and report the existence, nature, severity and location of lead-based paint hazards in the residential dwellings, including – (A) information gathering regarding the age and history of the housing and occupancy by children under age 6; (B) visual inspection; (C) limited wipe sampling or other environmental sampling techniques; (D) other activity as may be appropriate; and (E) provision of a report explaining the results of the investigation. (26) Minister. The term “Minister” means the Minister of Housing . (27) Target housing. The term “target housing” means any housing constructed prior to 2010, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities (unless any child who is less than 6 years of age resides or is expected to reside in such housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities) or any 0-bedroom dwelling.

SUBTITLE A

— LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION SEC. 1011. GRANTS FOR LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION IN TARGET HOUSING.

(a) General Authority. The Minister is authorized to provide grants to eligible applicants to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards in priority housing that is not Government assisted housing, Government owned housing, or public housing, in accordance with the provisions of this section. (b) Eligible Applicants. A County or unit of local government that has an approved comprehensive housing affordability strategy under the Laws of Kenya is eligible to apply for a grant under this section. (c) Form of Applications. To receive a grant under this section, a County or unit of local government shall submit an application in such form and in such manner as the Minister shall prescribe. An application shall contain – (1) a copy of that portion of an applicant’s comprehensive housing affordability strategy required by the relevant Kenyan Law (2) a description of the amount of assistance the applicant seeks under this section; (3) a description of the planned activities to be undertaken with grants under this section, including an estimate of the amount to be allocated to each activity; (4) a description of the forms of financial assistance to owners and occupants of priority housing that will be provided through grants under this section; and (5) such assurances as the Minister may require regarding the applicant’s capacity to carry out the activities. (d) Selection Criteria. The Minister shall award grants under this section on the basis of the merit of the activities proposed to be carried out and on the basis of selection criteria, which shall include – (1) the extent to which the proposed activities will reduce the risk of lead-based paint poisoning to children under the age of 6 who reside in priority housing; (2) the degree of severity and extent of lead-based paint hazards in the jurisdiction to be served; (3) the ability of the applicant to leverage County, local, and private funds to supplement the grant under this section; (4) the ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed activities; and (5) such other factors as the Minister determines appropriate to ensure that grants made available under this section are used effectively and to promote the purposes of this Act. (e) Eligible Activities. A grant under this section may be used to – (1) perform risk assessments and inspections in priority housing; (2) provide for the interim control of lead-based paint hazards in priority housing; (3) provide for the abatement of lead-based paint hazards in priority housing; (4) provide for the additional cost of reducing lead-based paint hazards in units undergoing renovation funded by other sources; (5) ensure that risk assessments, inspections, and abatements are carried out by certified contractors in accordance with the relevant sections of Knenyan Law; (6) monitor the blood-lead levels of workers involved in lead hazard reduction activities funded under this section; (7) assist in the temporary relocation of families forced to vacate priority housing while lead hazard reduction measures are being conducted; (8) educate the public on the nature and causes of lead poisoning and measures to reduce the exposure to lead, including exposure due to residential lead-based paint hazards; (9) test soil, interior surface dust, and the blood-lead levels of children under the age of 6 residing in priority housing after lead-based paint hazard reduction activity has been conducted, to assure that such activity does not cause excessive exposures to lead; and (10) carry out such activities that the Minister determines appropriate to promote the purposes of this Act. (f) Forms of Assistance. The applicant may provide the services described in this section through a variety of programs, including grants, loans, equity investments, revolving loan funds, loan funds, loan guarantees, interest write-downs, and other forms of assistance approved by the Minister. (g) Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. – (1) In general. The Minister shall develop the capacity of eligible applicants to carry out the requirements of the relevant sections of Kenyan Law and to carry out activities under this section. (2) Set-aside. Of the total amount approved in appropriation Acts under subsection (o), there shall be set aside to carry out this subsection an ammount deemed as sufficient by the Minister. (h) Matching Requirement. Each recipient of a grant under this section shall make contributions toward the cost of activities that receive assistance under this section in an amount not less than 10 percent of the total grant amount under this section. (i) Prohibition of Substitution of Funds. Grants under this subtitle may not be used to replace other amounts made available or designated by County or local governments for use for the purposes under this subtitle. (j) Limitation on Use. An applicant shall ensure that not more than 10 percent of the grant will be used for administrative expenses associated with the activities funded. (k) Financial Records. An applicant shall maintain and provide the Minister with financial records sufficient, in the determination of the Minister, to ensure proper accounting and disbursing of amounts received from a grant under this section. (l) Report. An applicant under this section shall submit to the Minister, for any fiscal year in which the applicant expends grant funds under this section, a report that – (1) describes the use of the amounts received; (2) States the number of risk assessments and the number of inspections conducted in residential dwellings; (3) States the number of residential dwellings in which lead- based paint hazards have been reduced through interim controls; (4) States the number of residential dwellings in which lead- based paint hazards have been abated; and (5) provides any other information that the Minister determines to be appropriate. (m) Notice of Funding Availability. The Minister shall publish a Notice of Funding Availability pursuant to this section not later than 120 days after funds are appropriated for this section. (n) Relationship to Other Law. Effective 2 years after the date of promulgation of regulations under the relevsnt Laws of Kenya, no grants for lead-based paint hazard evaluation or reduction may be awarded to a County under this section unless such County has an authorized program under the relevant Laws of Kenya. (o) Authorization of Appropriations. For the purposes of carrying out this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated an ammount deemed as sufficient by the Minister .

SEC. 1012.

EVALUATION AND REDUCTION OF LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS IN GOVERNMENT ASSISTED HOUSING. (a) General Requirements. The relevant Laws of Kenya regarding the Lead-Based Paint-Poisoning Prevention Act is amended – (1) by inserting: “REQUIREMENTS FOR HOUSING RECEIVING GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE”; (2) by inserting: “Beginning on January 1, 2011, such procedures shall apply to all such housing that constitutes target housing, as defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010, and shall provide for appropriate measures to conduct risk assessments, inspections, interim controls, and abatement of lead- based paint hazards. At a minimum, such procedures shall require – “(A) the provision of lead hazard information pamphlets, developed pursuant to the relevant Laws of Kenya, to purchasers and tenants; “(B) periodic risk assessments and interim controls in accordance with a schedule determined by the Minister, the initial risk assessment of each unit constructed prior to 2010 to be conducted not later than January 1, 2011, and for units constructed between 1960 and 2010 – “(i) not less than 25 percent shall be performed by January 1, 2011; “(ii) not less than 50 percent shall be performed by January 1, 2012; and “(iii) the remainder shall be performed by January 1, 2015; “(C) inspection for the presence of lead-based paint prior to Government-funded renovation or rehabilitation that is likely to disturb painted surfaces; “(D) reduction of lead-based paint hazards in the course of rehabilitation projects receiving less than KES 2,500,000 per unit in Government funds; “(E) abatement of lead-based paint hazards in the course of substantial rehabilitation projects receiving more than KES 2,500,000 per unit in Government funds; “(F) where risk assessment, inspection, or reduction activities have been undertaken, the provision of notice to occupants describing the nature and scope of such activities and the actual risk assessment or inspection reports (including available information on the location of any remaining lead-based paint on a surface-by-surface basis); and “(G) such other measures as the Minister deems appropriate (b) Measurement Criteria. The Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act is amended by striking “for the detection” and all that follows through the end of paragraph (2) and inserting “for the risk assessment, interim control, inspection, and abatement of lead-based paint hazards in housing covered by this section shall be based upon guidelines developed pursuant to section 1017 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010.”. (c) HOME Investment Partnerships. The relevant section of the Kenyan Law on Housing Act is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: “(3) Lead-based paint hazards. A participating jurisdiction may use funds provided under this subtitle for the evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards, as defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010.”. (f) Community Development Block Grants. The relevant section of Kenyan Law is amended – (1) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: “(a) lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction, as defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010.”. (g) Section 8 Rental Assistance. The relevant section of the Kenyan Law is amended by adding at the end the following: “The Minister may (at the discretion of the Minister and subject to the availability of appropriations for contract amendments), on a project by project basis for projects receiving project-based assistance, provide adjustments to the maximum monthly rents to cover the costs of evaluating and reducing lead-based paint hazards, as defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010.”. [h] The relevant section of Kenyan Law is amended to read: “Alterations, repairs, and improvements upon or in connection with existing structures may also include the evaluation and reduction of lead-based paint hazards.”; and (1) by adding at the end the following: “(a) the terms’evaluation’, ‘reduction’, and ‘lead-based paint hazard’ have the same meanings given those terms in section 1004 of the Residential Led-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010.”. (2) Rehabilitation loans. The relevant section of Kenyan Law is amended by adding at the end the following: “The term ‘rehabilitation’ may also include measures to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards, as such terms are defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010.”. (l) Insurance for Multifamily Housing. The relevant section on Kenyan Law is amended by inserting the following: “(including the cost of evaluating and reducing lead-based paint hazards, as such terms are defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010)”. SEC. 1013. DISPOSITION OF GOVERNMENT OWNED HOUSING. The Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Actis amended by adding at the end the following: “(3) Disposition of Government owned housing. – “(A) Pre-2010 target housing. Beginning on January 1, 2011, procedures established under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall require the inspection and abatement of lead-based paint hazards in all Govwernment owned target housing constructed prior to 2010. “(B) Target housing constructed between 1960 and 2010. Beginning on January 1, 2011, procedures established under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall require an inspection for lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in all Government owned target housing constructed between 1960 and 2010. The results of such inspections shall be made available to prospective purchasers, identifying the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards on a surface-by-surface basis. The Minister shall have the discretion to waive the requirement of this subparagraph for housing in which a Government funded risk assessment, performed by a certified contractor, has determined no lead-based paint hazards are present. “(C) Budget authority. To the extent that subparagraphs (A) and (B) increase the cost to the Government of outstanding direct loan obligations or loan guarantee commitments, such activities shall be treated as modifications under the relevant section of Kenyan Law and shall be subject to the availability of appropriations. To the extent that paragraphs (A) and (B) impose additional costs to the Resolution Trust Corporation and the Government Deposit Insurance Corporation, its requirements shall be carried out only if appropriations are provided in advance in an appropriations Act. In the absence of appropriations sufficient to cover the costs of subparagraphs (A) and (B), these requirements shall not apply to the affected agency or agencies. “(D) Definitions. For the purposes of this subsection, the terms ‘inspection’, ‘abatement’, ‘lead-based paint hazard’, ‘Government owned housing’, ‘target housing’, ‘risk assessment’, and ‘certified contractor’ have the same meaning given such terms in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010. “(4) Definitions. For purposes of this subsection, the terms ‘risk assessment’, ‘inspection’, ‘interim control’, ‘abatement’, ‘reduction’, and ‘lead-based paint hazard’ have the same meaning given such terms in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010.

SEC. 1014.

COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY STRATEGY.

The relevant Section of Kenyan Lawis amended – By inserting the following new paragraph: “(1) estimate the number of housing units within the jurisdiction that are occupied by low-income families or very low-income families and that contain lead-based paint hazards, as defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010, outline the actions proposed or being taken to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards, and describe how lead- based paint hazard reduction will be integrated into housing policies and programs.”; (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: “(2) Lead-based paint hazards. When preparing that portion of a housing strategy required by law a jurisdiction shall consult with County or local health and child welfare agencies and examine existing data related to lead-based paint hazards and poisonings, including health Ministry data on the addresses of housing units in which children have been identified as lead poisoned.”

SEC. 1015. TASK FORCE ON LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION AND FINANCING.

(a) In General. The Minister, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency N.E.M.A shall establish a task force to make recommendations on expanding resources and efforts to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards in private housing. (b) Membership. The task force shall include individuals representing the Ministry of Housing ,National Housing Corporation, the Environmental Protection Agency N.E.M.A, employee organizations in the building and construction trades industry, landlords, tenants, primary lending institutions, private mortgage insurers, single-family and multifamily real estate interests, nonprofit housing developers, property liability insurers, public housing agencies, low-income housing advocacy organizations, national, County and local lead-poisoning prevention advocates and experts, and community-based organizations located in areas with substantial rental housing. (c) Responsibilities. The task force shall make recommendations to the Minister and the Drector-General of the Environmental Protection Agency N.E.M.A.concerning – (1) incorporating the need to finance lead-based paint hazard reduction into underwriting standards; (2) developing new loan products and procedures for financing lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction activities; (3) adjusting appraisal guidelines to address lead safety; (4) incorporating risk assessments or inspections for lead-based paint as a routine procedure in the origination of new residential mortgages; (5) revising guidelines, regulations, and educational pamphlets issued by the Ministry of Housing and other Government agencies relating to lead-based paint poisoning prevention; (6) reducing the current uncertainties of liability related to lead-based paint in rental housing by clarifying standards of care for landlords and lenders, and by exploring the “safe harbor” concept; (7) increasing the availability of liability insurance for owners of rental housing and certified contractors and establishing alternative systems to compensate victims of lead-based paint poisoning; and (8) evaluating the utility and appropriateness of requiring risk assessments or inspections and notification to prospective lessees of rental housing. (d) Compensation. The members of the task force shall not receive Government compensation for their participation.

SEC. 1016.

NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION

. In carrying out this Act, the Minister shall consult on an ongoing basis with the Director-General of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, other Government agencies concerned with lead poisoning prevention, and the task force established pursuant to section 1015.

SEC. 1017.

GUIDELINES FOR LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD EVALUATION AND REDUCTION ACTIVITIES. Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Minister, in consultation with the Director-General of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Minister of Labor, and the Minister of Health (acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control), shall issue guidelines for the conduct of all Government supported work involving risk assessments, inspections, interim controls, and abatement of lead-based paint hazards. Such guidelines shall be based upon criteria that measure the condition of the housing (and the presence of children under age 6 for the purposes of risk assessments) and shall not be based upon criteria that measure the health of the residents of the housing.

SEC. 1018.

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION CONCERNING LEAD UPON TRANSFER OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.

(a) Lead Disclosure in Purchase and Sale or Lease of Target Housing. – (1) Lead-based paint hazards. Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Minister and the Director-General of the Environmental Protection Agency N.E.M.A shall promulgate regulations under this section for the disclosure of lead-based paint hazards in target housing which is offered for sale or lease. The regulations shall require that, before the purchaser or lessee is obligated under any contract to purchase or lease the housing, the seller or lessor shall – (A) provide the purchaser or lessee with a lead hazard information pamphlet, as prescribed by the Director-General of the Environmental Protection Agency N.E.M.A under the Toxic Substances Control Act; (B) disclose to the purchaser or lessee the presence of any known lead-based paint, or any known lead-based paint hazards, in such housing and provide to the purchaser or lessee any lead hazard evaluation report available to the seller or lessor; and (C) permit the purchaser a 10-day period (unless the parties mutually agree upon a different period of time) to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint hazards. (2) Contract for purchase and sale. Regulations promulgated under this section shall provide that every contract or the purchase and sale of any interest in target housing shall contain a Lead Warning Countyment and a Countyment signed by the purchaser that the purchaser has – (A) read the Lead Warning Countyment and understands its contents; (B) received a lead hazard information pamphlet; and (C) had a 10-day opportunity (unless the parties mutually agreed upon a different period of time) before becoming obligated under the contract to purchase the housing to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint hazards. (3) Contents of lead warning Countyment. The Lead Warning Countyment shall contain the following text printed in large type on a separate sheet of paper attached to the contract: “Every purchaser of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 2010 is notified that such property may present exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligence quotient, behavioral problems, and impaired memory. Lead poisoning also poses a particular risk to pregnant women. The seller of any interest in residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information on lead-based paint hazards from risk assessments or inspections in the seller’s possession and notify the buyer of any known lead-based paint hazards. A risk assessment or inspection for possible lead-based paint hazards is recommended prior to purchase.”. (4) Compliance Assurance. Whenever a seller or lessor has entered into a contract with an agent for the purpose of selling or leasing a unit of target housing, the regulations promulgated under this section shall require the agent, on behalf of the seller or lessor, to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section. (5) Promulgation. A suit may be brought against the Minister of Housing and the Director-General of the Environmental Protection Agency N.E.M.A under the Toxic Substances Control Act to compel promulgation of the regulations required under this section and the Government High court shall have jurisdiction to order such promulgation. (b) Penalties for Violations. – (1) Monetary penalty. Any person who knowingly violates any provision of this section shall be subject to civil money penalties in accordance with the provisions of the Ministry of Housing Act . (2) Action by Minister. The Minister is authorized to take such lawful action as may be necessary to enjoin any violation of this section. (3) Civil liability. Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this section shall be jointly and severally liable to the purchaser or lessee in an amount equal to 3 times the amount of damages incurred by such individual. (4) Costs. In any civil action brought for damages pursuant to paragraph (3), the appropriate court may award court costs to the party commencing such action, together with reasonable attorney fees and any expert witness fees, if that party prevails. (5) Prohibited act. It shall be a prohibited act under the Toxic Substances Control Act for any person to fail or refuse to comply with a provision of this section or with any rule or order issued under this section. For purposes of enforcing this section under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the penalty for each violation applicable under that Act shall not be more than KES 100,000. (c) Validity of Contracts and Liens. Nothing in this section shall affect the validity or enforceability of any sale or contract for the purchase and sale or lease of any interest in residential real property or any loan, loan agreement, mortgage, or lien made or arising in connection with a mortgage loan, nor shall anything in this section create a defect in title. (d) Effective Date. The regulations under this section shall take effect 3 years after the date of the enactment of this title.

SUBTITLE B — LEAD EXPOSURE REDUCTION SEC. 1021. CONTRACTOR TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION. (a) Amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act. The Toxic Substances Control Act is amended by adding the following new title:

“TITLE IV — LEAD EXPOSURE REDUCTION ” DEFINITIONS. “For the purposes of this title: “(1) Abatement. The term ‘abatement’ means any set of measures designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards in accordance with standards established by the Director-General under this title. Such term includes – “(A) the removal of lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust, the permanent containment or encapsulation of lead-based paint, the replacement of lead-painted surfaces or fixtures, and the removal or covering of lead-contaminated soil; and “(B) all preparation, cleanup, disposal, and postabatement clearance testing activities associated with such measures. “(2) Accessible surface. The term ‘accessible surface’ means an interior or exterior surface painted with lead-based paint that is accessible for a young child to mouth or chew. “(3) Deteriorated paint. The term ‘deteriorated paint’ means any interior or exterior paint that is peeling, chipping, chalking or cracking or any paint located on an interior or exterior surface or fixture that is damaged or deteriorated. “(4) Evaluation. The term ‘evaluation’ means risk assessment, inspection, or risk assessment and inspection. “(5) Friction surface. The term ‘friction surface’ means an interior or exterior surface that is subject to abrasion or friction, including certain window, floor, and stair surfaces. “(6) Impact surface. The term ‘impact surface’ means an interior or exterior surface that is subject to damage by repeated impacts, for example, certain parts of door frames. “(7) Inspection. The term ‘inspection’ means “(A) a surface-by-surface investigation to determine the presence of lead-based paint, as provided in the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, and “(B) the provision of a report explaining the results of the investigation. “(8) Interim controls. The term ‘interim controls’ means a set of measures designed to reduce temporarily human exposure or likely exposure to lead-based paint hazards, including specialized cleaning, repairs, maintenance, painting, temporary containment, ongoing monitoring of lead-based paint hazards or potential hazards, and the establishment an operation of management and resident education programs. “(9) Lead-based paint. The term ‘lead-based paint’ means paint or other surface coatings that contain lead in excess of 1.0 milligrams per centimeter squared or 0.5 percent by weight or “(A) in the case of paint or other surface coatings on target housing, such lower level as may be established by the Minister of Housing, as defined in the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, or “(B) in the case of any other paint or surface coatings, such other level as may be established by the Director-General. “(10) Lead-based paint hazard. The term ‘lead-based paint hazard’ means any condition that causes exposure to lead from lead-contaminated dust, lead-contaminated soil, lead-contaminated paint that is deteriorated or present in accessible surfaces, friction surfaces, or impact surfaces that would result in adverse human health effects as established by the Director-General under this title. “(11) Lead-contaminated dust. The term ‘lead-contaminated dust’ means surface dust in residential dwellings that contains an area or mass concentration of lead in excess of levels determined by the Director-General under this title to pose a threat of adverse health effects in pregnant women or young children. “(12) Lead-contaminated soil. The term ‘lead-contaminated soil’ means bare soil on residential real property that contains lead at or in excess of the levels determined to be hazardous to human health by the Director-General under this title. “(13) Reduction. The term ‘reduction’ means measures designed to reduce or eliminate human exposure to lead-based paint hazards through methods including interim controls and abatement. “(14) Residential dwelling. The term ‘residential dwelling’ means– “(A) a single-family dwelling, including attached structures such as porches and stoops; or “(B) a single-family dwelling unit in a structure that contains more than 1 separate residential dwelling unit, and in which each such unit is used or occupied, or intended to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, as the home or residence of 1 or more persons. “(15) Residential real property. The term ‘residential real property’ means real property on which there is situated 1 or more residential dwellings used or occupied, or intended to be used or occupied, in whole or in part, as the home or residence of 1 or more persons. “(16) Risk assessment. The term ‘risk assessment’ means an on-site investigation to determine and report the existence, nature, severity and location of lead-based paint hazards in residential dwellings, including – “(A) information gathering regarding the age and history of the housing and occupancy by children under age 6; “(B) visual inspection; “(C) limited wipe sampling or other environmental sampling techniques; “(D) other activity as may be appropriate; and “(E) provision of a report explaining the results of the investigation. “(17) Target housing. The term ‘target housing’ means any housing constructed prior to 2010, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities (unless any child who is less than 6 years of age resides or is expected to reside in such housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities) or any 0-bedroom dwelling.

“SEC. 402. LEAD-BASED PAINT ACTIVITIES TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION.

“(a) Regulations. – “(1) In general. Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Director-General shall, in consultation with the Minister of Labor, the Minister of Housing, and the Minister of Health and Health Services (acting through the Director of Public Health), promulgate final regulations governing lead-based paint activities to ensure that individuals engaged in such activities are properly trained; that training programs are accredited; and that contractors engaged in such activities are certified. Such regulations shall contain standards for performing lead-based paint activities, taking into account reliability, effectiveness, and safety. Such regulations shall require that all risk assessment, inspection, and abatement activities performed in target housing shall be performed by certified contractors, as such term is defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010. The provisions of this section shall supersede the provisions set forth under the heading ‘Lead Abatement Training and Certification’ and under the heading ‘Training Grants’ in title III of the Act entitled ‘An Act making appropriations for the Ministrys of Home Affairs and Housing, and for sundry independent agencies, commissions,corporations, and offices for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes’, Public Law, and upon the enactment of this section the provisions set forth in such public law under such headings shall cease to have any force and effect. “(2) Accreditation of training programs. Final regulations promulgated under (1) shall contain specific requirements for the accreditation of lead-based paint activities training programs for workers, supervisors, inspectors and planners, and other individuals involved in lead-based paint activities, including, but not limited to, each of the following: “(A) Minimum requirements for the accreditation of training providers. “(B) Minimum training curriculum requirements. “(C) Minimum training hour requirements. “(D) Minimum hands-on training requirements. “(E) Minimum trainee competency and proficiency requirements. “(F) Minimum requirements for training program quality control. “(3) Accreditation and certification fees. The Director-General (or the County in the case of an authorized County program) shall impose a fee on – “(A) persons operating training programs accredited under this title; and “(B) lead-based paint activities contractors certified in accordance with paragraph (1). The fees shall be established at such level as is necessary to cover the costs of administering and enforcing the standards and regulations under this section which are applicable to such programs and contractors. The fee shall not be imposed on any County, local government, or nonprofit training program. The Director-General (or the County in the case of an authorized County program) may waive the fee for lead-based paint activities contractors under subparagraph (A) for the purpose of training their own employees. “(b) Lead-Based Paint Activities. For purposes of this title, the term ‘lead-based paint activities’ means – “(1) in the case of target housing, risk assessment, inspection, and abatement; and “(2) in the case of any public building constructed before 2010, commercial building, bridge, or other structure or super-structure, identification of lead-based paint and materials containing lead-based paint, deleading, removal of lead from bridges, and demolition. For purposes of paragraph (2), the term ‘deleading’ means activities conducted by a person who offers to eliminate lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards or to plan such activities. “(c) Renovation and Remodeling. – “(1) Guidelines. In order to reduce the risk of exposure to lead in connection with renovation and remodeling of target housing, public buildings constructed before 2010, and commercial buildings, the Director-General shall, within 18 months after the enactment of this section, promulgate guidelines for the conduct of such renovation and remodeling activities which may create a risk of exposure to dangerous levels of lead. The Director-General shall disseminate such guidelines to persons engaged in such renovation and remodeling through hardware and paint stores, employee organizations, trade groups, County and local agencies, and through other appropriate means. “(2) Study of certification. The Director-General shall conduct a study of the extent to which persons engaged in various types of renovation and remodeling activities in target housing, public buildings constructed before 2010, and commercial buildings are exposed to lead in the conduct of such activities or disturb lead and create a lead-based paint hazard on a regular or occasional basis. The Director-General shall complete such study and publish the results thereof within 30 months after the enactment of this section. “(3) Certification determination. Within 4 years after the enactment of this section, the Director-General shall revise the regulations under subsection (a) to apply the regulations to renovation or remodeling activities in target housing, public buildings constructed before 2010, and commercial buildings that create lead-based paint hazards. In determining which contractors are engaged in such activities, the Director-General shall utilize the results of the study under paragraph (2) and consult with the representatives of labor organizations, lead-based paint activities contractors, persons engaged in remodeling and renovation, experts in lead health effects, and others. If the Director-General determines that an category of contractors engaged in renovation or remodeling does not require certification, the Director-General shall publish an explanation of the basis for that determination.

“SEC. 403. IDENTIFICATION OF DANGEROUS LEVELS OF LEAD. “Within 18 months after the enactment of this title, the Director-General shall promulgate regulations which shall identify, for purposes of this title, and the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010, lead-based paint hazards, lead-contaminated dust, and lead-contaminated soil.

“SEC. 404. AUTHORIZED COUNTY PROGRAMS. “(a) Approval. Any County which seeks to administer and enforce the standards, regulations, or other requirements established under the relevant Laws, may, after notice and opportunity for public hearing, develop and submit to the Director-General an application, in such form as the Director-General shall require, for authorization of such a County program. Any such County may also certify to the Director-General at the time of submitting such program that the County program meets the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b). Upon submission of such certification, the County program shall be deemed to be authorized under this section, and shall apply in such County in lieu of the corresponding Government program under section 402 or 406, or both, as the case may be, until such time as the Director-General disapproves the program or withdraws the authorization. “(b) Approval or Disapproval. Within 180 days following submission of an application under subsection (a), the Director-General shall approve or disapprove the application. The Director-General may approve the application only if, after notice and after opportunity for public hearing, the Director-General finds that – “(1) the County program is at least as protective of human health and the environment as the Government program under the relevant Laws as the case may be, and “(2) such County program provides adequate enforcement. Upon authorization of a County program under this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to violate or fail or refuse to comply with any requirement of such program. “(c) Withdrawal of Authorization. If a County is not administering and enforcing a program authorized under this section in compliance with standards, regulations, and other requirements of this title, the Director-General shall so notify the County and, if corrective action is not completed within a reasonable time, not to exceed 180 days, the Director-General shall withdraw authorization of such program and establish a Government program pursuant to this title. “(d) Model County Program. Within 18 months after the enactment of this title, the Director-General shall promulgate a model County program which may be adopted by any County which seeks to administer and enforce a County program under this title. Such model program shall, to the extent practicable, encourage Countys to utilize existing County and local certification and accreditation programs and procedures. Such program shall encourage reciprocity among the Countys with respect to the certification under section 402. “(e) Other County Requirements. Nothing in this title shall be construed to prohibit any County or political subdivision thereof from imposing any requirements which are more stringent than those imposed by this title. “(f) County and Local Certification. The regulations under this title shall, to the extent appropriate, encourage Countys to seek program authorization and to use existing County and local certification and accreditation procedures, except that a County or local government shall not require more than 1 certification under this section for any lead-based paint activities contractor to carry out lead-based paint activities in the County or political subdivision thereof. “(g) Grants to Countys. The Director-General is authorized to make grants to Countys to develop and carry out authorized County programs under this section. The grants shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Director-General may establish to further the purposes of this title. “(h) Enforcement by Director-General. If a County does not have a County program authorized under this section and in effect by the date which is 2 years after promulgation of the regulations under section 402 or 406, the Director-General shall, by such date, establish a Government program for such County and administer and enforce such program in such County.

“SEC. 405. LEAD ABATEMENT AND MEASUREMENT

. “(a) Program To Promote Lead Exposure Abatement. The Director-General, in cooperation with other appropriate Government Ministrys and agencies, shall conduct a comprehensive program to promote safe, effective, and affordable monitoring, detection, and abatement of lead-based paint and other lead exposure hazards. “(b) Standards for Environmental Sampling Laboratories. (1) The Director-General shall establish protocols, criteria, and minimum performance standards for laboratory analysis of lead in paint films, soil, and dust. Within 2 years after the enactment of this title, the Director-General, in consultation with the Minister of Health and Health Services, shall establish a program to certify laboratories as qualified to test substances for lead content unless the Director-General determines, by the date specified in this paragraph, that effective voluntary accreditation programs are in place and operating on a nationwide basis at the time of such determination. To be certified under such program, a laboratory shall, at a minimum, demonstrate an ability to test substances accurately for lead content. “(2) Not later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Director-General shall publish and make available to the public a list of certified or accredited environmental sampling laboratories. “(3) If the Director-General determines under paragraph (1) that effective voluntary accreditation programs are in place for environmental sampling laboratories, the Director-General shall review the performance and effectiveness of such programs within 3 years after such determination. If, upon such review, the Director-General determines that the voluntary accreditation programs are not effective in assuring the quality and consistency of laboratory analyses, the Director-General shall, not more than 12 months thereafter, establish a certification program that meets the requirements of paragraph (1). “(c) Exposure Studies. (1) The Ministers of Health and Health Services (hereafter in this subsection referred to as the ‘Ministers’), acting through the Director of Public Health, and the Director of Environmental Health, shall jointly conduct a study of the sources of lead exposure in children who have elevated blood lead levels (or other indicators of elevated lead body burden), as defined by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control. “(2) The Minister, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, shall conduct a comprehensive study of means to reduce hazardous occupational lead abatement exposures. This study shall include, at a minimum, each of the following – “(A) Surveillance and intervention capability in the Countys to identify and prevent hazardous exposures to lead abatement workers. “(B) Demonstration of lead abatement control methods and devices and work practices to identify and prevent hazardous lead exposures in the workplace. “(C) Evaluation, in consultation with the National Institute of Environmental Health, of health effects of low and high levels of occupational lead exposures on reproductive, neurological, renal, and cardiovascular health. “(D) Identification of high risk occupational settings to which prevention activities and resources should be targeted. “(E) A study assessing the potential exposures and risks from lead to janitorial and custodial workers. “(3) The studies described in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall, as appropriate, examine the relative contributions to elevated lead body burden from each of the following: “(A) Drinking water. “(B) Food. “(C) Lead-based paint and dust from lead-based paint. “(D) Exterior sources such as ambient air and lead in soil. “(E) Occupational exposures, and other exposures that the Minister determines to be appropriate. “(4) Not later than 30 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Minister shall submit a report to the Parliament concerning the studies described in paragraphs (1) and (2). “(d) Public Education. (1) The Director-General, in conjunction with the Minister of Health and Health Services, acting through the Director of the Pharmarcy and Poisons Board, and in conjunction with the Minister of Housing, shall sponsor public education and outreach activities to increase public awareness of – “(A) the scope and severity of lead poisoning from household sources; “(B) potential exposure to sources of lead in schools and childhood day care centers; “(C) the implications of exposures for men and women, particularly those of childbearing age; “(D) the need for careful, quality, abatement and management actions; “(E) the need for universal screening of children; “(F) other components of a lead poisoning prevention program; “(G) the health consequences of lead exposure resulting from lead-based paint hazards; “(H) risk assessment and inspection methods for lead-based paint hazards; and “(I) measures to reduce the risk of lead exposure from lead-based paint. “(2) The activities described in paragraph (1) shall be designed to provide educational services and information to — “(A) health professionals; “(B) the general public, with emphasis on parents of young children; “(C) homeowners, landlords, and tenants; “(D) consumers of home improvement products; “(E) the residential real estate industry; and “(F) the home renovation industry. “(3) In implementing the activities described in paragraph (1), the Director-General shall assure coordination with the President’s Commission on Environmental Quality’s education and awareness campaign on lead poisoning. “(4) The Director-General in consultation with the Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, shall develop information to be distributed by retailers of home improvement products to provide consumers with practical information related to the hazards of renovation and remodeling where lead-based paint may be present. “(e) Technical Assistance. – “(1) Clearinghouse. Not later than 6 months after the enactment of this subsection, the Director-General shall establish, in consultation with the Minister of Housing and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, a National Clearinghouse on Childhood Lead Poisoning (hereinafter in this section referred to as ‘Clearinghouse’). The Clearinghouse shall– “(A) collect, evaluate, and disseminate current information on the assessment and reduction of lead-based paint hazards, adverse health effects, sources of exposure, detection and risk assessment methods, environmental hazards abatement, and clean-up standards; “(B) maintain a rapid-alert system to inform certified lead-based paint activities contractors of significant developments in research related to lead-based paint hazards; and “(C) perform any other duty that the Director-General determines necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act. “(2) Hotline. Not later than 6 months after the enactment of this subsection, the Director-General, in cooperation with other Government agencies and with County and local governments, shall establish a single lead-based paint hazard hotline to provide the public with answers to questions about lead poisoning prevention and referrals to the Clearinghouse for technical information. “(f) Products for Lead-Based Paint Activities. Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this section, the President shall, after notice and opportunity for comment, establish by rule appropriate criteria, testing protocols, and performance characteristics as are necessary to ensure, to the greatest extent possible and consistent with the purposes and policy of this title, that lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction products introduced into commerce after a period specified in the rule are effective for the intended use described by the manufacturer. The rule shall identify the types or classes of products that are subject to such rule. The President, in implementation of the rule, shall to the maximum extent possible, utilize independent testing laboratories, as appropriate, and consult with such entities and others in developing the rules. The President may delegate the authorities under this subsection to the Environmental Protection Agency N.E.M.A or the Minister of Trade or such other appropriate agency.

“SEC. 406. LEAD HAZARD INFORMATION PAMPHLET. “(a) Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet. Not later than 2 years after the enactment of this section, after notice and opportunity for comment, the Director-General of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the Minister of Housing and with the Minister of Health and Health Services, shall publish, and from time to time revise, a lead hazard information pamphlet to be used in connection with this title and section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 2010. The pamphlet shall – “(1) contain information regarding the health risks associated with exposure to lead; “(2) provide information on the presence of lead-based paint hazards in Government assisted, Government owned, and target housing; “(3) describe the risks of lead exposure for children under 6 years of age, pregnant women, women of childbearing age, persons involved in home renovation, and others residing in a dwelling with lead-based paint hazards; “(4) describe the risks of renovation in a dwelling with lead-based paint hazards; “(5) provide information on approved methods for evaluating and reducing lead-based paint hazards and their effectiveness in identifying, reducing, eliminating, or preventing exposure to lead-based paint hazards; “(6) advise persons how to obtain a list of contractors certified pursuant to this title in lead-based paint hazard evaluation and reduction in the area in which the pamphlet is to be used; “(7) State that a risk assessment or inspection for lead-based paint is recommended prior to the purchase, lease, or renovation of target housing; “(8) State that certain County and local laws impose additional requirements related to lead-based paint in housing and provide a listing of Government, County, and local agencies in each County, including address and telephone number, that can provide information about applicable laws and available governmental and private assistance and financing; and “(9) provide such other information about environmental hazards associated with residential real property as the Director-General deems appropriate. “(b) Renovation of Target Housing. Within 2 years after the enactment of this section, the Director-General shall promulgate regulations under this subsection to require each person who performs for compensation a renovation of target housing to provide a lead hazard information pamphlet to the owner and occupant of such housing prior to commencing the renovation.

“SEC. 407. REGULATIONS.

“The regulations of the Director-General under this title shall include such recordkeeping and reporting requirements as may be necessary to insure the effective implementation of this title. The regulations may be amended from time to time as necessary.

“SEC. 408. CONTROL OF LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS AT GOVERNMENT FACILITIES. “Each Ministry, agency, and instrumentality of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Government (1) having jurisdiction over any property or facility, or (2) engaged in any activity resulting, or which may result, in a lead-based paint hazard, and each officer, agent, or employee thereof, shall be subject to, and comply with, all Government, County, interCounty, and local requirements, both substantive and procedural (including any requirement for certification, licensing, recordkeeping, or reporting or any provisions for injunctive relief and such sanctions as may be imposed by a court to enforce such relief) respecting lead-based paint, lead-based paint activities, and lead-based paint hazards in the same manner, and to the same extent as any nongovernmental entity is subject to such requirements, including the payment of reasonable service charges. The Government, County, interCounty, and local substantive and procedural requirements referred to in this subsection include, but are not limited to, all administrative orders and all civil and administrative penalties and fines regardless of whether such penalties or fines are punitive or coercive in nature, or whether imposed for isolated, intermittent or continuing violations. The Kenya Government hereby expressly waives any immunity otherwise applicable to the Kenya Governement with respect to any such substantive or procedural requirement (including, but not limited to, any injunctive relief, administrative order, or civil or administrative penalty or fine referred to in the preceding sentence, or reasonable service charge). The reasonable service charges referred to in this section include, but are not limited to, fees or charges assessed for certification and licensing, as well as any other nondiscriminatory charges that are assessed in connection with a Government, County, interCounty, or local lead-based paint, lead-based paint activities, or lead-based paint hazard activities program. No agent, employee, or officer of the Kenya Government shall be personally liable for any civil penalty under any Government, County, interCounty, or local law relating to lead-based paint, lead-based paint activities, or lead-based paint hazards with respect to any act or omission within the scope of his official duties.

“SEC. 409. PROHIBITED ACTS.

“It shall be unlawful for any person to fail or refuse to comply with a provision of this title or with any rule or order issued under this title.

“SEC. 410. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER GOVERNMENT LAW. “Nothing in this title shall affect the authority of other appropriate Government agencies to establish or enforce any requirem

Delhi NCR Region : As far as architecture and interior designing is concerned in India, it is largely limited to the big cities and it was largely governed by the economic forces of India moving earlier from viz. Kolkata to Mumbai and subsequently the growth of Delhi when it became the capital of India.

If taken a look at the architectural language, a lot of historical buildings built during the Colonial period were located in Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi until about the late 90s. Most of the large number of works was limited to these metros.

Following this growth was seen in cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Bangalore which came up in the early 90s and this threw up a lot of new opportunities for architects and interior designers across the country. It was observed that architects from Chennai are getting new projects in Bangalore and architects from Mumbai getting projects in Pune.

Slowly as time progressed, each of these cities including the earlier big cities and the new growth centres also began to develop.

If we look at these cities viz. Delhi which was 25 years back just Delhi, basically a large city but there was no Gurgaon, no Noida or Ghaziabad. Whereas today Delhi which is also NCR – National Capital Region, probably a city which is 100 Kilometres by 100 Kilometres in dimension and has places like Gurgaon and NOIDA which are a part of other states. All this makes it a huge metropolis of 18 million people.

For any architect or interior designer a place like Gurgaon itself is sufficient to keep him busy and it is not only about one architect but a place like Gurgaon could probably have 100 or 150 architects making enough money to survive and even become rich.

This is true about any other city in the country. The commercial district of Mumbai earlier was Nariman Point in the early 90s and then the city started growing out of Nariman Point. The business houses started moving to Bandra Kurla Complex – BKC, some corporates to Andheri, some to Navi Mumbai; another new development area being central Mumbai along Lower Parel.

As the city expanded northwards, people also started living in other parts of the city like architects in Mumbai and this opened up new opportunities for young architects and interior designers. Earlier design work was limited to places like in South Mumbai from Nariman Point to Bandra. But today in a city like Mumbai, where we find architects practising and coming from Navi Mumbai, Thane, Borivali and everywhere else.

Let us take a look at a smaller phenomenon: Pune till around the mid 90s was a retirement home for most people. From a small town, it has suddenly become a big metropolis. The population expansion has been exponential and today it is home to several multinationals companies setting up their offshore offices in places like the Rajiv Gandhi IT Park and new areas like Kharadi. But because of a lot of back office operations coming up in Pune, real estate costs have also escalated. It is no longer a place where one could get cheap real estate.

The areas around the IT Parks have also mushroomed and lot of developments have also come – up. Along with the new residential developments, other ancillary services such as shopping, banking and eating joints have sprung up in neighbourhoods.

So in places like the Rajiv Gandhi IT Park which is in the outskirts of Pune along the Pune-Bangalore highway, several up-market retail outlets and 5 Star Hotels have come up. This location was like a small village 10 years back. All this means a lot of work for architects, as far as Pune is concerned and architects from both Pune and from Mumbai are getting opportunities to work on projects in the city.

A similar phenomenon, on a much larger scale has occured in Bangalore as well. Bangalore which was another retirement home for people, was largely a manufacturing hub till about the mid 90s: a lot of manufacturing used to be carried out here. Work for the architects and interior designers was limited to construction of factories and government offices. Then suddenly Bangalore became an IT Hub for the rest of the world. This meant a lot of IT back-office operations opened up in areas like Whitefield. Whitefield has now become a mini town in itself, with probably a population of close to 1 Million, such that it needs to have its own life support services like residential communities, malls, cinemas. All this has given a lot of opportunities for architects and interior designers to show their skills.

The city of Bangalore has grown so much that the city administration has had to construct a ring road around the city so that from the ring road one can remain connected to different parts of the city without having to enter the main city in an attempt at keeping it decongested. Almost all plots of land along the ring road were taken up very quickly. However, organisations started construction of their offices so quickly and it became so congested that the city administration decided to build a second loop of a ring road, now called outer ring road. The outer ring road is also now beginning to see the mushrooming of residential complexes and IT offices – bringing along with it an opportunity for architects and interior designers.

The entire city of Bangalore, earlier never took more than a half hour commute to go from one part of the city to another till about fifteen years ago. But, today travelling from one part to another part of the city could probably take two hours or even more. A visit to the airport from the city centre is a tour in itself.

A similar story is being noticed in Kolkata. Kolkata was the capital of India during the British period. For a long time till the 90s, Kolkata saw a kind of stagnant period mainly because of the communist rule, although it had a lot of flights to the new growth centres like Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad. However, the government finally opened up new areas of development like Rajarhat and Salt Lake City. Proximity to the airport, availability to cheap land and well spread out network of roads with a very good infrastructure, saw a lot of new companies coming to Kolkata. These are largely IT back-offices. Besides this a few management consulting companies have also opened their offices in Kolkata in the 90s. This led the city to grow exponentially in terms of the geographic spread of the city.

So Kolkata today is not limited to Park Street or Tollygunge: Kolkata has expanded onto places like Rajarhat or Salt Lake. Earlier the growth of the city was limited along the metroline which was developed – Kolkata having developed India’s first underground railway. However, today we find the city spreading in another direction and the metro is actually following the direction of the growth of the city. All this again means new growth opportunities for architects and interior designers in Kolkata.

Architects are one of those professions which many of us will never need. Unlike a solicitor, to whom we will turn when we want to buy a house, the architect only comes to mind if we then decide to make major alterations to that house. It is easy to forget as we all struggle to get through the recession, that almost every sector of the economy is affected.

Problems with the housing market have been well documented and the effect on builders, plumbers, electricians and estate agents are known to all. Architects to have been affected. For those settled in their property, growing families often mean structural changes are required to the family home, to accommodate a larger brood. In order to affect these changes, the assistance of an architect is required to put plans together and to get any necessary approvals from the planning authorities.

With the availability of credit drying up, it means that those who did wish to borrow to make changes to property may find it difficult to do so.

If money cannot be borrowed, or a family decides to not spend and save instead, then the architect will not be engaged and the building will not take place. It is the same in industry. Business which may be looking to expand and develop their premises, may be reluctant to do so in harsher times.

The knock on effect is that Architects whether they work in practices with others or on their own, will be struggling to earn fees. If they cannot earn fees then financial distress may follow. If the architect is an individual, then debt solutions may come in the form of debt management, or an Individual voluntary arrangement or ultimately bankruptcy. If a number of architects work together, they may do so as a partnership.

The partnership can be saved by a partnership voluntary arrangement or an administration.

If you are an architect reading this and you can recognise the scenario, please take professional advice sooner rather than later. 

One team of highly experienced architects, Pennsylvania based MSL Associates, Ltd has an extraordinary record of producing aesthetically pleasing and financially successful homes for over thirty five years. Offering a broad range of expertise for their clients across North America, MSL’s principals understand the intricate nuances of sophisticated residential design and are adept at helping their clients to manage any type of construction project. The company’s services include Master Planning, Site Analysis, Architecture, Budgeting and Estimating, Project Management, Landscape Architecture, and Design Consultation.

Based in Chester County in South Eastern Pennsylvania, MSL Associates, Ltd has focused their work on sites within the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. However, their services have been utilized across 14 States from coast to coast including New York, Florida, New Jersey, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Montana, Arizona, and many others.

The company’s trademark eye-catching and elegant designs are showcased in over 700 residential projects that have been created for clients during MSL Associates, Ltd’s 35-year history. These enduring designs have long been the company’s specialty as they seek to deliver architectural excellence in every project they undertake. Their guiding philosophy is to smoothly integrate the environment and the home, and provide enduring, classic designs that make a statement for their owners, while blending comfortably into the landscape.

For example, when creating a contemporary version of a traditional farmhouse for a client in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania the architects at MSL Associates, Ltd created an expansive design that successfully blended a modern, open floor plan with a an exterior design that reflected traditional farmhouse lines, at the behest of their clients.

Their residential projects are also a noted feature across the Chesapeake Bay, where they have delighted clients with their innovative approach to elegant coastal waterfront designs, as their website, mslarchitects.com, so richly depicts. As leading architects, this Pennsylvania based business is comfortable designing dream homes, large or small, in the woods or fields, in the city, or by the water, throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. From estate homes that incorporate Old World lines to stunning waterside residences that offer the most resplendent retreat from a hectic city, these experienced and versatile architects do indeed excel at helping clients turn dreams into realities.

The company’s architectural design and construction experience also extends to commercial projects, where their creativity and experience has helped create cost-effective, modern facilities for their clients across a variety of different project types. For example, when a client in Elverson, PA required architects that would ensure their impressive administration office extension was built on time and to a challenging budget, they chose the services of MSL Associates, Ltd who developed an expansive yet realistic concept that laid the foundation for the client’s growth in their industry and enhanced their corporate image. From administration headquarters to office condominium buildings, the architects at Pennsylvania based MSL Associates, Ltd have the necessary industry experience to ensure complete success with every office building project. They also have extensive experience in hotel design, shopping center design, and Retirement Facility design, much of which extends from their own ongoing operational involvement in these project types. The design from their own operational experience, and naturally align their own interests with that of their clients.

The Architects at MSL Associates, Ltd know what it takes to plan, budget and manage the construction of visually pleasing designs, and work directly with their clients to keep unnecessary costs down while meeting and exceeding their aesthetic and functional requirements. Their dedication to operational efficiency has helped clients budget their building work for optimized designs that are both visually outstanding and cost-effective. Contact them today to see how their expert services can help ensure architectural excellence and financial success for your next building project. For more information, please go to mslarchitects.

The future of sustainable housing and eco-design is perhaps something everyday folks consider vaguely. Solar panels, biomass (whatever that is) and wind turbines may be a workable reality now, but for many the realistic idea of renewable fuel (never mind a specifically eco-designed home) is a passing thought as they flick on the light (which is an energy-saving bulb so well done there) and go about their daily home chores.

Building Design
With so much more focus on sustainable housing and renewable energy, houses are likely to be far more open to renewable energy adaptations, built using renewable materials and insulation, and decorated with green-living in mind.

Energy
Home-use solar panels have, historically, been ineffectual and expensive, particularly in terms of home adaptation. However current common eco-buildings like garden offices, studios and even modular school classrooms already employ cheap, successful solar panels which can produce the main bulk of the structure’s electrical power needs.

Water
Biomass is a plant-based fuel, and when properly cultured, produces a zero carbon footprint.

Unlike fossil fuels, the COv(2) extracted from the atmosphere during growth is in direct proportion to that released by the use of biomass in energy e.g. the COv(2)  released is immediately taken up by replanting.
Biomass is particularly touted as the future of water heaters in the home. It’s worth noting that estimates put annual bill savings at around £450 per home.

Gardens
Going green in the garden has never been easier, and in the future will play a more central role. Growing fruit and vegetables is already popular, and will hold that platform in the future garden.
Peripheral eco-buildings like garden offices and modular building systems are increasing in popularity in the common British garden. Designed by accomplished eco-architects, these carefully planned buildings are perhaps the best practical assessment of things to come in future UK house design.

If you are thinking about expanding your home or constructing a new one, you’ll seek to find an architect to serve your purpose. There are many different benefits to hiring an architect for conceiving ideas, formulating plans and obtaining planning permission. If you’re looking for credible and expert architects in Surrey, this article shows a number of factors to consider before selecting the best one.

These creative professionals not only produce foolproof architectural designs, but they can also guide you through every phase of the construction procedure, including supervising the construction and ensuring the contractor abides by their plans. As might be expected, your architect must have adequate flexibility in matching your requirements whether it is merely for devising plans for a home expansion or the project management of a novel home.

Begin with a search of architects in Surrey that you have the desire to interview.

Ask acquaintances, family members, or business partners for suggestions. Also, resort to the internet or telephone directory to carry out your search in this county located in the South East of England.

Get in touch with the architects. Find out whether you can arrange a short telephonic interview. Keep in mind that they are highly remunerated professionals, so make certain that you have already prepared a list of queries. Any architect that you would think of employing must take sufficient time to reply to your queries about their degree of experience, design values and practices, etc. However, you should not expect them to reveal their vital knowledge and expertise for free.

After communicating with several firms by phone, prepare a list of 3 to 5 architects that you would be interested in interviewing further.

Organise a face-to-face meeting with them. Be ready with information regarding what you want to construct, your estimated budget, and queries that you would ask the architect.

As soon as you have discussed formally with all the architects in Surrey that you are considering, take plenty of time to compare them carefully. Ensure that you are selecting a practice that you can interrelate with since you will be working with it for a considerable period of time.

After you have chosen an architectural practice in this area, ascertain that you sign a contract and that you comprehend each and every point in it. Particularly, make certain that you interpret payment provisions, what occurs in case you have to put off your project or call it off. Never sign the contract until you comprehend and are at ease with all conditions specified in it.

The most excellent way to find architect is asking your family and friends about them. In addition, check if the architect has expertise in residential, commercial, or both kinds of work. Hence, follow the aforesaid steps to hire the best professional or firm in your region and fulfil your dream of owning a fabulous house.

In building any housing project, the architectural design plays a vital role in it. House architects specialize that and they create the house floor plans and building plans according to your idea. They manipulate the design that you conceptualize and make it into reality. To ease you out from the stress of thinking and looking for the perfect design for your project, house architects can assist you. With them, the building restrictions are acknowledged and house positioning is considered to make sure that your project is built at its best. You will have a comfortable and fully utilized space in your building.

House architects assist you to come up with a very good house plan and suits your budget. Because they are professional and well-trained based on experience, they know how to make things right for you and your house building.

Before anything is constructed, they plan and anticipate what are the do’s and don’ts for the building structure. House architects mainly consider the master bedroom, the living area, and your lounge. These are the areas where residents mostly linger and accept visitors. They feel that once these areas are being designed well, it attracts more people. If you want to invest from it, it will be easy to find a client or customer. What catches attention, first hand, is the design, that is why it is very important to put on a good amount of time and attention to make it perfectly attractive.

Some known house architects build up Town Planners team. They have established a good reputation in the architectural design aspect and many investors and developers worked with them with ease. NRAS investment loans cover multiple housing and these architects come up with great designs to attract renters as much. Not only that this scheme provides an affordable housing, but the designs are simply amazing. When a house structure undergoes a good planning and design, it becomes a natural that investors and clients will do business with you in any way possible. Such infrastructures are competitive. This is one of the reasons why most investors and developers, work with reputable house architects.

If you are yet planning to build a house either for an investment or for yourself, have it under control and designed by house architects. There are legitimate firms nowadays that provide great services when it comes to planning a house design. Make sure to settle for those who can do what you want for your house. Choose those who can give you a specifications list after they have come up with the final plan and design. By this, things will be a lot easier during the construction including your budget. All things being considered, like those on NRAS investment loans and Town Planners, be with house architects and create the house of your dream.