Continuing Education

Lead Safe Renovator Requirements...
As of April 22, 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services along with the EPA is requiring those involved in renovations in homes built before 1978, disturbing more than 6 square feet per room of interior space or more than 20 square feet of exterior space to have Wisconsin Lead-Safe Renovator certification.  This includes remodeling, repair, rehab, weatherization, painting, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, window refinishing or replacement, carpentry etc. To learn more, visit www.dhs.wi.gov/lead/.

Anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs potential lead-contaminated surfaces is subject to this rule!

On March 8, HNBA will be hosting Lead Safe Renovator (1 full day--qualifies for 8 CE credits for DCQ) and Lead Safe Renovator Refresher (1/2 day--qualifies for 4 CE credits for DCQ; for those previously certified as Lead Safe Workers.) training. Lake State Environmental will be conducting this training at the Rice Lake Elks Club. For an information/registration form, click here. Classes are limited to a maximum of 24 attendees each; pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Courses are nearly full--please call 715-736-4622 to check for availability.

Other courses are available throughout the state, offered by WBA, Lake States Environmental, and Milwaukee Lead & Asbestos, and others. Check their websites or the WI Dept of Commerce for course schedules, prices and availability.

Contractor Education Requirements...
Check your Contractor Credential Status at the Wisconsin Dept. of Commerce's website. Remember, you must complete your continuing education requirements at least 3 months prior to the renewal date of your credential!

If you need to take the 12 credit "new builder" series to earn your Qualifier Credential or need Continuing Education Credits, the Wisconsin Dept. of Commerce lists sources available throughout the state. Here is a source that we know is Commerce-approved, and you can complete it without leaving your home!:

• The Metropolitan Builders Association is offering their Commerce-approved 12-credit "new builder" course via DVD set. As a member of Heart of the North Builders Association, you will receive their HBA Member rate of $130 ($225 for non-members). An info/order form is available here.

  Completing this DVD and associated test will also satisfy the12-credit continuing education requirement for those already holding their Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.

To find other WI Dept of Commerce-approved continuing education courses, click here.

Upcoming General Membership Meeting Education Topics:

• March General Membership Meeting: Bambi Forcey of the American Red Cross will review & demonstrate basic first aid and first responder techniques. Having this information could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency! Please take the time to attend this meeting and gain this priceless information! Dinner will be catered by Drag's--please bring your own beverages! 1 CE Credit applied for.

Please note that all topics and speakers are subject to change. Check here or your HNBA Happenings for updates.

Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions for future education topics.

March 2009 General Membership Meeting Follow-up Links:
Click Here for NAHB's 13-page summary of what's included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA--aka Federal Stimulus Package) for the housing industry.

Click Here for the summary of tax credits available to homeowners for energy-efficiency upgrades.

Click Here to find out just who needs to register with the WI Dept of Commerce under the new Contractor Registration requirement that goes into effect July 1, 2009.

DOT Information from the June 08 & Feb 10 General Membership Meetings:
If you missed the June 2008 and/or Feb 10 meetings, you missed a very informative topic. Dan Boese of the Dept. of Transportation explained who needs a DOT number, who needs a CDL, who needs a medical card, etc. More information on this topic can be found at Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's site, http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.

Off-Site Meetings:
If your company would like to sponsor a General Membership Meeting, please download HNBA's policy and agreement form and submit no less than 6 months prior to the date of the meeting you would like to sponsor.

Right to Cure:
Builders and Remodelers: make sure you're handing out the Right to Cure brochure with each contract you enter into with a homeowner!