I grew up in an older home and my father Ed Levitch MHRIP was an Architect and remodeling contractor in and around Berkeley California and the surrounding cities since 1958. I was a bit of a pioneer when the EPA’s RRP rule was coming into play. At Levco Builders in the early days, I recall vividly a phone call I received from an unknown caller. I was beating the drum pretty hard on the internet supporting the rule and this guy said ” You remember the video of the guy that leaded his kids while remodeling his own home?” Yes, I said. “That was me. Lead poisoning is real. Thank you for taking it seriously!” I paused and told him I was sorry that happened and that I would stay true to my convictions.

What is a Healthy Home?

We all believe our homes are healthy places but all too often the opposite is true. As a remodeling contractor too, I deal with it every day. From the materials we use to how they are installed and the environment we create within the envelope of your home is unbelievably important. The CDC describes a healthy home as “One that is designed, built, and maintained to support our health” I couldn’t agree more.

Who Inspires Me

Dr. Steven Galson

The surgeon general’s call to action to promote healthy homes dated June 9th, 2009 by Dr. Steven K. Galson MD MPH lit a fire in me that burns brightly to this day. In it, he touched on so many of the issues that affect my life and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to shepherd his causes to the best of my abilities. Lead Locators is committed to one tiny part of home health but the topic is broad and as serious as a heart attack. The fact that we live in them makes everything in our home and the building itself subject to the title.

Here Is A Taste Of The Topics We Will Tackle Over Time:

1. Lead
2. Water quality
3. Accessibility / Universal Design
4. The history of homes From Caves to McMansions.
5. In-home trip hazards
6. Fire Hazards
7. Indoor Air Quality
8. High Altitude Homes for Flatlanders
9. Off-Gassing of materials
10. Asbestos
11. Radon
12. Asthma
13. Water issues like Mold
14. Unhealthy Construction Materials
15. How to properly ventilate the home
16. Building Science
17. Flames from gas combustion in a home and Back Drafting CO.
18. Insurance

Is My Home Out To Get Me?

Ok, this is the beginning of an epic saga. I have not run out of good materials in the past 10 years of writing. The risks are real and the solutions will be epic. The conversation should be robust and focus on the things that make us better practitioners and share tips and tricks about better home maintenance. I aim to clear up confusion and misunderstanding, with the ultimate goal of easing the uncomfortable feeling that your home is out to get you. Too many people didn’t sign up for the old house issues. New homes have their issues too. Welcome to the wonderful world of dealing with all things shelter.

Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about lead testing, click here to email me directly, or call 208-908-4418

If you or someone you know is lead testing or just wants to speak to a trustworthy guy, please contact me. You’ll be glad you did.

Disclaimer: Some of these images came from the WEB. If they are yours, and you object to them being used, please claim them and I will gladly remove and replace them at once.