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. Growing up I learned so many things from him, he taught me the value of family, respect and everything I know today about remodeling homes safely.
I remember a time at Levco Builders when I received a call from a man who shared a personal story about lead poisoning. He thanked me for advocating for the rule. I assured him of my commitment to safety. I was an early supporter of the EPA’s RRP rule, and I’m still a strong advocate today for ensuring people are safe in their homes.
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. The other pivotal moment in my quest to promote healthy homes was a document written by the then Surgeon General, Steven Galson in 2009 who articulated the need for a healthy housing stock. This blog is dedicated to all things related to healthy homes with an emphasis on lead, lead detection as well as protection of humans and pets.
Help My Roof is Popping
I get some intriguing questions from time to time. I could not pass this one up. A popping roof means it is not just a weird occasional issue, it actually wakes her up. This concern is that the house is in some danger of collapsing. Although possible it is unlikely...
Gas Oven Failure Fixed
I've been working on a Viking Professional natural gas oven that was not heating properly. It is a simple system that has very few parts or controls. The burners were burnt out and that was the first obvious sign, I bought an igniter thinking that it was the problem...
Sprinkler System Failure Repaired
I was asked to fix a Rainbird sprinkler system that was not doing its thing. The battery was new, the system was pressurized with water. I first looked at the display that had a constant error message. It was not changing as I spun the dial so I knew something was...
The Handy Man Craze Hits Boise
I have recently come across 3 guys that have quit employment to go out on their own to become handymen for their sphere of influence. I love entrepreneurship and I encourage everyone to give it a try. I can not thank them enough to take over the small jobs that my...
My House is More Humid Than Normal
I recently was asked to look at a new development in the summer of a home we recently remodeled. The concern is that it is in the 'mid to high '80's and the house is humid. OUTSIDE HEAT mid to high '90s INSIDE SET TO: 73deg UPON ARRIVAL: House is 70 deg AC not...
According To The Big Box Store Guy…
A friend called to tell me that "according to the Home Depot guy" (If I had a dime for every time I've heard this) "This pull on and twist for temperature shower valve faucet is illegal now, and must be completely replaced". He also said the the parts are no longer...
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Get The Lead Out
This was a common phrase my dad used to say. It had to do with teaching a work ethic. Turns out that he got some traction, we 4 boys learned how to work hard and stay busy even when we weren't being watched. Now the saying has a different meaning because I am focused...
Promoting Healthy Homes Is An Endless Undertaking
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...
Lead Testing Without The Normal Tools
As we step lightly into the future of remodeling pre-1978 homes in a post-3M lead test swab era, we find ourselves hoarding swabs and stretching the most out of them. If we could make them last, then we can avoid the inevitable disappointment of the Old Mother Hubbard...
Your Copper Plumbing Pipes are Shot, NOT
I recently had an interesting conversation with a client that had contacted a local plumbing outfit to fix a broken tub faucet. After looking in the crawl space he made it clear that the copper plumbing pipes need to be replaced because he saw evidence of corrosion at...