Come by and see Lone Star Remodeling And Renovations at the upcoming San Antonio Fall Home And Garden Show. The Home And Garden Show is an excellent source for design ideas and seeing the latest trends in the remodeling industry.

Justin Bravo and Jonathan Rodriquez will be presenting the following for the National Kitchen and Bath Association on Friday September 30, 2011 at 5:00PM on the NKBA stage at the Home and Garden Show:

Renovation Innovations: Incorporating the Leading Edge of Technology in Bath and Kitchen Design.

Recent advances in technology are arriving in the bathroom and kitchen. They can add warmth, improve hygiene, and enhance the overall design. The trend today is to mix high-tech with high-style. Come see how innovative technologies are changing the way we think about bath and kitchen design.

Throughout the Home And Garden Show we will have representatives at both the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry booths. We would love to meet you and talk about your remodeling project.

This years show is better than ever with more diverse exhibits, more categories and more presentations on our fabulous stage! The show offers a unique and broad selection of home improvement-related businesses. You’ll enjoy various entertaining features and special guest speakers. Get ideas, investigate new products, gather information and meet the professionals to help you make your next remodeling, renovation, or decorating project a breeze! Save a $1.00 with coupon link below!

Show Hours                                                                   Admission

Friday February 25th:     2:00 – 8:00pm                                        Adults 17+:  $9.00

Saturday February 26th:  10:00 – 8:00pm                                    16 and under: Free

Sunday February 27th:   11:00 – 6:00pm                                       65+: $6.00 (Friday Only)

$1.00 Off Coupon for the San Antonio Home and Garden Show available here

“Over the last few years we have seen an increase in replacement windows, siding, roofing, and other necessary home improvement projects. There has also been an increase of consumer-awareness of energy-efficient remodeling practices. However, the first quarter of 2011 looks like the return of discretionary remodeling projects. ” – Bob Bravo VP of Lone Star Remodeling And Renovations

Right now people feel that the housing market has hit the bottom and are looking to improve rather than move. When housing prices are on the rise again, their remodeling investments will pay off if they decide to sell.

“We have seen a very high increase of requests for room additions, bathroom remodeling, and kitchen remodeling so far this year. Despite the recent cold weather, our phones have been red hot with customer calls.” – Bob Bravo VP of Lone Star Remodeling And Renovations

Most of the remodeling industry is expecting an increase on discretionary projects such as whole-house renovations, bathroom and kitchen reconfigures, and the building of room additions in 2011.

The EPA has issued a FAQ document to help clarify their intent regarding the June 18, 2010 memo that delayed enforcement of the Certification requirements. The text of the clarification document is as follows:

Frequent Questions on EPA’s June 18, 2010 Implementation Guidance for the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

Q. Does EPA’s announcement of June 18, 2010, modify the Lead Renovation Repair and Painting Rule’s requirements that contractors use lead-safe work practices when working in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities?

No. This announcement does not change the requirement that all contractors take steps to protect children and families from the dangers of lead poisoning by becoming certified and following the work practice standards and the associated recordkeeping requirements. As of April 22, all contractors have been required to be certified and follow the work practice standards described on EPA’s website. The effect of the June 18 memorandum only provides firms more time to apply for and obtain certification as a lead-based paint renovation firm before active enforcement of the firm certification requirements begins. EPA is also providing individual workers additional time to enroll in and take the required training course to become certified lead-based paint renovators before active enforcement of the individual renovator training requirements begins. EPA will use its enforcement authority to ensure compliance by enforcing work practice standards and their associated recordkeeping requirements against all renovators and firms. Therefore, renovators who have not been able to complete the training requirements are advised to review EPA’s model training materials available at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/training.htm. Additional information on lead-safe work practices can be found at www.epa.gov/lead or obtained from the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

All renovation firms, even those not yet certified under the RRP rule, are also reminded of their continuing obligations to comply with Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule’s pre-renovation information distribution requirements, which require that before firms begin each renovation on pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities and to comply with the associated recordkeeping requirements. These requirements are explained in EPA’s Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right.

Q. Does the June 18, 2010, announcement mean that EPA will not enforce certification and training requirements until after October 1, 2010, for firms and December 31, 2010, for renovators?

A. EPA is not stopping its enforcement against any renovation firms and individual renovators who do not comply with requirements of work practice standards and associated recordkeeping requirements. However, EPA is providing additional time for renovation firms and workers to obtain the necessary training and certifications before enforcement of the firm certification and individual renovator requirements begins.

Renovation Firms. Until October 1, 2010, EPA will not take enforcement action for violations of the RRP rule’s firm certification requirement.

Individual Renovators. EPA will not enforce against individual renovation workers for failure to be trained if the person has applied to enroll in, or has enrolled in, by not later than September 30, 2010, a certified renovator class to train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with the final rules. Individual renovators must complete the training by December 31, 2010. Renovators who have not been able to complete the training requirements are advised to review EPA’s model training materials available at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/training.htm. Additional information on lead-safe work practices can be found at www.epa.gov/lead or obtained from the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Q. Thousands of renovators are already trained and their firms are EPA certified. Will EPA enforce against renovators who did not receive their training certification before December 31, 2010?

A. It is most important that all contractors follow the RRP work practice standards. However, EPA is providing additional time for renovation firms and workers to obtain the necessary training and certifications before the enforcement of the firm certification and individual renovator requirements begins. Therefore, renovators who have not been able to complete the training requirements are advised to review EPA’s model training materials available at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/training.htm. Additional information on lead-safe work practices can be found at www.epa.gov/lead or obtained from the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Q. Doesn’t the June 18 memorandum extend an unfair advantage to members of the regulated community who have delayed compliance with the certification and training requirements and punish those who have complied with the rule?

A. EPA does not believe that allowing more time for firms to become certified and renovators to become trained extends an unfair advantage. To the contrary, firms that are already certified can benefit by continuing to advertise that they are certified and may continue to use EPA’s program logo during this interim period. The Agency also recognizes the challenges some are facing in obtaining training in a timely fashion and is providing additional time to individual renovators to enroll in and take the required training courses before the Agency actively enforces the individual renovator requirements. EPA is committed to encouraging additional training opportunities in every state to meet this demand for classes.

Q. How does the June 18 announcement impact renovators in states that have adopted their own RRP programs?

A. As of June 21, 2010, eight states — Wisconsin, Iowa, North Carolina, Mississippi, Kansas, Rhode Island, Utah, and Oregon – administer and enforce their own RRP programs.

Renovators working in these states must comply with all applicable state laws, notwithstanding this guidance.

Q. What happens if an individual applied or was accepted for training before October 1, 2010, but the course is cancelled or delayed by the training provider during that 90-day period (October 1 – December 31, 2010)? What recourse does the individual renovation worker have after 12/31/10?

A. The renovator must complete training by December 31, 2010. EPA encourages renovators and firms to take advantage of this opportunity and not delay in becoming trained and certified.

Q. How soon should renovation firms send their applications to EPA?

A. Firms should send their applications to EPA as soon as possible. All firms that are not certified by October 1, 2010, will be subject to penalties for failing to comply with the renovation firm requirements of the RRP rule. EPA has been working to expedite processing of applications but, under the regulations, may take up to 90 days.

Lone Star Remodeling And Renovations is a Registered Approved CPS Energy Contractor for 2010. All projects must be completed by a registered CPS Energy contractor to qualify for home improvement rebates. CPS Energy is offering rebates to their residential customers that complete projects that improve the energy efficiency of their home. The energy efficient improvements that qualify for a rebate include:

• Attic Insulation

• Cool Roof

• ENERGY STAR Windows

• Solar window shades and screens

• Spray foam insulation

• Wall insulation

Check out our Rebates & Incentives page to learn more!

via CPS Energy’s website:

Air Flow and Home Efficiency rebates are granted only for installations completed by contractors registered with CPS Energy. Work completed by other contractors or by homeowners are not eligible for a CPS Energy rebate. Contractors participating must follow all applicable local and state laws regarding building codes, permits and standards. They also must sign a CPS Energy Registered Contractor Agreement. It is up to the contractor to follow all requirements. If work violates local or state requirements, no rebates will be given to the customer.

Beginning April 22, 2010, the EPA’s new Lead-Based Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP) takes effect. Contractors now have to become EPA Certified Renovators, trained in Lead-Safe Work Practices, to work on homes, child care facilities, and schools built prior to 1978, when lead-based paint was banned from residential use. The rule applies to a broad category of tradesman who might disturb lead-painted surfaces through sanding, sawing, and demolition. This trades effected by the RRP rule are remodeling, painting, window replacement, plumbing, electrical work, heating & air-conditioning, demolition, plus work performed by trades like carpenters, electricians and handymen. The rule also applies to individuals working for rental property owners, schools, and day care providers, non-profits, and governmental agencies.

Lead is a health hazard to both children and adults. Lead poisoning is a serious health condition that may cause effects on the brain, nervous system, cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal, and reproduction. It is especially serious with pregnant women and small children impacting both their physical and mental development. Children are at a greater risk than adults because their bodies are still developing. In children lead can cause decreased intelligence, attention deficit disorder, and other learning disabilities. Pregnant women are especially at risk from exposure to lead because it is easily passed from the mother to the fetus.

Leaded-dust particles are often so small that you cannot see them, yet you can breathe or swallow them. These smaller inhaled or swallowed dust particles are more easily absorbed by the body than larger particles, and can therefore more easily cause poisoning. A few micrograms of lead is enough to poison an adult or child. A microgram is one millionth of a gram. To give some perspective, a sugar packet is approximately one gram. Divide that sugar packet into a million parts, and that is one microgram.

Lead was used as a paint additive for added durability and color until it was banned in the United States in 1978. Lead wasn’t only added to paint but also some other surface coatings, such as varnishes and stains. It’s estimated that 83 million households in the US were built prior to 1979, therefore the amount of people that are potentially exposed to lead paint is a serious issue. During typical home maintenance and certainly during a renovation or remodeling project, lead painted surfaces could be disturbed.

The RRP rule establishes required lead-safe work practices, including: posting warning signs for occupants and visitors by the certified renovator; establishing a containment area; using disposable plastic drop cloths; and cleaning the work area with HEPA vacuuming and wet washing. The rule also requires a cleaning inspection after the work is completed and grants the remodeler flexibility in determining the size of the work area, which can reduce the size of the area subject to containment. In addition, the EPA rule also lists prohibited work practices ― including open-torch burning and using high-heat guns that exceed 1100 F and high-speed equipment such as grinders and sanders unless equipped with a HEPA filter.

After clean-up is completed, the certified renovator will be required to verify the cleaning by matching a cleaning cloth with an EPA verification card. If the cloth appears dirtier or darker than the card, the cleaning must be repeated. In addition, the certified renovator will be required to keep a complete file of records on the project for three years. These records will include, but will not be limited to: verification that the owner or occupant of the home has received a copy of the “Renovate Right” pamphlet, or an attempt has been made to inform them of the pamphlet and its contents; documentation of work practices used during the project; and the certified renovator’s certification and proof of worker training.

If you have further comments or questions, check out the EPA website or contact them at 800-424-LEAD.

Lone Star Remodeling and Renovations is one of the few companies in San Antonio with multiple employees that are Lead Certified Renovators through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA only requires that one member of a company be a Lead Certified Renovator; however, we decided to take it a step further and make sure all of our project managers received the certification.

La Villita, located on the southern bank of the San Antonio river, was the first neighborhood in San Antonio. It was originally a settlement for the Spanish soldiers stationed at the Mission San Antonio Valero, also known as the Alamo. Now it is an art community that includes shops, plazas and restaurants. La Villita is also home to San Antonio’s four-night festival celebrated every April, “A Night In Old San Antonio” (NIOSA).

Because of the historical value, the San Antonio Conservation Society recently has allocated 1.8 million dollars to restore the five-acre village. Eight of the historic buildings will get a face lift along with upgrades to two of the large plazas. The project is scheduled to be completed in the second week of April this year.

Hopefully, these upgrades will attract more tourists and will ensure that La Villita will remain an important part of the San Antonio community. While it will still host the popular “A Night In Old San Antonio”, the area is sure to be anything but old.

This is the home show you wait for every year!
It’s the 30^th Annual San Antonio Home and Garden Show at the Alamodome. San Antonio’s premier venue hosts the largest most comprehensive home and garden show in the San Antonio area.   Tour breathtaking Gardens, Water Features and Landscapes. Stroll through hundreds of exhibits featuring the latest in products and services for your home and garden.

Building or remodeling? Check out our incredible selection of builders, remodelers and material providers that will help you turn your home into your DREAM home.  This is a true garden show!  Find plants and shrubs, fertilizers and mulch – we’ve even got huge trees that can be delivered right to your home.  Bring the kids to check out our 15 ton sand sculpture and incredible Kid’s Zone. Or, for the big boys in your home, tour the complete line of Bobcats and big line construction equipment!

Be sure to take advantage of the FREE Seminars all weekend long – everything from Home Improvement to Growing Vegetables! There’s so much to see and do, you can’t do it all in one day. Pay once – and come back free all weekend long.

• Three stages all weekend long  – The Celebrity Stage, The Garden Stage, and  Cooking Stage!
• Tour Thousands of Square feet of spectacular flowers, landscaping displays and water gardens!
• Get ready for Spring Planting with our on-site cash and carry plant sales!
• Sand Castle - watch the Sand Sculpture Company sculpt a 15 ton sand castle
• Complimentary wine tastings
• Complete pet zone including onsite adoptions
• Tour custom designer room vignettes
• Get a little taste of Texas in the “Go Texan” area FEATURING a wide array of Texas Gourmet foods including jerky, salsas, dips and seasonings, and so much more.
• Shop the Arts, Gift and Gourmet area to find the perfect accessories for your home!
• Birds of Prey Demonstrations – By: Last Chance Forever
• Live Music
• Much more!

To find out more information check out the official website.