6. What is the single most important reason you became a certified firm?
Reasons for choosing to comply with the rule are widespread as well. A third of remodelers (32%) want to comply, saying it’s simply the right thing to do, while 25% take the slightly skewed approach of not wanting to not comply, saying they don’t wan to break the law. Several remodelers (16%) want to ensure the survival of their established brands, not wanting to risk losing their businesses in the face of high fines.
Among respondents that are in compliance with the RRP rule, 13% said they chose to comply for fear of being fined for non-compliance. (The stated fine is $37,500 per violation, per day, which can add up quickly.) Among contractors who are not currently RRP certified, only 5% say a fine will entice them to complete the requirements; 11% say they don’t believe the rule will be enforced.
McCadden says the enforcement issue is a challenging one, but clarifies some of the associated questions. “EPA will be catching violators through audits of the required paperwork and documentation,” he explains. “Because the rule requires renovators store the required records for three years, the rule gives EPA inspectors a three-year window of time to look at and find violations.” Other insight into non-compliance can come from citizen tips and complaints or worksite inspections, and EPA can also issue subpoenas to compel contractors to comply. More information can be found in the ” RRPedia” on www.shawnmccadden.com.
