Important issues affecting the building industry
PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration. Effective July 2009, all contractors and subcontractors who work on home improvement projects totaling more the $5,000 annually are required to register with the PA Attorney General. Compliance with the law requires the registration number to be included in all advertisements, contracts, proposals and business cards; minimum deposits with signed contracts and the Right of Rescission to be included in all signed contracts. For more information use the members login on the PBA Website. Contracts designed specifically to meet compliance with the law were developed by PBA and the PA Attorney General Office are are available to members only through the local HBA office.
The State of Pennsylvania has adopted the 2009 International Residential Code, which had included a mandate for installation of residential sprinklers in all new home construction. PBA and local associations worked together to repeal the mandate in 2010. Opt-out provisions are to be included in all new single home construction. Language for this provision was created by PBA and is provided free to members for inclusion in contracts.
PBA Secondary Endorsed Trade Program. Labor Shortage-difficult to find qualified employees! Just because someone can swing a hammer doesn’t mean they are knowledgeable in the craft. Working in the trades is a craft similar to an art, when you think of building a home from the ground up starting with a blank space and having a house there months later. There are many skills that are necessary especially math, and mechanical abilities, being able to work with your hands, and being able to conceptualize the finished project so steps can be planned beforehand. Most trades are physically demanding (such as being a roofer, working in 120 degree heat and carrying 60 pound bundles of shingles up a ladder) and that may also be a deterrent in attracting individuals to the industry. There are very few young people interested in entering the industry, the majority of high school graduates today will be going to college but not many will be attending trade schools. PBA and builders have created this program and established criteria, and upon review of the educational institution will receive endorsement from evaluators and PBA. This program gives full creditability to the schools that receive endorsement.
