● Natural Finish Woodwork – 1 coat sanding sealer and 2 coats satin or semi gloss polyurethane varnish. Clear
wood finishes should contain VOC content less than or equal to 350 g/L (varnish) and 550 g/L (lacquer). All
varnish should be low or no VOC.
● Painted Woodwork – 1 coat interior enamel undercoat and 2 coats interior semi gloss odorless alkyd enamel.
● Ferrous Metal – 1 coat rust-inhibiting (such as by Rust-o-leum or equal) primer, 1 coat interior enamel
undercoat and 1 coat interior semi gloss odorless alkyd enamel. Anti Corrosive and anti rust paints applied to
interior ferrous metal substrates should contain VOC contents less than or equal to 250 g/L.
● Painted Wood Finish (Exterior) – 1 coat exterior primer and 2 coats semi gloss alkyd enamel. All new exterior
trim and siding should be back primed.
● Transparent Wood Finish (Exterior) – 1 coat oil-based sealer and 2 coats spar varnish.
● Zinc Coated Metal – Whenever using galvanized metal, the surfaces should be cleaned with a
non-petroleum-based solvent, removing pre-treatment, oil and contaminants from the surface prior to
applying 1 coat galvanized metal primer, 1 coat interior enamel undercoat and 1 coat interior semi-gloss
odorless alkyd enamel.
Safety & Security
Window treatments must be provided in all units, regardless of affordability. All window treatments must be cordless
for child safety. All windows should receive properly-sized window shades: fiberglass-coated, vinyl plastic,
fire-retardant, fade-resistant roller shades with large diameter cotton cord attached to slat. Mini-blinds are
discouraged since the blinds themselves may pose a choking risk, but if used, it must be verified that the selected
product is safe for children.
Exterior security bars and grills are not permitted. Where safety is of concern, provide door and window contacts for
security alarm systems at ground floors and easily accessed lower floors.
Window guards must be incorporated. Window limiters may not take the place of window guards except as described
below. In the City of Boston, special concern must be paid to window guards where children age 6 or under will be
living or visiting, which may be any unit. Guards should be operable-type interior aluminum or steel bars, clear
window opening should be fully protected with no openings greater than 4 inches, tested to withstand 150 pounds
pressure; with quick-release mechanism for emergency exiting without use of tools or force. Guardian Angel Window
Guards meet the requirements of the “Kids Can’t Fly” standard and are preferred by some fire departments. Guards
should be located where the sill height is accessible to children (either from the ground or from furniture placed
against the exterior wall) and is more than 10 Ft. above the finish grade at the window. Heavy gauge “safety” screens
do not meet guidelines for fall protection as suggested above. Window limiters that cannot be removed by residents
and that limit the openings to less than 4" are acceptable in lieu of guards.
Plumbing
All sanitary lines below floor slabs should be cast iron bell and spigot or equal. PVC is not recommended. Spaces with
appliances and equipment that may leak substantial amounts of water such as water heaters and clothes washers
should be provided with a floor drain or floor pan and drain. Air cushions should be provided at every set of fixtures to
prevent water hammer.
● Bath lavatory and faucet: 'cultured marble' integral bowl with front overflow and backsplash. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense labeled single lever chrome washerless faucet with
aerator, flow restrictor, lift rod, and pop-up drain. 0.5 gpm is recommended.
● Kitchen faucet: Single handle faucet with spray attachment, 1.75 gpm is recommended.
● Toilet: two piece close-coupled siphon jet vitreous china (white), EPA WaterSense labeled, round bowl toilet,
12" rough, solid plastic closed seat and cover, chrome supply and flexible riser. 750 minimum solid gram
removal is recommended.
● Bathtub and fittings: white porcelain finish steel with sound-deadening polymer backing, non-slip bottom,
chrome plated drain/waste/overflow with strainer. Enameled steel tubs and fiberglass tubs with integral
surrounds are discouraged. EPA WaterSense labeled chrome, pressure-balancing, anti-scald bath/shower
valve and diverter, spout, and shower head.
Water Supply
● Underground water service: Type K copper ¾" minimum diameter
● Hot and cold water piping: Type L
● Drain, waste, and vent piping: Type DWV.