Guides / Renovation · Published 2026-10-31
Home built before 1978: hire a lead-safe certified contractor
A home built before 1978 needs a lead-safe certified contractor.
Under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, paid contractors disturbing paint in pre-1978 homes must be Lead-Safe Certified. It kicks in above 6 sq ft per room inside or 20 sq ft outside, and window replacement or demolition of painted parts always counts. Ask for the firm's certificate, the Renovate Right pamphlet, and dust containment plus cleanup in the contract. Open flames, heat guns above 1100°F and power sanding without HEPA are banned. Lead dust is especially dangerous for children under 6 and during pregnancy. Some states run their own program, so check yours.
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