Guide · Safety
Before renovating a pre-1978 home
The short answer
Before hiring someone to disturb painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home, check whether the EPA or state Renovation, Repair and Painting rules cover the work. Use the official lead-safe firm directory and ask how the crew will contain dust, protect occupants and clean the work area.
Editorial status: source-checked on 2026-10-07; not reviewed by a lawyer, licensing authority, engineer or trade professional. United States. Licensing, contract and permit requirements vary by state, locality and trade.
Check the firm as well as the person
A general contractor license and lead-safe certification answer different questions. EPA describes firm certification, renovator training and work-practice requirements. Ask which certified firm is responsible and who will supervise the covered work.
Put protection in the scope
Ask how the contractor will separate the work area, control dust and arrange cleanup. Discuss children, pets and access before the crew starts. A tidy-looking room is not proof that hazardous dust has been controlled.
Do not ask an unqualified worker to sand a test patch. Use the EPA guidance and an appropriately qualified professional to decide what testing or precautions are needed.
Do not guess at exceptions
The rule has specific exceptions, and window replacement and demolition can be covered regardless of the small size of the job. Refer the actual proposed work to the administering EPA or state program instead of assuming a small repair is exempt.
Sources
Primary government and consumer-protection sources checked for this guide:
- Renovation, Repair and Painting: Consumers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed .
- Renovation, Repair and Painting: Contractors, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Accessed .