Lead-Safe Remodeling Contractor EPA-Certified work practices for pre-1978 MA homes

If your home was built before 1978 AND your renovation will disturb more than 6 sq ft of interior paint (or 20 sq ft of exterior paint), then yes — RRP applies. Window replacement in pre-1978 homes triggers RRP regardless of paint area. The rule applies whether or not the paint actually contains lead — pre-1978 is the trigger.

Ask for the EPA Firm Certification number. You can verify the certification at the EPA’s online firm search database. The contractor must also have at least one Certified Renovator on the job. Any reputable contractor will provide the certificate without hesitation. If they hesitate or can’t produce documentation, hire someone else.

EPA RRP is the work practice protocol for any renovation in pre-1978 homes — it protects against creating new lead dust contamination. Deleading is the MA-specific process of permanently removing or encapsulating existing lead paint, regulated separately by MA and performed by licensed MA Deleaders. RRP applies to all pre-1978 renovation; deleading is triggered specifically by MA Lead Law for rentals where children under 6 live.

Lead-safe protocols add cost due to containment materials, HEPA equipment use, additional cleanup time, worker PPE, and verification testing. The exact percentage depends on project type — window replacement work has more added cost than typical kitchen remodeling. We provide written estimates with the lead-safe component itemized so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.

Depends on the work scope. Children under 6 and pregnant women must vacate the work area entirely. For small isolated projects (single room with full containment), the rest of the family can typically stay in unaffected areas. For larger projects, especially in older homes with shared HVAC, we recommend temporary relocation. We discuss this during the planning phase.

If your home has a current Letter of Full Compliance from MA, your specific unit is officially deleaded. However, RRP still applies for any future renovation that disturbs paint — because painting since the deleading may have introduced new lead (rare) or may have damaged the certified surfaces. We verify status before starting work.

Lead paint removal itself requires a licensed MA Deleader — a separate license from our EPA RRP certification. We work alongside licensed Deleaders: they perform the deleading work, we perform the renovation/restoration work (drywall, trim, finishes, painting). Together we get the unit from existing condition to lead-safe certified.

MA offers a Lead Paint Removal Credit of up to $1,500 per unit when deleading meets specific state requirements. This is claimed on your MA state tax return. We provide documentation needed for the credit. Consult your tax advisor for application to your specific situation.

You’ll see containment plastic, HEPA vacuums, and workers in disposable suits — it looks dramatic. But the work area is more contained and cleaner than non-lead-safe work because dust isn’t escaping into the rest of the home. Final cleanup leaves the area testably cleaner than before we started.

Call (508) 925-0396 or submit the quote form. Tell us your home’s year built (pre-1978 triggers RRP), scope of work planned, and whether children under 6 or pregnant women live in the home. We schedule a free assessment, verify lead-safe requirements, and provide a written estimate including RRP-compliant work practices.