The short answer
Window replacement that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing can fall within EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting requirements. Before work, confirm the property's age and project scope, ask whether the firm and renovator hold required EPA certifications, receive the required lead-safety information, and put containment, dust control, cleaning, verification, occupant protection, and records into the project plan.
Questions before the contract
- Was the home or child-occupied facility built before 1978?
- Which painted surfaces will removal, trim work, drilling, cutting, scraping, or finishing disturb?
- Does the project qualify for an EPA exception, and who documents that determination?
- What firm and renovator certifications apply, and how can they be verified?
- How will occupants, belongings, floors, soil, HVAC pathways, and adjacent areas be protected?
- What cleaning verification and records will be provided at closeout?
Identify the property and scope
Record construction date evidence, affected openings, painted components, and the proposed installation method.
Verify the responsible firm
Confirm applicable EPA firm and renovator certification before paint-disturbing work begins.
Plan containment
Define work-area isolation, interior or exterior collection, debris handling, and occupant access.
Control and clean dust
Use lead-safe work practices, cleaning steps, and verification required for the project.
Keep records
Retain the pre-renovation information, certifications, scope, photographs, cleaning documentation, and final contract records.
Common questions
Common questions
Does every pre-1978 window contain lead paint?
Is a general remodeling license the same as EPA RRP certification?
Sources
Sources
- Renovation, Repair and Painting Program for Consumers — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Renovation, Repair and Painting Program for Contractors — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Window Installation — U.S. Department of Energy
- How to Avoid a Home Improvement Scam — Federal Trade Commission