Pre-1978 Homes
Lead-safe painting for older Minnesota homes
If your home was built before 1978, old paint layers may contain lead. On those homes we follow EPA Lead-Safe RRP work practices — containment, dust control, and careful cleanup — as a standard part of the job.
Why pre-1978 homes need special handling
Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978. In older homes it's usually buried under newer coats — harmless until it's disturbed. Scraping, sanding, and demolition can turn it into dust and chips, which are the real hazard, especially for young children.
The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule exists for exactly this reason. When we estimate a pre-1978 home, lead-safe prep is part of the written scope — you'll see how the work area will be contained and cleaned before the job starts.
If you suspect lead paint in your home, don't dry-sand or scrape it yourself. Keep children and pets away from peeling or chipping paint, and bring it up when you schedule your estimate so we can plan the right prep approach.
How We Work
What lead-safe work looks like on your project
Containment
Work areas are sealed off with plastic sheeting so dust and chips stay in the work zone — not in the rest of your home.
Dust control and cleanup
We use careful scraping and sanding methods that minimize dust, followed by thorough cleanup of the work area every day.
Extra care around kids and pets
Lead dust is most dangerous to children under six and to pregnant women. Tell us who lives in the home and we'll plan the work area and schedule accordingly.
Respect for older homes
Much of the Twin Cities housing stock predates 1978. We plan prep work for older paint layers instead of discovering them mid-job.
Common Questions
Lead-safe painting questions, answered
Own a pre-1978 home? Start with a free estimate.
Cody will walk the project, flag any lead-safe prep the home needs, and put the full scope in writing before any work begins.