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Lead-Safe Renovation in Louisville: What You Need to Know
If your home or a rental property you own was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint somewhere in the structure. The paint itself is not a hazard when it is intact and undisturbed. The hazard comes when renovation or repair work breaks it up: sanding, scraping, cutting, demo and even window replacement can release lead dust that settles on surfaces where young children can swallow it.
Federal law, through the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, requires that work disturbing paint in pre-1978 homes, childcare facilities and schools be done by a certified firm using lead-safe work practices. Reliabuilt Contracting is an EPA RRP-certified firm.
What does that look like on your job? Before we start, we provide the occupants the EPA Renovate Right pamphlet. During the work, the work area is sealed off with plastic sheeting, foot traffic is controlled, and dust-creating methods like uncontrolled power sanding and open-flame burning are not used. After the work, we clean the area with HEPA vacuuming and wet methods, verify it is clean, and keep the records the rule requires.
For rental owners, the stakes are higher than they may appear. If you hire an uncertified contractor to do renovation or repair work in a pre-1978 rental, the exposure stays with you as the property owner. Using a certified firm transfers that risk appropriately and gives you the documentation the rule requires. We do rental turns and make-ready work in older Louisville rentals every day, so the lead-safe process is routine for us, not an extra step.
The services most commonly triggered by the RRP rule are window replacement, interior painting, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and drywall work in older homes. If you are unsure whether your project is in scope, ask. We will tell you.
Common questions
How do I know if my home has lead paint?
If your home was built before 1978, assume it may until tested. We can proceed with lead-safe work practices, which is typically the most practical approach for renovation work.
Does the RRP rule apply to my rental renovation?
Yes. Turnover and repair work in pre-1978 rentals is covered by the rule. Hiring a certified firm is both the legal requirement and the right protection for you as the owner.
Does Reliabuilt charge extra for RRP-certified work?
Lead-safe work practices are part of how we operate, not an add-on. The bid reflects the full scope of the job.
What is Reliabuilt's EPA RRP certificate number?
NAT-F259062-1. You are welcome to verify it on EPA's list of certified firms.