How to Hire a Lead-Safe Renovator or lead abatement contractor

When you hire a renovation contractor or a lead abatement contractor, get a detailed background of their experience to help you make a more informed decision. To guide you through on your background check, let us discuss the important questions that will guide you to choose the right contractor for your need.

1. Is the contractor a certified EPA Lead-Safe Renovator?

All contractors are required by Federal law to be certified to perform renovation work in pre-1978 multi-residential buildings and single-family residences. Additionally, contractors must be certified to perform renovation on structures where the quantity of lead paint being disturbed is greater than 20 square feet on the exterior of the residence or six square feet per room on the interior of a residence. You can request a copy of their certification and verify their license at EPA’s Regional Offices.

2. How much will the renovation cost and the scope?

The estimated or proposed cost of the project can be higher or lower than your own estimates. However, the cost actually depends on the size and complexity of the project. However, the costs shall include labor, materials, clean-up and waste disposal procedures.

3. Can the contractor provide previous customer references with similar work for feedback?

If the contractor has been extensively experienced, they should be able to provide you with several customers. Choose three and call them to ask for their satisfaction rating and efficiency rating. Did the contractor deliver quality service and finish the project on time?

4. What other information should I request from a contractor?

Obtaining bids from more than one contractor will give you a better chance of comparison in choosing the best for your project. It is recommended you obtain at least three bids. Be sure to describe the project to each contractor in exactly the same terms, so you can compare bids. Require them to include the bill of labor and materials such as; labor, materials, bonding and insurance, and lead-waste disposal sites and fees. Realistic bids actually come from contractors who do a site ocular inspection prior to cost proposals.

You must request for a copy of certificates for EPA Lead Safe Renovator and a copy of the individual’s renovator training assigned to oversee the project.
After the selection and hiring is over, you now have your contractor to do renovation in your home. Let us move on and discuss what to expect when the work starts, until its conclusion. Before the renovation begins, require your contractor to explain how the work area will be prepared. Discuss with them thoroughly their dust control measures to prevent spread outside the work area.

We have prepared a short list of what you can see before, during and after the renovation project:

1. EPA approved test kit is used to check for presence of lead on paints. The contractor must assume that paint is lead paint. A accredited risk assessor or a commissioned State Health Department paint inspector are the only authorized specialist to take paint chip sampling.

2. A “renovate right” booklet shall be provided by the contractor.

3. Hazard signs or lead warning signs are posted around the working area.

4. Removable objects like toy, window treatments, furniture, etc., shall be removed from the working site. However, non-movable objects are draped or covered by plastic sheeting sealed with duck tape.

5. Duct openings for HVAC and heating system in the work area shall be covered by plastic sheeting and sealed with black duct tape.

6. The windows and doorways in the work area shall be covered by plastic sheeting and sealed with black duct tape too. However, a slip on the doorway cover using a scissor will allow workers ingress and egress in the site.

7. Plastic sheeting that extends at least 6 feet out from the work area shall cover the entire floor.

8. During renovation, all painted building components and debris removed from the work area shall be wrapped in sealed plastic bags.

9. At the end of the renovation, wet wiping and the use of HEPA vacuum on walls and floors are carefully done to clean up the entire lead sediments and possible airborne particles.

10. Once finished, an official EPA lead verification card is issued by the contractor.

Additional information to request from lead abatement contractors:

• SDH lead contractor’s certification
• SDH licenses for lead supervisors and workers at the site
• The notification provided to State Department Health Office.
• Waste disposal and manifest records
• Lead clearance inspection report